* KSDK TV…
Several Illinois legislators sent a letter to Governor J.B. Pritzker urging his administration to move the Metro East to the next phase of the Restore Illinois plan. […]
Senators Rachelle Crowe and Christopher Belt and state Representatives Monica Bristow, Katie Stuart, Jay Hoffman, LaToya Greenwood and Nathan Reitz were involved in issuing the letter to the governor.
From the letter…
We believe that our region has met the criteria to move to phase 3 of recovery under the reopening plan that has been provided by the governor. Using proper safety precautions, businesses could safely reopen and put people back to work, helping to start the road to recovery for our region from this crisis. Many of our hardworking residents are struggling financially — from the small business owners to people like hair stylists and barbers. Under the next phase, many of those people would be able to go safely back to work while adhering to social distancing guidelines.
We also propose that our region move to the next phase this Friday, May 15, as we currently meet the criteria to move forward, rather than waiting until the end of the month. These businesses represent the livelihoods of many, whether it’s a decades-old family owned retailer or a new start up that took years of savings in order to open its doors. Each day that a business remains closed is another day without profit while expenses incur, making it only harder to financially recover. We also believe that moving forward, our state should implement a 14-day waiting period rather than a 28-day period to move to the next phase to help other businesses across the state.
As we’ve already discussed, that 28-day thing is really difficult to explain because people don’t do nuance.
* The governor did have this to say when I asked him why he chose May 1 as the starting point for both the 14-day and 28-day periods. Why not just look back for four weeks from now and decide?…
Remember, we changed a lot in our stay at home order on May 1. We opened up parks, we opened up golf courses, again with guidance and safety conditions to make sure that people are safe in those settings. We opened up elective surgeries all across the state. And we also allowed retail to provide delivery and provide curbside pickup and such. So there were a number of changes that were in that [new] stay at home order, and we wanted to make sure that we had a solid baseline.
To me, that’s reasonable. To most folks, that’s probably not.
Also, the Madison County Board is voting to reopen tonight, which probably forced the Democrats’ hands.
*** UPDATE *** Pritzker press secretary Jordan Abudayyeh…
The Governor has made it abundantly clear that the Restore Illinois plan was created by public health experts, prioritizing the health and safety of all Illinoisans as move toward re-opening segments of our economy. It’s disheartening to see lawmakers, tasked with making tough decisions to protect their constituents, disregard the advice of medical experts. This on the same day that Dr. Fauci testified before Congress warning that the US faces needless suffering and death if we reopen too early.
Meanwhile…
Starting Wednesday, Madison County will begin its phased plan to reopen the county, officially going against Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s statewide plan to reopen Illinois.
The county Board of Health on Tuesday voted overwhelmingly to approve the resolution, 26-2, becoming one of the first counties in Illinois to defy the statewide stay-at-home order.
The four-phase plan will begin Wednesday, May 13, and stretch until late June.
- Bruce (no not him) - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 4:30 pm:
If St. Louis opens up, it’s going to be hard to keep the metro East closed. If the Gov. does not bend a little, a whole lotta traffic crossing the bridges.
- Demoralized - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 4:32 pm:
It’s because St. Louis is opening up and they are going to be watching a lot of people cross the river putting money in the pockets of those business owners as opposed to that money staying in the Metro East.
- Perrid - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 4:35 pm:
Heh, I actually hadn’t thought of May 1 being a difference (probably because nothing changed for me), but it makes a lot of sense to compare apples to apples.
- Socially DIstant watcher - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 4:39 pm:
Don’t be so sure people will flock to Missouri. A lotta people are more concerned with their own health risks than with shopping these days.
- northsider (the original) - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 4:42 pm:
Maybe they can go have a barbecue with the Eastern Block. Same wilful ignorance of science, same laziness in figuring out the metrics, same rank selfishness. Just because they have a (D) after their name doesn’t make them any less Derren-esque.
- Collinsville Kevin - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 4:42 pm:
Cross the bridge four days a week to go to work, won’t cross it to go out. Will continue to support my local brewpubs/restaurants by getting carry out.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 4:48 pm:
=== Also, the Madison County Board is voting to reopen tonight, which probably forced the Democrats’ hands.===
Adding to that then?
A hybrid of member management and local abdication?
If these folks link up with the Eastern Bloc… purposely… then that’s a story.
- DownSouth - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 4:48 pm:
I truly do not mind waiting that whoppin’ extra 2 weeks. The traffic back and forth across the bridges is already and has been increasing.
Gilster just reopened their Steeleville Cake plant today. Let’s give that maybe more than 3 days to see how that plays out.
Heck, let’s test ALL of the Gilster employees that have not been tested thus far at all of their IL facilities and see what that shows us before we jump the gun.
- Jibba - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 4:50 pm:
144 deaths in 24 hours including Madison and Monroe counties. I don’t think they are as ready as they think they are.
- nadia - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 4:52 pm:
This group must have voted 4-3 to send the letter.
- Teacher Lady - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 4:52 pm:
My sister lives in Madison County. She’s not ready to go anywhere, including to church, even if they declare themselves “open.”
- Just Observing - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 5:05 pm:
=== Metro East Dems break with governor ===
The political pressure from small business owners and out-of-work constituents must be intense.
- CrazyHorse - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 5:09 pm:
==Don’t be so sure people will flock to Missouri. A lotta people are more concerned with their own health risks than with shopping these days.==
I disagree. It looked like Black Friday in Indiana this past weekend.
- Eire17 - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 5:24 pm:
Agree with Crazyhorse. From what I have personally observed people are ready to go out and they are.
- DownSouth - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 5:30 pm:
I’m with Crazy Horse..they are already a good many flocking across the various bridges.
- Southern - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 5:32 pm:
Hoffman would maybe go it alone on something like this, and possibly Crowe. But I don’t think the others would do it without wink-wink permission. This gives them all a little cover for their next campaigns.
- DownSouth - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 5:35 pm:
I should have added - I do not think this a great idea. Gilster just opened back up it’s Steeleville Cake plant today. Let’s give that a little longer than 3 days to see how that shakes out. I’m really okay with that extra whole 2 weeks longer.
I’d still like see ALL employees at ALL Gilster IL facilities tested that haven’t been tested thus far. That might show a different picture.
- Bigtwich - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 5:39 pm:
In St Louis there are 396.31 confirmed cases per 100K. In Madison County 164.49 per 100k. Best of luck to all.
- Southern - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 5:45 pm:
The county’s state’s attorney, also a Dem, just advised board members that he doesn’t think it’s “legally enforceable” for the county to try to do the reopening. “Unfortunately, I don’t think that this body has the ability to do that,” he said.
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 5:45 pm:
It’s a bad idea.
- Rural Stuff - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 5:48 pm:
Good to see that group forming up and showing leadership. Should be another set of interesting questions for the presser tomorrow.
- Southern - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 5:56 pm:
The Madison County Board resolution is approved, 27-2.
- Southern - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 6:21 pm:
There will soon be chaos. Every Madison County business will see this and think they can fling open the doors Wednesday morning. And next, boards in other Illinois counties will be pressured to do the same thing. Keep in mind, the 29-member Madison County Board isn’t a GOP stronghold — there are 14 Dems on the board, but only two voted in opposition. There will soon be a crazy patchwork of Illinois counties that are open or not open. This county just gave Pritzker the finger, and others soon will follow.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 6:26 pm:
- Southern -
In 14 days after, we’ll see how it goes.
- Chandler - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 6:50 pm:
They should go join their leader Representative Bailey. This is very, very disappointing.
- Metro East Transplant - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 7:00 pm:
My county borders Madison. I’m a sitting Alderman in a small community & some Alderman have already started sending messages about the Madison Co Board 27-2 vote. A group is trying to apply pressure to do the same here. No go for me. Health of residents is too important. Repercussions to business’ to great & we don’t have a plethora of them anyway.
The people who will be running back and forth to MO concern me for obvious reasons. Our community has been fairly safe from the virus. I guess only time will tell for all of this.
What I haven’t seen discussed yet is how will dissemination of a vaccine take place? How about application to individuals?
These are the things that concern me. If we want to get to the ‘new normal’ I hope someone above my pay grade is starting to discuss this important step. At this point we should have time to formulate a solid plan. But then again, what do I know, I’m just a small town alderman.
- Responsa - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 7:04 pm:
Time will tell if the county board’s vote stands. But the fact that it was a clear bi-partisan result is telling and suggests they are representing the strong wishes of their constituents.
- Nadia - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 7:09 pm:
If anyone has the resolution please post it. Did the Madison County vote in person or virtually?
- Donnie Elgin - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 7:12 pm:
As Fauci said today identification, isolation and contact tracing are key. He also said South Carolina was a model for the rest of the states to follow- SC is open for business. Madison county rates are very low.
- Cool Papa Bell - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 7:19 pm:
The Governor’s continued insistence that “opening up” state parks and golf courses was a big deal on May 1 falls flat for the majority of people. That was a throw away concession to rural areas and aggrieved white people. BIG DEAL.
The elective surgeries aren’t a reopening that anyone can “feel” either. OOOOOOHHHHH boy I finally get to go to my colonoscopy. Is it important? You betcha. It’s it a phase that helps you feel normal - NO.
The Gov missed the boat on May 1 or May 14 or whenever to help quell the anger from a minority (but not all that small) that wanted things to feel normal.
Every retail business should have been open a week ago with social distancing guidelines in place. That would have allowed people to shake off the fear of what is happening outside of getting the virus. Most places are holding back on dining out and taverns. Illinois could too. But JB held too much back with little evidence as to why.
If you can’t explain why a mom and pop shoe store can’t be open but Wal Mart can in less than two sentences people just feel oppressed.
And that’s what much of this is about. There is no good scientific or medical rational to keep small retail closed until the end of the month from what I can tell. JB never offers a clear-cut reason as to why and to Rich’s point the 28-day metric isn’t getting through to people.
Up until now he’s done a very good job. But throw a little trust to the people and ask them to operate in a safe and responsible manner and see what happens.
As many here feel - 50 or 70 percent of folks aren’t going to show up anyway. Let that speak for itself.
- Give us Barabbas - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 7:30 pm:
When driving, I sometimes see people speeding excessively or running stop signs and red lights. It doesn’t mean I’m forced to flaunt the driving laws too, just to keep up with them. We should not care what wrong things the other states are doing or wanna do, but stay the course and trust the science. Not some impatient person’s whims.
- Southern - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 7:31 pm:
The full resolution is in this story: https://www.thetelegraph.com/news/article/Here-are-the-guidelines-for-Madison-15265789.php The board met virtually. And the vote might have been 26-2, not 27-2.
- Anyone Remember - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 7:36 pm:
Meanwhile, the May 7, 2020 White House COVID-19 briefing shows IA, KY, and MO as increasing cases / locations to watch. How many Illinoisans will suffer from those states opening early? Seems MO has forgotten their Spanish Flu 1918 September Parade example.
- PublicServant - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 7:48 pm:
Test, Trace, Isolate. We don’t have adequate tests, or tracers yet, and the virus isn’t contained enough to manage tracing yet. We won’t have a second wave. We’ll have little fires everywhere, destroying public confidence and the economy for years to come. And while the destruction of lives and businesses occurs, the republicans are now ‘concerned with the deficit’. Theres a big hole that needs to be filled with enough federal spending to give people and the economy breathing room, while we work to bring down the virus. Spend now before it’s too late to avert economic collapse.
- @misterjayem - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 7:55 pm:
“As we’ve already discussed, that 28-day thing is really difficult to explain because people don’t do nuance.”
– MrJM
- Southern - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 8:04 pm:
The meeting was held virtually. The board chairman announced March 31 that board and committee meetings would be held electronically “to safeguard the public, board members and employees.” The full resolution is here: https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/local/madison-county-illinois-to-vote-reopening/63-d7a18ea8-c083-4f3c-b8ab-4e2d21a9fae9
- Donnie Elgin - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 8:30 pm:
Looks like a two state solution.
- DataReader - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 8:38 pm:
If the region meets the benchmarks they should be allowed to open. Makes little sense that Illinois would not coordinate this with MO. Regions do cross state boundaries. Not sure why the governor did not work this out before this became an issue.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 8:38 pm:
=== Looks like a two state solution===
This is not the Middle East.
There’s only one Illinois.
The rest is noise.
- Downstater - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 9:56 pm:
Most counties do not have the capacity to do enforcement, business checks, or even check up on the positive cases they have had. So, Southern is right, most bars and restaurants will not comply with the 25% or 50% capacity. They will just open fully as long as demand is there. If there is an increase, and restrictions put back in place, who owns that situation? Not Pritzker.
- Responsa - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 9:59 pm:
Doesn’t anybody recognize that there might be a correlation between the IDES system backlogs and helpline failures, and unemployed people like those in Madison County being desperate to get their area opened up for business so they can hopefully get back to work?
- Frank talks - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 10:07 pm:
I’ll say it again how long before a legislator puts up the bill dollar for dollar funding based on county contribution.
The downstate counties have been having their cake and eating it too. They blame Chicago and NE Illinois for all their ails yet the state is funded by NE Illinois which they gladly take.
It’s the same dynamic being played federally. We are a donor state yet welfare states mock illinois while they take our money at a much higher rate than they contribute.
- Norseman - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 10:41 pm:
It appears to me that the action by the Madison County Health Department as governed by the politicians puts them at risk for being considered in noncompliance with the State’s Local Protection Grant’s infectious disease requirements. Maybe a little hardball is in order.
Evidently, these politicians forgot they are right next to St. Louis.
- Honeybear - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 10:55 pm:
I think this is a disaster.
My beloved Metro East is going to explode in cases and in death.
I hope I’m wrong.
But I don’t think so.
I’m so disappointed in my representatives.
So disappointed
Labor will not forget who’s side they chose.
They chose business owners
Choices have consequences
Well not to worry
The flood of lawsuits and insurers withdrawing coverage to businesses will take their toll.
I wonder how one finds out who these businesses insurers are?
There’s a direct action that stings
- Jim - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 10:57 pm:
Oswego. Lol.
- Blue Dog Dem - Wednesday, May 13, 20 @ 7:03 am:
other counties will be following suit shortly.
- Donnie Elgin - Wednesday, May 13, 20 @ 7:27 am:
This is but the tip of the iceberg , similar discussion in McLean, Peoria, Kane, Dupage ….. politics informs policy. Time to evolve the plan.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, May 13, 20 @ 7:33 am:
=== other counties will be following suit shortly.===
=== This is but the tip of the iceberg , similar discussion in…===
If infections happen, i guess those counties could be liable too?
You can’t help the foolish.
- Cadillac - Wednesday, May 13, 20 @ 7:36 am:
=== - Cool Papa Bell - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 7:19 pm:
The Governor’s continued insistence that “opening up” state parks and golf courses was a big deal on May 1 falls flat for the majority of people. ===
Could not agree more.
- Grandson of Man - Wednesday, May 13, 20 @ 7:43 am:
“If infections happen, i guess those counties could be liable too?“
Lawsuit city, baby.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, May 13, 20 @ 7:44 am:
=== Dupage===
Dan Cronin *was* standing, literally, with the Governor during the first press conferences
That would be quite the about face…
- 44th - Wednesday, May 13, 20 @ 8:00 am:
The plan was an overreach, and the danger is that it will erode support for more tailored future efforts to deal with this virus. Do the hard work and work industry by industry to come up with protocols to operate. Look at what MLB is doing, they will spend weeks to figure it out. Most industry will want to work it out with proper protocols.
- Downstate - Wednesday, May 13, 20 @ 8:22 am:
OW,
“If infections happen, i guess those counties could be liable too?”
Would you apply that same standard to anyone impacted by their politician creating a “sanctuary” city/state?
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, May 13, 20 @ 8:26 am:
=== Would you apply that same standard to anyone impacted by their politician creating a “sanctuary” city/state?===
Oh, - Downstate -
Guess you’re the one waving the confederate flag while protesting?
Build that wall, amirite?
- Pundent - Wednesday, May 13, 20 @ 8:26 am:
=Lawsuit city, baby.=
Madison County knows a thing or two about this topic already.
=Would you apply that same standard to anyone impacted by their politician creating a “sanctuary” city/state?=
Are sanctuary cities and states highly contagious? I’ve never heard Dr. Fauci speak on the topic. The fact that you would equate a global pandemic to immigration policies tells us all we need to know about you.
- Downstate - Wednesday, May 13, 20 @ 8:37 am:
OW,
“Guess you’re the one waving the confederate flag while protesting?
Build that wall, amirite?”
Again with the name calling? Cordial discourse makes this board much more enjoyable for all.
- Froganon - Wednesday, May 13, 20 @ 8:39 am:
-Downstate- because the death rate in sanctuary cities from being sanctuaries is the same as for the virus, seriously?
- Elliott Ness - Wednesday, May 13, 20 @ 8:39 am:
Downstate - cordial discourse from OW? Never gonna happen, he knows all…just ask him
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, May 13, 20 @ 8:40 am:
=== Cordial discourse makes this board much more enjoyable for all.===
I guess I’ll take that as a “yes” with the confederate flag and “build the wall” chants,
===Would you apply that same standard to anyone impacted by their politician creating a “sanctuary” city/state?===
I’m not the one who wants to make it racial… you chose your words.
You don’t like your words, then don’t type them.
- Beth - Wednesday, May 13, 20 @ 8:46 am:
Why lawsuits
If you don’t feel comfortable leaving your house
Stay home
- Grandson of Man - Wednesday, May 13, 20 @ 8:52 am:
“Why lawsuits
If you don’t feel comfortable leaving your house
Stay home“
And if someone contracts it in a business who defies the stay at home order and passes it on to someone staying at home, it’s liability.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, May 13, 20 @ 8:52 am:
=== If you don’t feel comfortable leaving your house
Stay home===
It’s about societal infections, the greater good, and saving the doctors and nurses, all frontline folks, frankly, from unneeded exposures.
The selfish have not grasped how society and choices effect others.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, May 13, 20 @ 8:53 am:
Also?
You can’t tell me it’s safe… then also have others tell me they want legal immunity.
Nope. Doesn’t work that way.
- Beth - Wednesday, May 13, 20 @ 9:09 am:
Is it a liability if you catch the seasonal flu at a place of business and infect someone .l
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, May 13, 20 @ 9:12 am:
=== Is it a liability if you catch the seasonal flu at a place of business and infect someone===
This is not the flu.
When has the *flu* been deemed a federal disaster in all 50 states, the possessions and territories?
(Sigh)
- Tommydanger - Wednesday, May 13, 20 @ 9:17 am:
As mom would always say, “If your friend Billy jumped off the bridge, would you jump too?”
There shouldn’t be a rush to imitate crazy.
- Blue Dog Dem - Wednesday, May 13, 20 @ 10:50 am:
as for all I know, the state has refunded not a penny on any sort of business liscence.
- olddog - Wednesday, May 13, 20 @ 11:56 am:
- DataReader - Tuesday, May 12, 20 @ 8:38 pm:
=== Makes little sense that Illinois would not coordinate this with MO. Regions do cross state boundaries. Not sure why the governor did not work this out before this became an issue. ===
Correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t the governor of Missouri refuse to cooperate with a regional approach to the emergency? I believe you’ll find Illinois is partnering with all adjacent states except Missouri and Iowa.
- Pundent - Wednesday, May 13, 20 @ 12:49 pm:
olddog is correct. It’s the reason why we need a federal plan and not varying state solutions. This is a global pandemic. Not a state, county, or city pandemic. It’s an equal opportunity virus.
We’re only as strong as our weakest states. And when Missouri and Iowa decide that they’re going to buck science it hurts all of us. It shouldn’t have been allowed to happen in the first place.