Gov. Josh Shapiro is reminding survivors of the damaging flooding on Sept. 9, 2023, that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) application period for financial aid for physical damages closes today, March 25.
The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) has asked to extend this deadline, but has not yet gotten a response from the SBA.
Shapiro directed PEMA to use all available resources to help Pennsylvania residents and businesses impacted by this disaster. He is committed to helping Pennsylvanians recover and rebuild stronger than before. Low interest loans from the federal government can help homeowners and business owners recoup unforeseen losses.
The SBA’s Disaster Loan program offers low-interest loans for homeowners, renters, private non-profits, and businesses in disaster declared counties who sustained damages from flooding.
The SBA can provide up to $500,000 for homeowners to replace or repair their primary residences and up to $100,000 for homeowners and renters to replace or repair personal property.
Businesses and most private non-profits may apply for up to $2 million to cover disaster losses not fully covered by insurance.
Small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and most private non-profit organizations in the declared disaster area that have suffered substantial economic injury may be eligible for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL).
The SBA offers long-term repayment options to keep payments affordable, with terms up to a maximum of 30 years. Terms are determined case by case based on each borrower’s ability to repay.
Applicants can get information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing), or by emailing [email protected] and referencing Disaster Declaration #20166 and #20167.
Alternatively, loan applications can be downloaded at sba.gov/disaster and completed applications should be mailed to:
U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
The deadline to return disaster loan applications is Monday, March 25. The deadline to return economic injury disaster loan (EIDL) applications is Friday, Oct. 25.
Rep. Meuser supports legislation that safeguards American energy production
U.S. Rep. Meuser, R-Dallas, this week voted in favor of H.R. 1121 — the Protecting American Energy Production Act — which prevents any president from unilaterally banning hydraulic fracturing and expresses a Sense of Congress that states should regulate hydraulic fracturing on state and private lands.
Meuser said hydraulic fracturing (fracking), contributes more than $44 billion to the Commonwealth’s economy and provides employment for more than 320,000 individuals across the manufacturing, transportation, and construction sectors.
Meuser stated that fracking, along with horizontal drilling, has unlocked large energy reserves, increased domestic production, and reduced reliance on foreign energy. He also mentioned that this drilling technique has not only led to job creation, but has also generated over $3.2 billion in tax revenues and paid $6.3 billion in royalties since it started.
Meuser pointed out that despite the clear benefits to the economy and national security, many Democrats have expressed their intention to prohibit fracking. He emphasized that Pennsylvania energy producers are careful to implement strict environmental protections and monitoring practices when using fracking to extract natural gas resources, and a federal ban would be misguided.
Meuser stressed the importance of Congress intervening to protect the vital oil and natural gas production industry, especially with the current administration's ongoing attacks. He mentioned that he believes giving states the authority to enforce regulations is crucial. He highlighted that the Protecting American Energy Production Act would prevent President Biden and future Presidents from banning fracking, thus helping preserve thousands of jobs and energy production nationwide, including those in the Ninth District.
The bipartisan vote of 229 to 188 in the House led to the passage of H.R. 1121, which has now been referred to the Senate for further consideration.
Sen. Casey, colleagues introduce bill to increase Social Security benefits
U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Scranton, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, recently joined Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Peter Welch (D-VT), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Bernie Sanders (D-VT) in introducing the Boosting Benefits and COLAs for Seniors Act.
Casey explained that the bill aims to help seniors deal with rising costs by changing the way Social Security cost of living adjustments (COLAs) are calculated, resulting in increased benefits that more fully reflect the expenses incurred by older adults.
Casey introduced the bill during the same week as the Aging Committee hearing on preserving and protecting Social Security.
Casey emphasized the significance of Social Security for millions of older adults in Pennsylvania and across the nation, describing it as a promise of a secure and stable retirement. He stated that as the costs of essential goods and services for seniors continue to rise, it is crucial to ensure that Social Security remains a reliable support for all those who rely on it. The Boosting Benefits and COLAs for Seniors Act would assist seniors in dealing with increasing costs and guarantee the continued support of Social Security.
Every year, Social Security benefits are adjusted using the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) formula, which is currently based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners (CPI-W) from the previous year. This index reflects the everyday spending habits of Americans and covers expenses such as food, consumer goods, and housing, among others.
Nevertheless, Social Security benefits have not kept pace with expenses, leaving older adults struggling to afford necessities such as food, medications, clothing, and other essential items.
The Boosting Benefits and COLAs for Seniors Act would make sure that seniors receive a larger increase in benefits to cope with rising costs by directing the Social Security Administration to adjust benefits based on CPI-E instead of CPI-W, if CPI-E would result in a bigger increase in benefits.
DHS showcases recent research for the elderly individuals with intellectual disabilities/autism
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) has released the latest issue of the Positive Approaches Journal, which aims to provide the most recent research for people with mental health, substance use disorder and behavioral challenges, intellectual disabilities, autism, and other developmental disabilities to live an everyday life.
This edition focuses on the aging process in those with intellectual disabilities and autism and offers resources and solutions.
“DHS works to ensure that Pennsylvanians with intellectual disabilities and autism have the services and supports they need at every stage of life, especially as they age,” said DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh. “We hope that the research in this edition of the Positive Approaches Journal can help individuals, families, and providers improve the everyday lives of Pennsylvanians of all ages.”
This edition of the Positive Approaches Journal features research and articles on the following:
• Data Discoveries details research into community participation and preferences among individuals with autism across different age groups and underscores the importance of aligning services and supports with the preferences of those receiving them.
• Pennsylvania Department of Aging Offers Services and Support to Combat Social Isolation and Build Community Connections for Older Pennsylvanians explores definitions of social isolation and highlights resources available to those who may need support.
• Why We Need to Stop Othering Aging People with Disabilities outlines the historic lack of available research about aging for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and notes additional supports are needed for this population to help them age well and continue to live meaningful lives.
• Aging Our Way, PA: Paths to Independence outlines the Shapiro Administration’s ten-year strategic plan to address issues facing older Pennsylvanians, including those with disabilities – the Aging Our Way, PA Plan.
• Aging, Health Care, Dementia, and IDD: The Intersection of Ageism and Ableism acknowledges the possible prejudices in the health care system regarding intellectual disabilities and autism, especially in diagnosing forms of dementia, and highlights ways this may change.
• Medicare and Coverage of Mental Health & Substance Use Disorders explains Medicare eligibility and programs and how it can be used for screenings, services, and programs that aid in the treatment and recovery of mental health and substance use disorders.
