CHICAGO, IL – Illinois residents are still reeling from the devastating effects of severe weather that hit the state last weekend, causing widespread damage, injuries, and loss of life.
In response, the entire Illinois Congressional Delegation has joined Governor JB Pritzker in urging President Joe Biden to grant federal assistance to affected counties.
Governor Pritzker has requested Public Assistance and Individual Assistance for Boone, Crawford, DuPage, Marion, and Sangamon Counties, citing the severity and magnitude of the damage as being beyond the capabilities of state and local governments.
Tornadoes, high winds, hail, and flash floods caused extensive damage and claimed four lives, including one person who died following the collapse of the Apollo Theater in Belvidere, and three who died in residential collapses after a tornado in Robinson. Dozens of structures were also damaged in the other three counties.
The Illinois Congressional Delegation, consisting of Senators Richard J. Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, as well as several Members of Congress, has sent a letter to President Biden in support of Governor Pritzker’s request. The letter highlights the urgency of the situation and expresses a willingness to assist in any way appropriate.
Residents of the affected counties are in need of assistance to clean up and rebuild in the wake of this disaster. The Illinois Congressional Delegation is hopeful that President Biden will approve Governor Pritzker’s request for federal aid, and that help will arrive swiftly to those who need it most.
