Small Business Administration makes it easier for governors to declare disasters
What happened
The Small Business Administration changed its rules for disaster loans. It made it easier for governors to declare a disaster and get federal help for their counties.
Why it matters
Before this change, a governor's request for disaster aid had to arrive at a specific federal office within a strict timeline. This often caused delays, especially in rural areas or during widespread emergencies. Now, the rules are more flexible, making it simpler for states to get aid quickly after a disaster.
The signal
Watch for an increase in the number of disaster declarations, especially for smaller, localized events that might have been missed under the old rules.