From Chicago Sun-Times · · 1m 40s
Trump denies Illinois disaster relief request for summer storms
Trump rejects federal aid for Illinois after summer storms.
In brief
Trump rejects federal aid for Illinois after summer storms. Trump administration denies Illinois disaster relief funds for summer storms, prompting governor Pritzker to appeal the decision. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
Trump denies Illinois disaster relief
The Trump administration is denying federal disaster assistance to Illinois for aid it requested to assist in recovery efforts from severe storms throughout the summer.
Illinois requests relief funds
Illinois requested funds for individuals and municipalities struggling with cleanup in Champaign, Cook, Ford, Fulton, McLean, Tazewell, Vermilion, and Will counties.
Pritzker plans appeal
Governor JB Pritzker said the state would continue to explore every available option to help communities recover and survivors rebuild their lives after devastating storms.
Pritzker's statement
Donald Trump should never play politics with their homes, businesses, and infrastructure when a massive storm system crosses state lines.
Illinois tornadoes
Illinois has seen the most tornadoes of any state in the nation this year with 212 amid a summer-long surge of severe weather.
Previous disaster declaration
Last month, Pritzker extended his initial disaster proclamation signed Aug. 18 for temporary housing and home repair grants if the request had gone through.
Legal challenge
District Court for the District of Rhode Island Judge William E. Smith said the order was unconstitutional and violated the Administrative Procedure Act.
Political criticism
Sen. Dick Durbin called the decision politically motivated and beneath the dignity of the office Trump holds.
Pritzker's appeal
Pritzker said he plans to appeal the decision to the federal government for disaster relief funds.
The bottom line
Trump administration denies Illinois disaster relief funds for summer storms, prompting governor Pritzker to appeal the decision.
