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Health & Fitness

Hultgren, Entire IL Delegation Call on President to Provide Federal Relief for Illinois Counties

Washington, DC– U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) joined the entire Illinois Congressional Delegation in sending a letter to President Obama asking him to issue a major disaster declaration for the State of Illinois and to provide relief to the fifteen Central and Southern Illinois counties affected by severe storms and tornadoes two weeks ago. A Presidential disaster declaration would allow cities and counties to apply for federal reimbursements to help pay for storm damage repairs.

“The dozens of tornadoes that touched down across Illinois wreaked havoc on a large scale,” said Rep. Hultgren. “To help those suffering and without homes, and to deal with the magnitude of damage sustained, requires federal assistance. And as we remember and are thankful for the blessings from our Creator this week, let’s extend those blessings to our neighbors in great need. We are our brothers’ keepers. Let’s each do our own part to care for them.”

Members signing on to the letter include Senators Mark Kirk and Dick Durbin and Representatives Cheri Bustos (D-IL), Danny Davis (D-IL), Rodney Davis (R-IL), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), William Enyart (D-IL), Bill Foster (D-IL), Luis Gutierrez (D-IL), Randy Hultgren (R-IL), Robin Kelly (D-IL), Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), Dan Lipinski (D-IL), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Peter Roskam (R-IL), Bobby Rush (D-IL), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Brad Schneider (D-IL), Aaron Schock (R-IL), John Shimkus (R-IL).

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The full text of the letter follows:

November 25, 2013

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The Honorable Barack Obama
President of the United States
The White House
Washington, DC

Dear Mr. President:

We write in support of Illinois Governor Pat Quinn’s request for a federal disaster declaration for the State of Illinois to help 15 counties recover from extensive tornado damage incurred on November 17, 2013. The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Individual Assistance (IA) program is needed to help people in the following Illinois counties clean up and rebuild after this disaster: Champaign, Douglas, Fayette, Grundy, Jasper, LaSalle, Massac, Pope, Tazewell, Vermilion, Wabash, Washington, Wayne, Will, and Woodford. Governor Quinn indicates that the damage to homes and businesses in these counties is of such severity and magnitude that effective response and recovery is beyond state and local capabilities.

The 15 counties listed above were pummeled by the fourth largest November tornado outbreak in U.S. history. The storm system produced 67 tornadoes throughout the Midwest, 24 of which touched down in Illinois, causing widespread destruction throughout the state. The tornadoes resulted in six Illinois fatalities and at least 180 injuries.

We respectfully request that you make the necessary declaration so that these counties can receive the assistance they need. We thank you in advance for your timely consideration of this important request and stand ready to assist in any way appropriate.

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