A bipartisan plan that included over $100 billion in disaster aid has been rejected by President-elect Donald Trump, leaving American farmers and small business owners in a precarious position. The urgent need for funding arises after Hurricanes Helene and Milton wreaked havoc in the southeastern United States this fall. Helene, the deadliest storm since Katrina in 2005, claimed at least 221 lives, with North Carolina bearing the brunt of the damage, estimated at $60 billion.
Small businesses like Asheville Tea Co. are struggling to recover after being devastated by the storms. The company's building, equipment, and inventory were washed away by flooding from Hurricane Helene. With 11 employees and partnerships with local farmers, the company is in dire need of assistance to rebuild and continue operations.
