Hurricane Helene’s devastating wake has prompted one of the largest relief efforts in U.S. history—but questions remain about whether it will arrive in time to save livelihoods.
At a Glance
- Georgia exempts federal disaster payments from state taxes after Helene
- U.S. rolls out $100 billion disaster relief package for hard-hit state
- Helene caused $78 billion in damage and 219 deaths across the Southeast
- New Georgia tax law aims to save $140 million for affected residents
- Timber, farm, and rebuilding tax credits offer long-term recovery tools
Hurricane Helene’s Aftermath
Hurricane Helene tore through Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas, leaving behind what officials now call one of the costliest weather events in U.S. history. The storm caused an estimated $78 billion in damage and killed 219 people. In response, the federal government approved a sweeping $100 billion aid package to provide crop insurance subsidies, tax relief, and block grants to states.
Georgia suffered over $5.5 billion in losses, while North Carolina reported $4.9 billion. Farmers, many already battling inflation and low commodity prices, have scrambled to apply for relief. But the application window—open through mid-September—has been met with bureaucratic delays. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, in a statement to ABC News, said, “I’ve seen the devastation firsthand. It is heartbreaking to witness it.”
Watch WJBF’s coverage of Georgia’s tax response at Georgia lawmakers act fast after Helene.
Georgia Moves Quickly on Tax Relief
Governor Brian Kemp moved swiftly to sign legislation exempting federal disaster and crop insurance payments from Georgia state income taxes. The law is expected to save storm victims approximately $140 million. “Farmers operate on extremely tight margins,” Kemp said. “To rebuild from a storm of this magnitude could be impossible for some to shoulder.”
Additional provisions in Georgia include a tax credit for replanting timber—valued at up to $104 million through 2030—and waivers on sales taxes for rebuilding materials. County governments are also allowed to suspend property taxes on timber harvesting, helping preserve the region’s critical forestry economy.
Federal Funds Lag Behind
Georgia’s plan also includes $285 million in low-interest loans and $25 million in direct grants. South Carolina and North Carolina are considering similar incentives, but the clock is ticking. U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff warned, “Time is of the essence,” emphasizing that delays in federal aid could drive more farmers into bankruptcy or force them to sell off land.
So far, disbursement has been slow. Despite the scale of the aid package, many farmers remain uncertain when or if help will arrive. NewsChannel 9 reported widespread confusion over eligibility and disbursement timelines.
The Road Ahead
As hurricane season continues and communities work to rebuild, Helene has already become a litmus test for federal disaster preparedness. Lawmakers are calling for faster fund distribution and streamlined application processes, but families in rural Georgia and the Carolinas are still waiting.
If Helene’s legacy becomes one of bureaucratic delay, not resilience, it won’t just be a natural disaster—it will be a policy failure.
