Washington, Illinois Mayor Gary Manier was in the nation’s capitol for the State Of The Union last night. He was the guest of U.S. Senator Mark Kirk. The Central Illinois town was devastated following last November’s tornado. Manier says it was a thrill to see President Obama deliver the speech. But Manier says he was hoping the President would mention the state’s recovery efforts:
“When he mentioned the devastation in the Philippines, I thought maybe the state of Illinois would be his next comment, but it must not be the time and place for that. But hopefully this appeal process will work and we’ll be successful.”
The state is appealing a FEMA decision to deny Illinois public assistance dollars. Manier says he met with other lawmakers about working to change the way FEMA calculates if states are eligible for public aid. Manier’s heading to Springfield today as Governor Pat Quinn’s guest for the State of the State address.