Agnes Hopkins would like to rebuild her Harrisburg, Illinois home. Hopkins is one of many Harrisburg residents who lost her house when a tornado blasted her town. But without federal assistance, the uninsured home owner says she doesn't have a chance to rebuild, according to a recent Fox First broadcast. She will have to demolish the remains of her home and sell her land, probably at a loss. She is one of many Harrisburg residents astounded by the decision of the Federal Emergency Management Agency NOT to render aid to the counties of Illinois or Missouri which were hard hit by winter tornadoes. 

Illinois law makers say they will not accept FEMA's decision lying down. Illinois Senator Dick Durbin, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, and Harrisburg Mayor Eric Gregg are appealing the agency's rejection. Without federal assistance, including low-interest loans and grants, many home owners will not be able to rebuild, plain and simple, law makers say. Tell FEMA to reverse its decision on aid to tornado victims in Illinois. 

We the undersigned ask that you reconsider your decision and render aid to the counties in Illinois devastated by winter tornadoes. We understand that your decision is based on an assessment of home owners' insurance benefits and the ability of the state and municipalities to take care of their own. However, state leaders in Illinois say that tornado victims badly need FEMA resources. Without federal aid, many home owners will not be able to keep or repair their homes. Please fulfill your commission as an emergency agency and give aid where it is needed.