The Courier-Journal's Politics in Kentucky blog reports on comments made by Sen. Mitch McConnell regarding yesterday's tragic outbreak of tornadoes:

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell spoke on the Senate floor this morning about the storms that have hit Kentucky and other states.

"News reports indicate at least 44 people have been killed," the Senate GOP leader said. "Seven of those were in my state - four in Allen County, which is down along the Tennessee border; and three in Greenville, which is in Muhlenberg County in the western part of the commonwealth."

"Thousands more are left with damaged or destroyed property or are without power," McConnell said. "The authorities are still working to determine the extent of the damage."

"I ask my colleagues to join me in praying for the families of the victims, and to all who have been touched by these terrible storms," he said. "State and local officials are working as hard as they can to survey the destruction, and get help to anyone who needs it."

In the aftermath of yesterday's storms, a state of emergency has been declared in the Commonwealth. Government and disaster relief agencies are responding to the immediate needs of those affected.

Detailed information on the response from the Red Cross to all five affected states can be found at http://redcrosstn.wordpress.com/. This site contains information on resources for storm victims, and is updated regularly.

In addition, contributions to assist with relief efforts can be made at www.redcross.org, or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS. The Red Cross reports that donations made by phone can be designated specifically to recovery efforts related to yesterday's storms.