Governor Pritzker:

During these difficult times we have appreciated your concern for the health of the people throughout Illinois. In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, information was in short supply and the worst case estimates of epidemiologists were worrisome to all. However, as reality has taken the place of speculation, it has become clear that the health risks associated with reopening our society in a sensible fashion are manageable while the psychological, spiritual and economic damage to families, employees, small businesses, local governments and the state itself are becoming overwhelming. Without a healthy society and economy to support it, even the most well-led health system will fail.

Thomas Jefferson is credited with having said, “Government closest to the people serves the people best.” NOW IS THE TIME to give heed to that wisdom. Allow local governments at the county and municipal levels to determine when and on what basis the businesses and other institutions in their communities can reopen. Let the people of the great state of Illinois get back to work!