Welcome back to State of Emergency. I’m Jake Bittle, and today we are discussing the political ramifications of Hurricane Milton, the second major storm to impact the United States in recent weeks.
Growing up in Tampa, Florida, hurricanes were always just an abstract concept to me and my family, despite the storm-preparedness PSAs on television every June. Following our move from New England in 2007, the region experienced its first significant hurricane in close to a century with Hurricane Helene, followed by Hurricane Milton this year. These storms brought devastating storm surges, winds, and flooding to areas near where I grew up.
While the city of Tampa was spared from the worst-case scenario, the impact of Milton still resulted in billions of dollars in damages. Florida Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna, whose district was severely affected, won her seat in 2022 with an endorsement from former president Donald Trump. Luna, a member of the Freedom Caucus, initially took a combative stance against the Biden administration on disaster relief issues.
However, as Hurricane Milton approached, Luna found herself in need of assistance from the federal government. She reached out to the Biden administration for FEMA funding and resources, acknowledging the necessity of federal support in the face of a disaster. Luna’s change in tone towards the administration highlights the stark reality of the importance of federal aid in times of crisis.
Hurricanes can intensify criticism of the federal government, as seen in Luna’s initial stance against FEMA. However, the aftermath of Hurricane Milton underscores the essential role of FEMA in disaster response and recovery. With climate change exacerbating natural disasters, local and state governments will increasingly rely on federal assistance.
Luna’s shift in approach may also be influenced by her upcoming reelection campaign and the need to address pressing issues affecting her constituents. Her challenger has criticized Luna for her previous stance on FEMA funding, prompting Luna to call for additional disaster relief funding from Congress.
As we navigate the aftermath of hurricanes Helene and Milton, questions arise about voter turnout and the impact of disasters on elections. Researchers suggest that disasters can both suppress voter turnout and influence voting behavior, affecting election outcomes in regions hit by natural disasters.
In conclusion, hurricanes like Milton bring to light the complex relationship between politics, disaster response, and voter engagement. The aftermath of these storms sheds light on the critical role of federal agencies like FEMA in providing assistance during times of crisis. Despite political differences, the need for collaboration and support in the face of natural disasters remains paramount.
