(Springfield, IL) – March 11, 2012. Well, he’s not playing favorites with his home state.
In a stinging rebuke, President Barack Obama‘s Administration has denied Governor Pat Quinn’s request for federal assistance for people and businesses that were wiped out or damaged by the February 29 tornado that struck Harrisburg, Illinois.
Quinn’s office tonight announced that the Federal Emergency Management Administration had refused the governor’s request.
Quinn issued the following statement on FEMA’s action:
“I am extremely disappointed that FEMA denied our request for federal assistance that is needed to help people in Harrisburg, Ridgway and the other communities devastated by this deadly tornado. After personally surveying the damage and talking to many residents who lost their homes, I firmly believe federal assistance is crucial to help them begin the recovery process.
“I support Senator Dick Durbin’s efforts to encourage federal officials to reconsider their decision. In the meantime, I have directed Illinois Emergency Management Agency Director Jonathon Monken to continue working with local officials to ensure that we do everything possible to secure critical assistance.”
Gov. Pat Quinn
I’d be curious to know the politics behind FEMA’s decision.
Posted by Marvin8 | March 11, 2012, 9:26 PM