It was only a few short weeks ago that severe weather left many families across the state in desperate need of help. From the moment the storms struck, I have been engaged with federal partners, including FEMA Administrator Fugate and President Obama to secure assistance for the communities throughout the 2^nd Congressional District that have suffered as a result of these tragedies.

President Obama has issued a major disaster declaration for Ascension parish. This means that if you live in Ascension parish and suffered damage from the severe weather, you are now eligible for Individual Assistance from the federal government.

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Ascension Parish

A disaster recovery center is now open in Ascension Parish. The center is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. Sundays until further notice.

Lamar-Dixon Expo Center
9039 S. St. Landry Avenue
Gonzales, La.

Representatives from disaster response agencies are at the center to answer questions about disaster assistance and low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses. They can also help survivors apply for federal disaster assistance.

It is not necessary to visit a center to register for and receive federal disaster assistance. If possible please register with FEMA before visiting a recovery center.

If you have not already done so, you can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via phone at 1-800-621-3362.

Those who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) should call 1-800-621-3362.

Tax Filing Extensions

Due to the recent disaster declaration, Louisiana residents in Ascension Parish will receive filing extensions for state and federal tax returns.

The extended deadline for state tax returns is June 15

The Louisiana Department of Revenue will waive any late filing penalties, late payment penalties and interest that would otherwise apply.

The extended deadline for federal tax returns is July 15

This includes 2015 income tax returns normally due on April 18.  It also includes the April 18 and June 15 deadlines for making quarterly estimated tax payments.

If you receive a late filing or late payment penalty notice from the IRS that has an original or extended filing, payment, or deposit due date that falls within the postponement period, call the telephone number on the notice to have the IRS waive the penalty.

Small Business Administration Loans

Long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also may be available. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 1-800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 1-800-877-8339.

Beware of Fraud and Scams When Applying for Disaster Assistance

A disaster often brings out the best in people, but sometimes attracts the worst. Scam artists, identity thieves and other criminals may attempt to prey on you at this vulnerable time. The most common post-disaster fraud practices include fake housing inspectors, false building contractors, bogus pleas for disaster donations and phony offers of state or federal aid.

Keep in Mind:

• No individual with a government disaster assistance agency will call or text asking for financial account information.
• Federal and state workers never ask for or accept money and always carry identification badges.
• There is no fee required to apply for or to get disaster assistance from FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration or the state.

Scam attempts can be made over the phone, by mail or email, text or in person. Always remember to remain alert, ask questions and require photo identification when someone claims to represent a government agency.

If you question the validity of a contact or suspect fraud you are encouraged to call the toll free FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721. Complaints also may be made by contacting local law enforcement.

For More Information

My office is available to help you through this difficult time. We will continue to work with the federal government to ensure victims of this disaster receive the help they need. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact my office at 504-288-3777.

Please share this email with friends and family who may be in need of this information. They can also sign up to receive email updates from my office.