FRANKFORT — State Senator Michael E. Hastings today commended Governor JB Pritzker for issuing a state disaster proclamation for communities devastated by the July 27 storms.
“This is what local leadership and state action look like when they work together,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “After the July 27 storms, our counties stepped up immediately. I toured the damage, met with local officials and residents, and asked the governor to stand with the south suburbs. Today’s disaster proclamation is the result of that work.”
The proclamation follows Hastings’ request that the governor declare the hardest-hit areas a disaster zone, as well as local disaster proclamations issued by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant.
The July 27 storms produced extreme straight-line winds of 80 to 100 mph, confirmed tornadoes, heavy rain and hail. Hardest-hit communities included Crete, University Park, Steger, Monee, Beecher, Country Club Hills, Hazel Crest, Matteson, Richton Park and other parts of eastern Will County and southern Cook County. Thousands of residents and businesses suffered significant property damage, fallen trees, structural losses and prolonged power outages.
In the days after the storms, Hastings spent two days traveling throughout the south suburbs and speaking with municipal leaders, emergency managers, first responders and residents. He also met with President Preckwinkle and Cook County Commissioner Kisha McCaskill to coordinate a municipal, county and state response.
“Our local governments did not wait. They declared disasters, cleared streets and stood up for their residents,” Hastings said. “I want to thank President Preckwinkle and County Executive Bertino-Tarrant for their decisive leadership. Those local proclamations, combined with damage assessments and follow-on visits, made the case for state action. Governor Pritzker heard that case and answered it.”
A state disaster proclamation unlocks additional state resources and support for residents, businesses and local governments still recovering. It also positions Illinois to pursue further assistance as cleanup and rebuilding continue.
Hastings said he will keep working with the governor’s office, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, county officials and municipal leaders to make sure aid reaches the communities that need it most.
