HR0467 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0467 LRB099 12212 GRL 35164 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Natural disasters that occur in Illinois test the preparation, cooperation, support, and resilience of our State and its peoples; and

WHEREAS, On the evening of April 9, 2015, north central Illinois was struck by high violent winds and multiple tornados, inflicting damage and destruction in several communities, including Fairdale and Rochelle; 2 residents of the community of Fairdale, Geraldine Schultz and Jacqueline Klosa, lost their lives, while 77 structures were destroyed, 138 structures were damaged in this storm, and the surviving residents of these communities face years of recovery and rebuilding efforts; and

WHEREAS, The residents of these communities, like all who experience natural disasters, go through 4 distinct stages of need: Response, Relief, Recovery, and Rebuilding; and

WHEREAS, In the initial moments of the April 9 disaster, local first responders and neighbors reacted to rescue those trapped or in danger, evacuated survivors, and provided immediate medical attention to victims; following this immediate emergency response, State and regional agencies and organizations as well as hundreds of individuals provided relief for those affected by the disaster by rendering provisions, including shelter, food, water, clothing, and financial assistance; and

WHEREAS, The recovery effort has turned to agencies and companies providing emotional support, information, continued financial assistance, insurance settlements, and planning for the rebuilding of lives and infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, The final stage of the disaster is the rebuilding of strong, vibrant, and productive communities that will continue for years to come; and

WHEREAS, A Long Term Recovery Committee has been formed in DeKalb County for the Fairdale community and in Rochelle to provide case management, volunteer organization, communication, spiritual and emotional healing, construction management, financial and insurance support, and to act as a liaison with government and non-government organizations; and

WHEREAS, These Long Term Recovery Committees have established 501(c)(3) funds for the survivors of this disaster as passed-through accounts at the Rochelle Community Foundation and the DeKalb County Community Foundation that will accept tax-deductible contributions, provide financial accounting and reporting, and assure that 100% of the donations will benefit the survivors; and

WHEREAS, Though the area was declared a State disaster, little federal or State assistance is expected; and

WHEREAS, The Governor believes that the recovery can be fully funded by insurance and private company and foundation donations; as an example, he personally gave $100,000 to relief efforts; and

WHEREAS, State Comptroller Leslie Munger has reminded State employees and retirees that they can donate a portion of their paychecks to the Red Cross' disaster relief efforts for the victims through a convenient website (http://give.illinoiscomptroller.com); and

WHEREAS, Contributions for the victims of the tornado that hit Fairdale can be made on the DeKalb County Community Foundation website (www.dekalbccf.org/announcements.php), while contributions for the victims of the tornado that hit Rochelle can be made on the Rochelle Area Community Foundation website (www.rochellefoundation.org); therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we thank the fire, police, and emergency medical providers from across the region who responded quickly and in a coordinated manner; commend the individuals, businesses, organizations, and relief agencies including the Salvation Army and American Red Cross for their generosity, supplies, and assistance to the victims; and recognize the untiring services of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, the Illinois State Police, the Illinois Conservation Police, the Illinois Department of Transportation, the DeKalb and Ogle County Emergency Management Agencies, and the DeKalb and Ogle County Sheriff's Offices; and be it further

RESOLVED, That, in reviewing the response to this disaster, we urge organizations to consider the lessons learned from this disaster, including faster public communication of needed supplies, a focal point to make financial donations, and the formation of Long Term Recovery Committees; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we show our pride for the courage, strength, and resilience of these communities, state our continued support for these afflicted citizens, and resolve to keep these people in our hearts, minds, and prayers in the weeks, months, and years ahead as they recover and rebuild their communities and their lives; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be sent to the aforementioned organizations and the Mayors of Kirkland and Rochelle.