Central Illinois Republican lawmakers expressed frustration Thursday about what they see as Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s failure to include the legislature in determining how to reopen Illinois amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Speaking during a McLean County Chamber of Commerce “State of the State” webinar, lawmakers said the governor has not adequately recognized differences among regions when outlining when and how businesses could reopen. They also expressed concerns over the recently enacted state budget for fiscal year 2021 and the impact a graduated income tax could have on the business community and the middle class.
 
Senate Minority Leader Bill Brady, R-Bloomington, said, “I think there was widespread buy-in to the governor’s order initially," but more recently there has been frustration over his approach.
 
Pritzker closed schools and issued a stay-at-home order in mid-March. In early May, he unveiled the “Restore Illinois” plan, which allows the state to reopen in stages. The current phase allows for the return of manufacturing and retail sales, outdoor restaurant dining and social gatherings of no more than 10 people who keep at least 6 feet apart from one another and wear face masks.
 
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