Will County Gazette

Rick Laib is convinced many of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s most rigid COVID-19 restrictions have outlived their point of usefulness.

“I think his initial restrictions were in the state's best interest,” Laib, now running against incumbent U.S. Rep. Bill Foster (D-Aurora) in the 11th District, told the Will County Gazette. “The threat of COVID-19 surfaced very quickly and so immediate and effective protection action was necessary. But we're well past that point, we know who is most susceptible, we have medical treatments in place, and so we should be empowering local authorities to recommendations, not rules.”

Laib said the findings of a new WalleHub.com survey that concludes Pritzker’s stay-at-home policies have done more to "restrict everyday life" for residents across the state than any other governor in the country says everything we need to know about what he bases his view on.  

With the survey coming more than two months after the governor put his executive order in place, researchers note the state still ranks near the bottom for such metrics as mask requirements, travel restrictions, gathering restrictions, school and restaurant closures, the ability for "non-essential" businesses and child care to open. By contrast, neighboring states Wisconsin, Missouri, Iowa and Indiana all rank in the Top 16 for fewest restrictions. 

“Part of the reason there were no budget cuts in the Illinois budget is that many lawmakers feel at this time people need government,” Laib added. “This is the wrong view and not one that will put us on track for a fruitful and thriving economy.”

Laib said he’s hopeful that the state’s small business industry will be able to bounce back, but he knows it won’t be easy.

“There will always be opportunity for growth, innovation, and creativity...provided it's permitted,” he said. “Small businesses may have to modify and redevelop, but there will always be opportunities for those that are committed to service.”

Laib said Pritzker would be smart to take a cue from all the neighboring states that have done a better job of looking at the whole picture in trying to keep their states afloat.

“I think they are aware of the threat and have chosen to engage with the potential risks associated with reopening rather than the risks of staying continually shut down,” he said.