SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Communities across central and northern Illinois are dealing with strong storms and intense flooding. However, a new state law could help homeowners get financial relief after suffering flood damage.

State leaders know severe storms and flooding left families with unexpected costs last summer, and many are dealing with similar issues this year. Gov. JB Pritzker told reporters in Chicago Friday that the Trump administration should not be allowed to deny federal aid to blue states during times of emergency.

"When disaster strikes, people should not have to worry whether their zip code or party affiliation will determine whether they get help," Pritzker said. "A flooded basement does not care whether you are a Democrat or a Republican."

The new law authorizes local home equity assurance programs to create a temporary three year flood damage rebate program for participating homeowners. Impacted homeowners could receive a one-time rebate covering up to 50% of qualifying flood related expenses up to $1,000.

"On your worst day when the rain is falling and everyone has that anxiety and apprehension, that's exactly the time government needs to show up," said Sen. Mike Porfirio (D-Burbank). "That's exactly the time government needs to show people that they care, that they get it, and that they're going to bring them real relief."

Flood damage is generally excluded from standard homeowner insurance policies, forcing families without separate coverage to take on the recovery costs themselves.

"The images of streets flooded, videos of home appliances submerged in water and one-on-one accounts we all heard were overwhelming," said Rep. Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar (D-Chicago). "I walked into basements for some of our seniors in the area and it wasn't just the physical destruction, but the memories that were also destroyed and floating in the basement."

This law received unanimous support in both chambers. It takes effect Jan. 1. 

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