Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Governor JB Pritzker has said President Donald Trump is giving disaster aid to politically-favored states, and is more apt to approve it for states with Republican governors than states like Illinois.

That really bothers Senator Dick Durbin, speaking to reporters Monday at Springfield’s ImpactLife blood donation center.

“In the time that I have served — 44 years, for goodness sakes — in the House and the Senate, I have never, never considered a state or congressional district on its political makeup when there is a disaster,” said Durbin (D-Springfield).

Durbin says people who have just gone through a disaster — like a flood or a tornado — need to be treated like, in his words, respected citizens, without regard to party affiliation.  He says Illinois is being turned down for grant funding, too, for the same reason.

So, what does Durbin think should be done?

“We can raise hell about it. I can bring it up in press conferences when (a reporter will) ask the question,” said Durbin. “But, ultimately, whether that will change, maybe, it depends on how they vote in November.

Some of the same storm systems that have caused damage in Republican-led states have also caused plenty of flooding and damage in Illinois.  The Governor has submitted disaster aid requests for Illinois areas.  No word on when any aid may come.

Illinois has had more tornado warnings this year than any other state with more than 200, and has broken records.