Friends and neighbors,
I know many of you were hit hard by the severe flooding that struck our district last month. I want to provide you with the latest information on the relief assistance that is now available.
SBA Disaster Loans:
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest disaster loans to businesses and residents in our district to help with repairs and recovery. Businesses and nonprofits can borrow up to $2 million, while homeowners and renters can get loans up to $100,000 for personal property damage. The interest rates start as low as 2.688% and you have up to 30 years to repay.
I encourage all those impacted to apply as soon as possible before the deadlines — September 30, 2024 for physical damage and April 29, 2025 for economic injury.
Applicants may also call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance
Individual Assistance from FEMA:
Many people affected by flooding this year did not have insurance to cover the damage. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has now opened up individual assistance for residents in 19 Minnesota counties, including Blue Earth, Faribault, Le Sueur, Rice, and Watonwan. This can provide grants for temporary housing, home repairs, and other uninsured losses.
The deadline to apply is September 27. Make sure you keep photographs and other documentation to submit when applying for aid.
- 1-800-621-3362
Tax Filing Extensions:
If you were affected by the floods and unable to file your Minnesota taxes on time, you can request an abatement of any penalties or interest. This applies to returns and payments due from June 16 to July 4, 2024. You’ll need to contact the Minnesota Department of Revenue and request the abatement before November 1, 2024.
- Individual Income Tax: 651-296-3781 or 1-800-652-9094
- Business Income Taxes: 651-556-3075
- Withholding Tax: 651-282-9999 or 1-800-657-3594
- Special Taxes: 651-556-3022
- MinnesotaCare Taxes: 651-282-5533
- General Information: 651-556-3000
Note that this applies only to Minnesota taxes.
Contact me
I know the road to recovery will not be easy, but I’m committed to making sure our district has the resources and support needed.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any other questions.
Sincerely,
Minnesota State Senator