Hudson Valley congresswoman Nan Hayworth has come under considerable heat in recent days for suggesting that any aide to Hurricane Irene devastated counties be coupled with budget cuts elsewhere.

This morning however Ms. Hayworth sent a letter to the Small Business Administration calling for help to storm-ravaged counties in her district.

“I would like to urge you to also immediately designate the counties of Westchester, Orange, Putnam and Rockland in New York as adversely affected and make these residents, who have suffered tremendously from losses resulting from Hurricane Irene, as eligible for assistance, as well,” she writes.

Ms. Hayworth seems to be backpedaling quickly from her earlier remarks, after they created a firestorm, including from members of her own party.

Full letter below:

Dear Administrator Mills;

Thank you for Disaster Designation # 12776, designating Dutchess County as adversely affected by Hurricane Irene and making the county’s residents eligible for assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration.  However, I would like to urge you to also immediately designate the counties of Westchester, Orange, Putnam and Rockland in New York as adversely affected and make these residents, who have suffered tremendously from losses resulting from Hurricane Irene, as eligible for assistance, as well.

Hurricane Irene caused significant damage throughout the 19th Congressional District and the state of New York.  I have had the opportunity to survey much of the damage and have seen firsthand the losses suffered by my constituents.  I ask that you promptly grant a disaster designation for the affected counties so that small businesses can immediately have access to necessary financial and technical assistance. This assistance is very beneficial for these organizations as they address physical losses and transition to resuming operations.

Thank you for your consideration of this very important issue.

 

Very truly yours,

The Honorable Nan Hayworth, M.D.

 

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