FEMA Denies Illinois’ Request for Assistance in Response to August Severe Weather

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is denying the State of Illinois’ request for a major disaster declaration after record-breaking severe weather hit the state in August. Governor Pritzker’s office says in a letter sent this week that FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton stated that assistance for affected counties was “not warranted.” Pritzker blasted the decision, accusing President Trump of playing politics with Illinois homes, businesses, and infrastructure. The governor requested assistance for the affected counties of Champaign, Cook, Ford, Fulton, McLean, Tazewell, Vermilion, and Will. Illinois will appeal the decision.