Treasurer Dan Rutherford's Statement on Governor Pat Quinn's FEMA Appeal
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"I applaud Governor Pat Quinn for officially submitting an appeal to FEMA after the agency denied the state's request for federal disaster assistance in the five southern Illinois counties affected by the February 29 tornadoes. I visited Harrisburg and Ridgway last week and I know recovery is going to be a major obstacle for many families and businesses. My office offers low-interest disaster recovery loans that may be useful to some tornado victims, but I believe federal assistance will be necessary for a solid recovery."