09/01/2005
CONTACT: Michael Diegel, (202) 554-9000
WASHINGTON, D.C.--Jack Faris, president and CEO of the National Federation of Independent Business, the nation's largest small-business advocacy group, issued the following statement today regarding Hurricane Katrina:
As the world has watched, New Orleans and the Gulf Coast have suffered incredible destruction from the fury of Hurricane Katrina this week. We are just beginning to learn the extent of the damage, but even so, we can already tell that millions will be displaced from home and work for weeks or months to come.
On behalf of the National Federation of Independent Business, I extend our sympathy to all those who have lost loved ones, homes, businesses and those irreplaceable family heirlooms we all cherish. We already know that thousands of small-business owners, employees and families are affected in this disaster. And as cleanup and rebuilding begins, small-business owners from around the country will be at the forefront of relief efforts, as they often are in our country's time of need.
I urge NFIB members and all small-business owners to join me today in contributing to the relief agencies of your choice. Together, our united efforts will aid this devastated area and perhaps can offer some hope to those affected by the cruelest turn of nature's hand.
Government agency information
- Small Business Administration: (800) 359-2227.
- Federal Emergency Management Agency: (800) 621-FEMA (3362). The speech- or hearing-impaired may call (TTY) (800) 462-7585.
- Louisiana Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness: 7667 Independence Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806. Phone: (225) 925-7500; fax: (225) 925-7501.
- Louisiana State Police can be reached at: (800) 434-8007. State Police Road Closure Hotline: (800) 469-4828.
- Mississippi Management Emergency Agency 24-hour emergency line: (800) 222-6362.
- Shelter Information: Red Cross (866) 438-4636.
- The federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance program provides financial assistance to individuals whose employment or self-employment has been lost or interrupted as a direct result of a major disaster declared by the president of the United States. This program is financed by federal general revenues (as opposed to employer taxes) and is administered by the states as agents of the federal government.
