Lake County Gazette

Rep. Chris Bos (R-Lake Zurich) is one of several Republican lawmakers critical of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s decision allowing the 177 state legislators access to the COVID-19 vaccination earlier than planned.

“It’s another round of the governor’s political elitism where the halves get what they want and those considered to (be) have nots are left to fend for themselves,” Bos told the Lake County Gazette. “I’m getting emails all the time from people that really need the vaccination but can’t get it. Meanwhile, we’ve got the governor not only approving lawmakers skipping the line but setting up a special site for them, so they don’t have to sign up and wait like everyone else.”

After initially taking the position state lawmakers should wait their turn for the vaccination, Pritzker approved a plan that puts lawmakers on par with the likes of seniors, teachers, police officers, firefighters, paramedics and grocery store workers in terms of being eligible for the shot.

Illinois began Phase 1B earlier this month, and while the governor has pledged to wait his turn, Bos said he’s already sent the wrong message to residents across the state.

“This moves echoes the way he’s govern throughout the pandemic, where he and a few other[s] get to make all the decisions without much regard for anyone else,” he claimed. “We need to remind the governor we’re a co-equal branch of government, and we get to have a say.”

Bos said he would not get the vaccination early and hopes most of his colleagues will join him in waiting their turn.

“I haven’t had many conversations with any of them about this, but that’s what I’m hoping,” he said. “It’s the right thing to do by our constituents.”