By: SENATOR BILL LIESKE
Friends and neighbors,
The flooding that struck our district and much of southern Minnesota earlier this summer has left many families struggling in the aftermath. Hopefully insurance will cover much of the damage, but there are no doubt gaps that have people worried about what to do. I wanted to share some key resources to help your family recover and rebuild.
SBA Disaster Loans: A Lifeline for Businesses and Residents
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is extending a helping hand through low-interest disaster loans. These loans are designed to aid both businesses and residents in our district with repairs and recovery efforts.
Businesses and nonprofits can borrow up to $2 million. Homeowners and renters are eligible for loans up to $100,000 for personal property damage. Interest rates start as low as 2.688%, with repayment terms of up to 30 years.
I strongly urge all those affected to apply promptly. The deadlines are approaching:
- September 30, 2024, for physical damage
- April 29, 2025, for economic injury
For more information, contact the SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Visit SBA.gov/disaster and learn about Economic Injury Disaster Loans and other assistance options.
FEMA Individual Assistance: Support for the Uninsured
For many residents without flood insurance, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has opened individual assistance programs. This aid is available in 19 Minnesota counties, including Goodhue and Rice.
FEMA assistance can provide grants for temporary housing, home repair funds, or coverage for other uninsured losses.
The deadline to apply is September 27. When applying, be sure to keep and submit photographs and other documentation of damage.
To apply or learn more:
- Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
- Call 1-800-621-3362
Tax Filing Extensions: Relief for Flood-Affected Taxpayers
If the floods prevented you from filing your Minnesota taxes on time, you can request an abatement of penalties or interest. This applies to returns and payments due from June 16 to July 4, 2024.
Make sure to contact the Minnesota Department of Revenue before November 1, 2024, to request the abatement. And remember, this extension applies only to Minnesota taxes, not federal taxes.
For assistance, contact these Minnesota Department of Revenue hotlines:
- 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
Moving Forward Together
The path to recovery may feel stressful or daunting, but remember that you are not alone. These assistance programs are designed to help our community rebuild and emerge stronger. I encourage everyone affected by the floods to take advantage of these resources.
If you need help accessing these programs or have questions about the recovery process, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
Senator Bill Lieske