Collinsville, Oklahoma
June 4, 2013
Oklahoma Senate Review
Tough Weather Week
For Oklahoma

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Copyright 2013 -- Collinsville, Oklahoma
Senate Review by Sen. Rick Brinkley

June 2, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

I believe most Oklahomans have an inner resilience that has made it possible to endure what many would say was unendurable. I think it is true for those who survived the Trail of Tears and put down new roots in what would one day become Oklahoma. Thousand died in those forced removals, yet today we know the tribes not only survived but have become major forces in our state, shaping and impacting our identity economically, politically and culturally.

Oklahomans showed that same resilience even in the darkest days of the Dust Bowl. We showed that inner strength following the horror of the Murrah Building, and after the deadly tornado that tore through central Oklahoma on May 3, 1999 EF5. Much of the damage from that deadly storm was located in the southwest and southeast Oklahoma City metro, including the community of Moore. But they rebuilt, and after experienced tremendous economic growth—they not only survived, but in fact flourished.

It seems incredible that once again, the people of southwest Oklahoma City and Moore are dealing with the aftermath of an EF5 tornado. But nearly two weeks after the storm, these Oklahomans, with the support of fellow citizens in every part of the state, are once again displaying the inner strength and courage that defines us.

In the closing days of the legislature, we moved swiftly to pass legislation to use $45 million from the Rainy Day Fund to assist with relief efforts. We also approved a series of tax credits to help victims with some of the cost of replacing homes and automobiles.

Oklahoma entertainers led by country performer Blake Shelton raised more than $6 million for the cause. Donations are being made to the Red Cross, and a private organization is working to raise money for safe rooms for schools.

The help is greatly needed—it has been projected the cost of this tornado could top $2 billion, and some have even estimated the final figure could climb as high as $3 billion.

There will also be tremendous need following the tornado outbreak and flooding on May 31. The loss of life started at two on Friday and continued to climb throughout the weekend. By Monday morning, it had reached 13, but with some people still missing, it was expected to rise.

Those impacted by these storms, especially those who lost loved ones, will need our continued prayers and support for some time to come. But they will rebuild, along with other communities who were also impacted by May storms, and emerge even stronger. That’s what Oklahomans do.

Please feel free to contact me at the state Capitol by calling (405) 521-5566 or by email at brinkley@oksenate.gov.

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Contact: Senator Rick Brinkley
State Capitol: (405) 521-5566
Email: brinkley@oksenate.gov
Senate District 34

-- Malia Bennett (6/3/2013)