The state entered Phase Five of its Restore Illinois plan today, ending “state” mask mandates and allowing businesses, restaurants and bars, and entertainment venues to operate at full capacity.
Barickman said Pritzker is not fully relinquishing control.
“He is still hanging on. His executive order still remains in place,” said Barickman. “We are going to continue to see his mandates and orders, though much more limited than they were in the early phases, they’re still going to be in place.”
Barickman said the world is in a fundamentally different place than it was a year ago.
“I think that those who put our people to work in our communities, like Bloomington-Normal, for those that have been able to navigate these turbulent times, I hope, they are coming our strong and better and are going to see some growth,” said Barickman.
Businesses and venues are encouraged to continue social distancing practices, and “can” still impose health restrictions they determine are appropriate.
The state still “recommends” masks for those who are unvaccinated, and for everyone on public transportation, or in group facilities such as correctional facilities, veterans’ homes, long-term care facilities and healthcare settings.
Barickman said Republican lawmakers would love to put a halt to the Executive Order that still is in place, but they’d have to pull some Democrats given the make up in Springfield.
“We would have to convince some Democrats and boy we just haven’t seen it,” said Barickman.
Barickman gives an example of the silence Democrats take part in when it comes to Pritzker’s reign.
Governor Pritzker makes appointments to various boards, including the Prisoner Review board.
“He’s been appointing very controversial people, and even Democrats think his appointments are controversial, said Barickman. “Pritzker’s board consists of ex-felons and very controversial people. They’re letting out of prison, people who have been convicted of rape, murder…even my Democratic colleagues will privately say that Pritzker is going to far, but publicly they won’t take a stand.
Barickman said the only way to address Pritzker’s overreach is by the Elections in 2022.
“Eventually Democrats are going to have to stand up for their communities,” said Barickman. “They just have been unwilling to speak up because Pritzker is their guy. The public has to continue to keep the pressure up because I think that’s what gets Democrats to break.”
