Koehler shares disaster assistance available to those impacted by summer storms

Peoria – State Senator Dave Koehler is sharing details for disaster assistance for those affected by the summer storms. Families and businesses in Mclean and Tazewell County may be eligible for recovery assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration as well as waived tax penalties and interest.

“After a brutal storm season that hit our community particular hard, it is crucial that we get our community back on track and help those who need it,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “With some residents and businesses still feeling the effects of the storms, this temporary tax relief will provide much needed support to those who are impacted.”

Residents seeking a waiver of penalties and interest for taxes should send a brief written explanation to the Illinois Department of Revenue regarding why they cannot file timely or pay. They should provide their full name, account number (if using a Social Security number, include only the last four digits), mailing address, and an estimate of when they believe they can file or pay their taxes.

Requests may be submitted electronically to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by postal mail using the address on the return. When submitting by mail, taxpayers should write “Severe Storms - Summer 2026” at the top of the return in red ink and attach or include the explanation for requesting abatement of penalties and interest.

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

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

• Business Physical Disaster Loans: Loans to businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by the business, including real estate, inventory, supplies, machinery and equipment.  These applications must be received by the SBA no later than Oct. 19, 2026.
• Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private nonprofits meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a result of the disaster. These applications must be submitted to the SBA no later than May 18, 2027.
• Home Disaster Loans: Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles. These loan applications are due Oct. 19, 2026.

Local governments across the 46th District are also eligible to apply for disaster response funding through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Community Development Block Grant, which will provide reimbursement for storm cleanup, debris removal and infrastructure repairs to public properties.