Lawmaker Proposes State Funds to Reimburse Local Governments for Summer Storm Cleanup (Chicago Heights, IL) — Following a series of severe summer storms that battered the region, state Rep. Anthony DeLuca (D-Chicago Heights) has introduced legislation aimed at reimbursing local municipalities for the heavy costs of emergency disaster relief.
The push for state-level funding comes after the federal government denied disaster assistance to Illinois, despite approving aid for neighboring Indiana, which suffered damage from the exact same weather systems.
“When dealing with the cleanup after storms, flooding and other disasters, it’s important to expedite efforts to get things back to normal as soon as possible,” DeLuca said. “Many local communities have shouldered the burden of these initial emergency expenses. This can leave a significant dent in their finances now and moving forward, and I believe the state has a responsibility to assist impacted areas.”
The proposed measure, House Bill 5819, would authorize the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the Office of Homeland Security to distribute grants to eligible local governments, subject to appropriation. These funds are designed to cover a wide range of emergency expenses incurred by towns and cities, including repairs to essential services, reconstruction activities, temporary shelter and bedding, transportation, food, medical supplies, and personnel costs.
To qualify for the grants, local governments must be located within the counties referenced in the governor’s Aug. 18 emergency disaster declaration. The 15 eligible counties include Alexander, Champaign, Cook, DuPage, Ford, Fulton, Kane, Lake, La Salle, Marshall, McLean, Pulaski, Tazewell, Vermilion, and Will.
DeLuca noted that local leaders and residents were quick to respond to the crisis, but need financial backing to fully recover.
“I appreciate everyone who has stepped up to help their neighbors following these severe weather events,” DeLuca said. “Let’s make sure our local governments are responsibly supported and equipped to handle any additional challenges moving forward.”
Lawmaker Proposes State Funds to Reimburse Local Governments for Summer Storm Cleanup
