Georgia gubernatorial candidate Mike Thurmond talks state disaster response in wake of FEMA cuts

Earlier this year, President Trump said his goal was to phase out federal FEMA assistance after the 2025 hurricane season, aiming to shift disaster response to individual states.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- This time last year, Middle Georgians and others across the southeast were picking up the pieces left by Hurricane Helene’s devastation. Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Michael Thurmond says Georgia is at risk of being unprepared for the next storm, in large part due to the Trump administration’s cuts to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

As governor, Thurmond says he’d put pressure on the federal government to fully fund FEMA. He also says he’d work to allocate additional funds for disaster response across the state.

“We’re in a new place now,” Thurmond said. “A new reality is upon us. And now we have to step back, rethink how we organize. Are there savings that can be generated by streamlining administration? And what resources can we allocate from our treasury to protect and help communities in need?”

In his former roles as Dekalb County CEO and Georgia Labor Commissioner, Thurmond says he’s managed responses to storms, such as working with evacuees of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and other disasters, like those who were out of work due to the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. No matter what happens at the federal level, he says communities working together is what helps people get back on their feet.

“As Americans, we will do what Americans have always done,” Thurmond said. “We will lock our arms together. We will rise to the challenge. And we will meet the moment that’s before us.” 

Earlier this year, President Trump said his goal was to phase out federal FEMA assistance after the 2025 hurricane season, aiming to shift disaster response to individual states.