Thanking Arkansas Community After Tornado

Floor Speech

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Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the efforts of central Arkansas during the recovery period after our devastating tornado that hit our district last month.

Our neighbors immediately began to work hand in hand, neighbor to neighbor, to rebuild our community.

Many volunteered and worked tirelessly to set up emergency shelters in our local schools and churches to ensure those impacted by this severe storm had safe housing in the wake of the tornado.

The response of our leaders at the state, county, and city level was invaluable to be commended.

The incredible efforts and active emergency response from Governor Sarah Sanders, Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde, Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, Mayor Terry Hartwick of North Little Rock, Mayor Jeff Elmore in Jacksonville, and Mayor Mary Jo Heye-Townsell of Sherwood, and many others all saved lives and accelerated the recovery process.

Not only did we witness their outstanding response and an outpouring of local volunteers, but we saw the swift action of our first responders and our essential businesses.

Entergy Arkansas began repairs to the local power grid as soon as the storms passed, and many of our lineman and women worked countless hours to restore power, even when themselves were affected.

One lineman I met with was in his bed at the time of the tornado and the roof torn off his apartment, and after a day off from that tragedy was out there working 16 house a day to connect the power to his neighbors.

Countless time put in neighbor for neighbor.

Entergy Arkansas's corporate office also donated $50,000 to the American Red Cross to be used toward tornado recovery efforts, with an additional pledge of up to $50,000 matching employee donations.

The Arkansas Food Bank did an incredible job of delivering food, water, and other necessary items throughout our communities to ensure those affected by the storms were supported by necessary goods.

Additionally, our local restaurants, our local businesses all donated hundreds of meals and supplies to those in need.

I thank our community for demonstrating generosity and thoughtfulness during a time of great need. They simply demonstrate that core value that we all take pride in Arkansans and Americans.

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