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Release: State Treasurer Eric Schmitt Announces Disaster Relief Program for Farmers and Small Businesses Impacted by Perryville Tornado

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri State Treasurer Eric Schmitt today announced the activation of a disaster relief program for Perry County farmers and small businesses affected by severe weather on February 28.

The Harmed-area Emergency Loan Priority system, or HELP, authorizes 24-hour approval of low-interest loans for farming operations and other businesses damaged by the storm. HELP is administered through the Missouri Linked Deposit Program.

“My team stands ready to assist the folks impacted by this devastating storm in any way we can,” said Schmitt. “By activating the HELP system, we are ensuring that those whose fields, equipment, and structures were damaged have an affordable way to finance rebuilding. By streamlining the approval process, this program will help affected farmers and small businesses return their operations to fully functional status as soon as possible.”

“I encourage every farmer impacted by the storm to consider participating in this program,” said Rick Francis, State Representative from Perryville. “Farmers are the backbone of our community, and Treasurer Schmitt’s commitment to helping us rebuild is a true display of leadership.”

The Missouri Linked Deposit Program is managed by State Treasurer Eric Schmitt. Missouri-based small businesses with up to 99 employees and farmers are eligible to receive a loan through the Missouri Linked Deposit Program based on lender underwriting standards.

About 115 lenders with 350 branches throughout Missouri participate in the Missouri Linked Deposit Program. An extensive list of participating lenders and program eligibility guidelines can be found online at www.treasurer.mo.gov/LinkedDeposit.