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Rep. Schneider Urges Small Business Administration to Open Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Lake County Following Flooding

August 25, 2017

Illinois residents currently need to travel to Wisconsin in order to meet with closest SBA Outreach Center

Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) yesterday requested the Small Business Administration (SBA) open a Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Lake County, Illinois, as a response to recent the severe flooding. Outreach Centers play an important role helping residents access low-interest loans to businesses, private non-profit organizations, homeowners, and renters, that can be used to repair or replace damaged or destroyed items after a disaster.

In the letter to SBA Administrator Linda McMahon, Congressman Schneider applauds the SBA for making low-interest loans available to businesses, homeowners, and renters in Lake County, as well as other affected counties in Illinois and Wisconsin

However, there is currently no Disaster Loan Outreach Center open in Illinois, meaning that Tenth District residents are required to travel a significant distance to Wisconsin to speak with a SBA representative face-to-face.

"The Small Business Administration Disaster Loan program is an important resource for communities in the Tenth District working to recover from last month's devastating and record floods," said Schneider. "Making residents and business owners travel to Wisconsin in order to meet with the SBA imposes a significant burden, which is why opening an outreach center in Lake County is an important step to helping our communities get back on their feet. I urge the SBA to act as soon as possible during this time of need."

The State of Illinois and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently completed their joint damage assessment for individual assistance. The letter notes that if Governor Rauner chooses to request federal assistance, and such assistance is granted, a federal assistance center will open in Illinois, however it is uncertain how long this process will take. In the meantime, Schneider writes, "I do not believe Illinois residents should have to wait to gain access to these important resources."

The full letter is available on Congressman Schneider's website.