Georgia governor calls lawmakers back to Atlanta for special session

Gov. Nathan Deal on Friday formally called on lawmakers to return to Atlanta next week for a special legislative session to aid hurricane-beaten South Georgia.

Deal asked lawmakers to return to the Capitol on Tuesday. State offices are closed Monday to observe Veterans Day.

“Many of Georgia’s communities were severely impacted by Hurricane Michael as families, businesses and farmers sustained significant financial losses,” Deal said in a press release. “In response, I have asked the General Assembly to reconvene and take immediate action to provide relief funding and spur economic recovery for the affected areas.

The governor plans to ask lawmakers to approve a $270 million package to help clean up and aid South Georgia areas hit last month by Hurricane Michael.

The funds are expected to be used for storm cleanup and local government costs, though Deal has not yet specified exactly how he would like the money to be spent.

Lawmakers also are being asked to approve an executive order Deal signed this summer that suspends collection of the state sales tax on jet fuel.