Illinois GOP members seek phased reopening of home-state businesses

Illinois Republican U.S. Reps. Rodney Davis, Adam Kinzinger, John Shimkus, and Darin LaHood requested that their home-state governor begin a phased regional reopening of Illinois businesses during the current pandemic.

The Illinois GOP delegation heard from concerned constituents following the recent announcement by Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker that he was extending the state’s stay-at-home order until May 30 after the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) reported on April 28 that the state had experienced the highest number of deaths it has seen in a single day since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Reps. Davis, Kinzinger, Shimkus, and LaHood, who were joined by U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (R-IL), sent a letter to Gov. Pritzker urging a plan that would begin a safe, phased reopening of businesses critical to the state’s economy.

“Sadly, this week marked the deadliest day Illinois has faced with the coronavirus since the pandemic began, and yet we still have several counties reporting zero cases of COVID-19,” the members said in a joint statement released on April 30. “As we continue to face rising numbers of coronavirus in certain areas, we need to continue getting the necessary resources to aid those areas. But we also need to recognize that areas without any cases of the virus need to be treated differently.”

The lawmakers said a phased reopening cannot be accomplished by a one-size-fits-all plan.

“We’re urging Governor Pritzker to take a regional approach by starting the reopening process in low-risk areas,” according to their joint statement. “With improved and increased testing, and an emergency response plan in place should an outbreak occur, the governor should move forward on allowing Illinoisans the opportunity to make informed decisions on how they can safely return to work.”

The members also noted that, “The federal government has done a great deal to help the State of Illinois, like funding for healthcare providers and economic boosts to small businesses, families, individuals, and more.”

“Now is the time for Governor Pritzker to step up with a plan to reopen Illinois that prioritizes the health of our people and our economy,” they said. “We stand ready to work with the governor on this effort.”