Senator Steven Roberts Helps Secure $100 Million for Disaster Relief JEFFERSON CITY —State Senator Steven Roberts, D-St. Louis, successfully helped secure $100 million in disaster relief funds specifically for the City of St. Louis in the wake of the devastating May 16th tornado, which was followed this week by additional severe weather, that claimed multiple lives, destroyed homes and left neighborhoods in crisis.
Senate Bill 1, which initially included just $25 million to be used statewide for disaster recovery, was amended throughout the legislative process to include substantial additional funding after extended negotiations during the recent extraordinary legislative session called by the governor. “We have a moral obligation to respond to the urgent and life-threatening needs of our communities,” said Sen. Roberts. “These tornadoes left a path of devastation across St. Louis, and our residents need immediate support. We cannot sit and wait for federal agencies to respond.”
Senator Roberts pushed to increase the relief package to reflect the scale of damage suffered in St. Louis, advocating directly with leadership and appropriations officials to secure the funding. The final agreement passed in the Senate allocates a full $100 million for relief efforts, including housing assistance, infrastructure repair and long-term recovery programs.
“Lives were lost. Families were displaced. Businesses were destroyed. This isn’t about politics. It’s about people,” Sen. Roberts added. “I’m proud we were able to deliver real help to those who need it most.”
Senate Bill 1 will now be considered by the Missouri House of Representatives. Pending the House’s approval and governor’s signature, Disaster relief funding will be administered through the Missouri Department of Public Safety and local partners to ensure swift deployment and accountability.
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