"I will also return to a bill I recently introduced that aims to outfit volunteer fire departments across the nation with the equipment they need to protect the communities they serve, the Rural Fire Department Equipment Priority Act.  The events of September 11, 2001 showed us how vital our firefighters are in responding to an emergency.  Yet there are countless rural and volunteer fire departments across our country that lack proper equipment to respond to the best of their abilities to even the smallest of emergencies.  There are hundreds of volunteer fire departments in our district, and they have a lot of people to take care of.  I just want to make sure they have the resources they need to fight fires, save lives, and save property. 

"But there is another need Congress has yet to adequately provide for, and that is prescription drug coverage for our seniors.  A number of bills were brought to the table, including bipartisan legislation I introduced with Republican Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson of Missouri, unfortunately the House majority succeeded in pushing the wrong bill through.  It is a bill written by big drug companies for big drug companies.  I will help to ensure that the final version that is sent to President Bush truly modernizes Medicare to provide a prescription drug benefit for our seniors. 

"We have much to do, and very little time to accomplish all of our goals for this Congress.  I assure you that I will continue fighting for the issues important to the Fourth Congressional District."

“As a small business owner, I understand how devastating the financial effects of a disaster can be,” Ross said.  “Because of the heavy rain, flooding and hail that we experienced last spring, many producers experienced crop losses and were not able to purchase goods and services at normal levels.  Businesses that depend on these producers may have experienced decreased sales, reduced profit, and difficulty in moving inventories at normal levels.  This loan can help a business meet installments on long-term debt, accounts payable, and overhead expenses that would have been met had the disaster not occurred.  I encourage all businesses eligible to apply for this loan to help recover from last spring’s damaging storm.” 

Businesses in the following counties in the Fourth Congressional District are eligible to apply: Cleveland, Desha,  Grant, Jefferson, and Lincoln. 

Loans may be approved for up to $1.5 million for actual disaster-related financial needs of the business.  Interest rates are 3.5 percent and terms may extend to 30 years, depending upon the repayment ability of the individual applicant.  To qualify, businesses must meet SBA’s size standard.  Businesses that can meet their financial needs through other sources are not eligible. 

Farmers and ranchers are not eligible for this loan program but may be eligible for disaster assistance through other Federal agencies. 

To obtain an application or receive additional information, interested business owners may call the SBA toll-free at 1-800-366-6303 or TDD 1-817-267-4688 for the hearing impaired. The deadline for filing an application is June 16, 2003. 

PRESCOTT – Fourth District Rep. Mike Ross (D-Ark.) Friday announced that the Department of Housing and Urban Development has approved $250,000 in grant funding for the Housing Authorities of Camden and Magnolia. 

“These grant awards will enable the two Housing Authorities to undertake special projects to improve the quality of life in local neighborhoods,” Ross said.  “For too many families, affordable housing and self-sufficiency are just out of reach.  These projects will help families improve their situation by educating them on how to save toward a financial goal, and giving them access to technology that will help them improve their education and skills.” 

The Magnolia Housing Authority will receive an Elderly Resident Service Delivery Model Grant under the Fiscal Year 2002 Resident Opportunity and Self Sufficiency (ROSS) Grant Program in the amount of $100,000.  The grant will provide links to support services, resident empowerment activities, and assist residents in becoming economically self-sufficient. 

The Camden Housing Authority will receive a FY 2002 ROSS Neighborhood Network Grant in the amount of $150,000, which will help to establish a new Neighborhood Network Center.