FEMA rejects Illinois' request for disaster aid after summer storms

Governor J.B. Pritzker revealed that FEMA refused to grant disaster assistance for the series of severe storms and a derecho that struck Illinois in July and August. Pritzker, who has sought bipartisan cooperation with the agency, criticized FEMA for reduced support and slow disbursement of promised funds.

State Emergency Management Agency Director Ted Berger echoed the criticism, saying the decision does not meet the expectations of recovering communities. Illinois senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth attributed the denial to political retaliation by Donald Trump. The denial follows a previous FEMA refusal earlier in the year, leaving the state to rely on limited resources such as Small Business Administration loans and other federal programs. Pritzker's office announced plans to appeal, citing extensive property damage, infrastructure loss, power outages, and flooding.