FEMA rejects Illinois' appeal for major disaster relief after August storms hit Chicago area

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Illinois families hit hard by storms last August will not get extra federal help.

Video captured some of the damage.

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The Federal Emergency Management Agency has denied the state's appeal for a major disaster declaration for Boone, Cook, Kane, McHenry, and Will counties.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on Monday called it a politically motivated decision that punishes thousands of families.

State officials vowed to continue supporting local recovery efforts.