Dupage Policy Journal

The entire Illinois Congressional Delegation asked President Obama on Tuesday to issue a Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Declaration for DeKalb and Ogle counties following April's severe storms and tornadoes.

The declaration would make it possible for residents and businesses in the region to secure SBA loans to help fix storm-damaged real estate, personal property, machinery, equipment, inventory and any business assets. If repair is not possible, SBA loans can be used to purchase replacements.

“On April 9, a series of tornadoes tore through the north central part of our state," the lawmakers wrote in a letter sent to the White House. "At least two tornadoes, one a category EF-4 with wind speeds of up to 200 miles per hour, moved through DeKalb and Ogle counties. Preliminary damage assessments indicate that homes, businesses, buildings, trees, utility poles, electrical service and transportation routes in these counties were harmed by the tornadoes. The economic impact on the community as a result of businesses being destroyed is severe, and the demand for state and local government resources for emergency response, debris removal and the repair of public property is extraordinary.”

The members of the U.S. Congress who signed the letter included:  Reps. Mike Bost, Cheri Bustos, Danny Davis, Rodney Davis, Robert Dold, Tammy Duckworth, Bill Foster, Luis Gutierrez, Randy Hultgren, Adam Kinzinger, Robin Kelly, Dan Lipinksi, Mike Quigley, Peter Roskam, Bobby Rush, Jan Schakowsky and John Shimkus. Also signing the letter were U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Mark Kirk, both of whom also represent Illinois. 

A similar letter was sent to Obama on Saturday from Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner.

The full text of the letter is online at http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-joins-delegation-call-for-federal-relief-....