TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — With disaster aid bill stalled in Congress, Florida lawmakers have begun moving legislation aimed at providing money and other assistance to people in the Panhandle still recovering from Hurricane Michael.
A Senate Appropriations panel approved a pair of bills Tuesday to provide assistance for housing, debris removal, infrastructure repairs and other needs. One measure would create a $300 million loan program if lawmakers ultimately decide to approve the money.
Democratic Sen. Bill Montford of Tallahassee says northwest Florida is still suffering months after category 4 storm Michael swept ashore in October. Congress cannot agree on a roughly $13 billion aid package for multiple disasters including Michael.
A second bill approved Tuesday would set aside a percentage of Florida's money from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill for hurricane recovery needs.
