The tropical storm that struck Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee on September 26-27, 2024, had a significant and enduring impact. The catastrophic Hurricane Helene caused substantial destruction, loss of life, and billions of dollars in damages in Southern Appalachia.
It caused a dangerous interaction between the Appalachian mountains, smaller tributary streams, and major rivers. In East Tennessee, the affected rivers flow through Cocke, Greene, Unicoi, and Washington counties, with reports of substantial flooding in Carter, Hamblen, Hawkins, and Johnson counties. The recovery from this devastation will be long and arduous for the residents in and around those counties.
Helene pushed the region to its limits, marking it as a generational storm and a millennial event. TVA spokesperson Scott Brooks stated that the Nolichucky River watershed received rainfall equivalent to a rare 1-in-5,000-year event, as the Knox News Sentinel said. According to Jake Bittle of the media organization Grist, storm victims in North Carolina and Tennessee are experiencing a historic scale of uninsured losses and need comprehensive public or private assistance as they rebuild their lives. Their need for help is critical, and your support can make a significant difference.
Tennessee allocated $144 million in funding to Governor Lee's school universal voucher proposal, but the bill never passed. The money remains available in the budget. The state's rainy day fund is projected to reach a record $2.15 billion, but lawmakers protect it due to its impact on Tennessee's bond rating.
There are concerns about FEMA and other federal agencies. Lee stated that there was a prompt federal response, including the approval of Tennessee’s initial emergency declaration. Various aspects of the federal response and the timing of the state's request warrant careful examination. However, amidst these challenges, many churches and community groups have stepped up and organized volunteers to assist with the rebuilding and cleanup operations in the area. Their efforts are a testament to the power of the local community in times of crisis. There is no one-size-fits-all solution during a natural disaster, as each situation presents unique challenges.
To address this situation, Governor Bill Lee announced the Helene Emergency Assistance Loans (HEAL) Program, a loan program. However, the program is merely “loaning” money to disaster-affected counties for infrastructure rather than providing outright grants. This lack of direct financial aid is a considerable concern. TennCare Shared Savings fund the no-interest loans. Shifting and diverting Medicaid funds could remove the restrictions on how funds can be used once the counties repay the loans. The need for state legislators to provide immediate and comprehensive oversight is urgent. The headline in the Nashville Scene is the perfect question: Why Is the State Loaning Rather Than Giving Disaster Relief Funds?
Chalkbeat reported that Governor Lee dismissed suggestions to reconsider Tennessee’s budget priorities despite the urgent need to assist northeast Tennessee in recovering from the potential damage of over $1 billion to its public infrastructure. Additionally, per the state's latest assessment, a pressing backlog of at least $68 billion is needed statewide to improve various public facilities. The Lee Administration will continue to pursue a universal private school voucher program during his final two years in office.
Keeping “universal voucher” funding in place and trying to launch a new program with $144 million available while Tennesseans are dealing with a natural disaster would be tone-deaf to the needs of many Tennesseans. The state's juvenile justice system is also under intense strain due to hundreds of school threats. Some local officials are requesting more juvenile detention space. While we are not obligated to fund private schools under our state constitution, we do have a responsibility to fund public schools. When choosing between universal vouchers, rebuilding our state, and keeping our kids safe, there's no question about our necessary priorities.
It will be curious to see what direction elected officials in Carter, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington take on budget priorities moving forward. “If Memphis had an earthquake, I would hope the state’s No. 1 priority would be helping Shelby County and any other counties affected in our region,” said Representative Mark White. He then added: “We’re all Tennesseans.”
Several school districts have described a concerning reduction in the number of students from low-income households who qualify for free and reduced-priced school meals. State data shows decreased economically disadvantaged (ED) students, reducing predicted district funding. Many districts are reportedly experiencing a 20% to 30% drop in funds for previous ED students, leading to millions of dollars in revenue loss. It's essential to understand the full impact of this funding reduction on schools and to consider potential staff reductions and hindered student success. This will also impact local communities.
Our state government requires talented problem solvers to tackle the significant challenges we face today and the right priorities. Influential leaders motivate others to pursue a shared vision, a quality absent in state government recently. As the late Howard Baker Jr. wisely stated, “If we are attuned to the system that can hear and understand what the people say if we give due respect to the collective political wisdom of the American people, then we will make the right decisions.” It’s time for legislators to listen.
Tennesseans thrive with better oversight, heightened transparency, and reinforced accountability measures in state government. It's time to empower our citizens with a government that works for us all.
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JC Bowman is the executive director of Professional Educators of Tennessee.
