15 Illinois counties declared “disaster areas” because of looting and rioting

June 1, 20205:22 pmJena KleindlTOP STORIES

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WREX) — Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a disaster proclamation for nine Illinois counties to expedite state resources, personnel and equipment.

These counties include: Cook, DuPage, Kane, Champaign, Kendall, Macon, Madison, Sangamon and Will.

The governor also activated 250 members of the Illinois National Guard to support local law enforcement with protests. The Illinois State Police will also provide 300 additional state troopers.

“We cannot allow those who have taken advantage of this moment to loot and smash to also steal the voices of those peacefully expressing a need for real, meaningful change," Pritzker said. "This anger doesn’t come out of nowhere – it’s born of decades and centuries of systemic racism and injustice. That’s what all of us have to recognize and that’s where our work begins.”

On Sunday, IEMA Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau closed all Community Based COVID-19 Testing Sites in Illinois to protect staff and patients during protests. IEMA will announce a reopening date soon.

Above is from:  https://wrex.com/2020/06/01/illinois-disaster-proclaimation-issued/

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STEPHENSON COUNTY (WREX) — Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued a disaster proclamation for Stephenson County.

In a press release, the state gave three reasons why a county might be issued a disaster proclamation:

1. A threat for looting or destruction through planned protests
2. Home to critical infrastructure
3. The county requested for state assistance or resources

By issuing a disaster proclamation, state resources and funds can be moved quicker.

On Sunday, Freeport protested the death of George Floyd alongside many cities across the country. Windows were broken, but no injuries were reported.

In total, the governor issued disaster proclamations to five more counties: Lake, Peoria, Rock Island, Williamson and Stephenson.

The governor issued disaster proclamations for ten counties on Monday.

Above is from: https://wrex.com/2020/06/03/illinois-gov-issues-disaster-proclamation-for-stephenson-county/