Governor Quinn Statement on FEMA's Denial of Assistance for Tornado-Ravaged Illinois Communities

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn today issued the following statement following the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) denial of the state's appeal for federal disaster assistance for local governments that were impacted by the Nov. 17, 2013 tornado outbreak:

"Today's announcement is disappointing because it is based on outdated federal rules and not the serious need that exists in Washington, Brookport, Gifford, New Minden, Pekin, East Peoria and Diamond and other hard-hit Illinois communities.

"Illinois has recently faced a record number of historic natural disasters. Federal assistance shouldn't be based on a formula that excludes our hardest-hit communities. I am working with Senator Durbin and the Illinois congressional delegation to pass legislation that will improve the federal disaster assistance formula. Today's decision underscores why we need such changes.

"I have directed all state agencies to assemble a relief package that will help communities rebuild following these historic disasters. We will not let this federal decision leave our citizens behind."