Preston announces summer storm assistance for residents

CHICAGO – State Senator Willie Preston is sharing disaster assistance for residents affected by the summer storms on July 27 and Aug. 9-11. Cook County families and businesses may be eligible to receive recovery assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration, as well as a waiver for tax penalties and interest.

“The severe storms that recently came through our area left significant damage, and our communities are still picking up the pieces,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “Residents and businesses deserve support in this tough time, and we need to stand together and look out for each other.”

Residents seeking a tax interest and penalty waiver should send the Illinois Department of Revenue a brief written explanation of why they cannot pay or file in a timely manner. The explanation should include the resident’s full name, mailing address, account number (or only the last four digits if a Social Security number is used), and an estimate of when they would be able to file or pay their taxes.

Requests can be submitted through electronic mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by postal mail using the return address. When submitted by postal mail, the top of the request should have “Severe Storms – Summer 2026” written in red ink, and attached or included should be the explanation of why an interest and penalty abatement is needed.

Taxpayers who experienced property damage should contact their county assessments supervisor if they would like to apply for a reassessment.

Additionally, residents of Cook County and surrounding counties are eligible to apply for the SBA’s long-term, low-interest disaster loans. Three types of loans are available:

• Business Physical Disaster Loans: Loans to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by a business, including real estate, inventory, supplies, machinery and equipment. The SBA must receive these applications by Oct. 19.
• Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private nonprofits meet ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met because of the disaster. The SBA must receive these applications by May 18, 2027.
• Home Disaster Loans: Loans for renters or homeowners to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles. These loan applications are due by Oct. 19.

Residents can apply for SBA assistance and receive additional disaster information by calling the SBA’s customer service line at 800-659-2955.