Roundtable

DAYTON, OH – U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) convened a roundtable today to hear from community leaders, first responders and nonprofit organizations as western Ohio continues working to recover from the tornadoes that devastated the area last month. Last week, Brown and Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) urged President Trump to act swiftly on Governor Mike DeWine’s request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration for 10 Ohio counties impacted by tornadoes, severe storms, straight-line winds, and flooding.

“I saw firsthand the damage from these storms in Dayton and Celina – and I also saw how the community and the whole state came together. You all showed outstanding leadership – I particularly want to thank all the first responders who did their jobs so well and ensured the casualties from these storms weren’t much worse,” said Brown.

“I’m grateful for Senator Brown’s leadership in advocating for resources from the federal government in the wake of these devastating storms. We know that recovery is going to be a long-term process, but I have been heartened by the overwhelming support coming from our community and from our state and federal partners,” said Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley.

The Presidential Disaster Declaration was requested for 10 Ohio counties impacted by tornadoes, severe storms, straight-line winds, and flooding including Auglaize, Darke, Greene, Hocking, Mercer, Miami, Montgomery, Muskingum, Perry, and Pickaway Counties. This declaration will help ensure that the impacted counties can access important federal assistance and resources to recover. 

Brown visited western Ohio right after the tornadoes hit the region to see the destruction firsthand. Brown toured the Dayton Water Supply & Treatment Facility with Mayor Nan Whaley, after visiting a Red Cross shelter for residents immediately following the storm. Brown also toured the damage in Trotwood with Trotwood Mayor Mary McDonald and other local officials. 

The next day, Brown was joined by Celina Police Chief Tom Wale as he visited the City of Celina to see the damage that occurred there firsthand.

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