Ohio-based U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown is joining Ohio Governor Mike DeWine in calling on the Biden Administration to provide disaster loans to small businesses affected by the explosion at the Realty Building in downtown Youngstown in May.

In a letter to the Small Business Association (SBA), Brown said while businesses are opened back up, many have been significantly impacted and need help.

"Following the May explosion, I heard directly from businesses, workers and residents who were negatively affected by the explosion. Business owners shared the economic challenges this emergency brought and I urge you to answer their calls for support," Brown wrote.

This comes after Governor DeWine penned his own letter to the SBA with similar sentiments saying at least five small businesses in the area have suffered economic injury to the aftermath of the explosion.

State Senator Al Cutrona also released a statement asking the SBA for loans for these businesses.

You can read Brown's letter in its entirety in the PDF below and you can read more about DeWine's request, along with Cutrona's full statement in our related coverage below.

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