People, Businesses in Nine Southern Illinois Counties Eligible to Apply

for Low-Interest Loans

SPRINGFIELD - March 22, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that the state's request for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster declaration has been approved for nine counties in Southern Illinois that were hit by deadly tornadoes and severe storms on Feb 29.

The declaration makes low-interest loans available to homeowners, renters and businesses in the primary county of Saline, as well as the contiguous counties of Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Johnson, Pope, White and Williamson.

"I'm very pleased with the swift approval of our request for SBA assistance," Governor Quinn said. "This is great news for many people and businesses who suffered devastating losses from the tornadoes and severe storms. The low-interest, long-term loans available through SBA will provide a much-needed helping hand as people repair and rebuild their homes and businesses."

Governor Quinn submitted the request for an SBA disaster declaration on Wednesday after receiving word that the state's appeal to FEMA for a federal disaster declaration had been denied. In his letter to the SBA, Governor Quinn affirmed that there are at least 25 homes and/or businesses that sustained uninsured losses of 40 percent or more.

"These low-interest loans from the Small Business Administration will be a big help for the people who lost homes and businesses to the terrible storms and tornadoes," said Sen. Gary Forby (D-Benton). "The state of Illinois has been great. We're already doing a lot for these unfortunate families. I'm glad that the federal government is lending a hand, too."

"Although I was disappointed that we did not receive a FEMA disaster declaration, I am happy that the SBA approved the Governor's request for assistance so quickly," said Rep. Brandon Phelps (D-Harrisburg). "These low-interest loans mean that the people of southern Illinois can put the devastation of last month's storms in the past, and instead work on rebuilding and moving forward."

"This SBA disaster declaration will help many people and businesses with their recovery efforts," said Jonathon Monken, director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA). "I encourage people to contact the SBA to learn more about these loans."

Bill would require states to match new Iowa penalties for passing stopped school bus

Washington, DC - Less than one week after Governor Terry Branstad signed "Kadyn's Law" to strengthen penalties in Iowa for drivers that pass stopped school buses, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today introduced a bill that would seek to apply Iowa's new tough penalties under "Kadyn's Law" to the entire country.

Kadyn's Law was championed in Iowa by Kadyn's mother, Kari Halverson, her family, and Kim Koenigs, a local advocate.

The federal Kadyn's Law would require states to strengthen their penalties for drivers who pass stopped school buses to the new Iowa standard at a minimum - or face losing 10 percent of federal highway funding each year.

Braley said, "When reckless drivers ignore warnings and pass stopped school buses, children's lives are put in danger.  Toughening penalties for drivers who violate school bus safety laws will save lives and convince more people to drive responsibly around kids and schools.  It's a common sense change that rises above petty partisan politics.

Braley continued, "Thanks to Kadyn, Iowa has become a national leader in school bus safety.  It's time every state adopt these strict standards so the penalty matches the severity of this crime."

Kari Halverson said, "The fact that Kadyn's Law is being introduced at a federal level today is beyond amazing to us.  As a mother who has lost a child by someone illegally passing by a stopped school bus, I can only hope and pray our leaders at the national level will embrace this act for our children all over the country.  I applaud Congressman Bruce Braley for stepping up and taking on an issue that is extremely near and dear to my heart as well as others who have lost children in this way."

Iowa's Kadyn's Law mandates for first offenders fines of at least $250 and the possibility of jail time of up to 30 days.  For a second offense of passing a stopped school bus within 5 years, fines would range from between $315 and $1,875 with up to one year of jail time.

The federal Kadyn's Law would threaten to cut 10 percent of a state's federal highway funds each year until that state adopts at least these standards.

The National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services estimates that cars illegally pass stopped school buses 13 million times per year.  An average of 16 children per year are killed by drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses.

Full bill text can be downloaded at the following link: http://go.usa.gov/ED2

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded Iowa a total of $101,056 in grants under the Housing Counseling Program.  The funds will go toward counseling services to homebuyers, homeowners, low-to-moderate-income renters, and the homeless to expand homeownership and improve access to affordable housing.  Harkin is a senior member of the Appropriations subcommittee that funds HUD.

"Quality, affordable housing is a necessity and any funds that can go toward expanding access to it is money well-spent," said Harkin.  "I congratulate all of these recipients on this competitive funding and look forward to the improvements it will generate."

The funding was awarded as follows:

Center for Siouxland - $25,000
Eastern Iowa Regional Housing Authority - $24,465
Home Opportunities Made Easy, Inc. (HOME, Inc.) - $28,014
United Neighbors, Inc. - $23,577

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