The Federal Emergency Management Agency has denied a request for aid to local governments in Illinois after deadly tornadoes swept the state in November.  FEMA sent a letter yesterday to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency saying that damage after the storms wasn’t severe enough to warrant federal help.  The storms left at least 7 people dead statewide and destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses.  Governor Pat Quinn says the state will appeal the decision.  He says he’s “disappointed” in FEMA’s decision, which affects several counties, including Washington.  The state is seeking to recover about $6 million in costs to local governments in the nine affected counties.  The federal government has previously approved millions of dollars in aid for residents and businesses.  Congressman John Shimkus issued the following statement after FEMA announced its denial of the State’s application for a disaster declaration for public assistance:  “I am disappointed that the disaster declaration for public assistance was denied.  I know that the affected communities had enormous expenses in cleaning up and getting basic services back up and running after the tornadoes.  I will support the state if they decide to appeal this decision.”   Shimkus visited the sites of where the tornadoes struck southern Illinois, including New Minden the day after the tornado.