Chris Kasperski | Contributed photo
Chris Kasperski | Contributed photo
Republican state Senate candidate Chris Kasperki hopes what he sees as Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s long-overdue decision to finally allow the state to move forward from the COVID-19 pandemic is only the beginning.
“We need the governor to get out of the way and let businesses make the necessary adjustments to keep the economy moving as we await an end to this pandemic,” Kasperski, who is running against incumbent state Sen. Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) in the 31st District, told the Lake County Gazette. “Until then, the General Assembly needs to return to Springfield and be the people's voice because Gov. Pritzker is not listening to anyone outside of his echo chamber.”
With the governor now allowing portions of the state to move into the fourth phase of his five-phase Restore Illinois plan, more businesses can open with fewer restrictions. Gatherings of up to 50 people and restricted indoor dining at restaurants are now permitted. In addition, movie theaters, performing arts center, zoos and museums can reopen on a limited basis.
Kasperski said he just hopes it’s not too little, too late.
“I think the time has been ripe for weeks for Illinois to move to the next phase, as Gov. Pritzker's arbitrary standards held back Illinois' economic rebound,” he said. “The governor has different criteria for when and how COVID is contracted. As the governor demanded that we upend virtually every part of our lives, he repeatedly failed to follow his own orders. His lack of consistency has caused unnecessary confusion and has sent the wrong signals at the wrong time.”
In many instances, Kasperski charges Pritzker has been the state’s worst enemy when it comes to putting things back on the right track.
“While he delayed acting on many reasonable requests from businesses to help them survive, he has taken full advantage of his executive privilege,” he said. “Gov. Pritzker remained rigid when the situation called for more flexibility. It is disheartening to see that so many desperate pleas have gone unnoticed. I hope that people will remember that Gov. Pritzker held Illinois back during a time when we couldn't afford to."
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