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* AP…
Chicago and Cook County account for 70% of the state’s 25,733 infections. But some people — mostly Republicans — complain that [Pritzker has] neglected the rest of Illinois, even as it shares in the economic pain and social disruption from measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Thursday marked Pritzker’s 40th daily televised update, and the 29th in a row from his office in downtown Chicago.
“Mostly”? Not a single member of the super-majority party is quoted with a complaint.
* Back to the story…
Pritzker’s briefings are available statewide and while it’s not his preference, the governor is following his own recommendation by “staying home as much as possible to limit exposure,” spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh said.
That touches another downstate nerve that has stung for decades: Chicago-based governors who spend too little time in the capital and its Governor’s Mansion. He could be just as effective in Springfield, according to GOP Rep. Terri Bryant of Murphysboro.
“I don’t want him to do a tour around the entire state with an entourage, but I’d like to see him conducting the business of the state at the seat of government,” Bryant said. “It would give everyone in the state access to him instead of just Chicago.”
That would mean moving his staff and his family and his agency directors to Springfield.
And, to be clear, I have said for decades that governors should live wherever they want as long as they’re in town for session.
Elections have consequences.
…Adding… Sen. Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) was on Sam Madonia’s show today. Madonia said he’s heard “there hasn’t been a lot of communication between the governor’s office and maybe some people on the Republican side of the aisle. How do you react to that?”…
I respect all the individuals, especially downstate Republicans, who have expressed that. I get along with almost all of them. I just don’t see it, though. I mean, I’m staring right now, I’m sitting in my house in front of my computer, I’m staring at email after email. [One] email has 22 attachments from the governor’s office in my inbox, either last night or this morning with everything that was announced or executed by a state agency yesterday, down to minute details. So I think the governor’s office is inundating legislators with information. So, I just don’t see that Sam and I don’t understand. I just, for the life of me don’t understand that criticism.
…Adding… Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Morrisonville) on Facebook…
Yesterday, a spokesperson for Governor Pritzker said he’s not holding any of his daily press conferences from Springfield because he’s following his own advice and staying home as much as possible. Today, the Governor released a self-promoting ad he filmed with penguins at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago and he’s using taxpayer dollars to promote it. We all love penguins and we all need a little levity, but come on - you can’t say you don’t have time to come downstate.
Travel time between the James R. Thompson Center and Shedd Aquarium: 11 minutes.
Travel time between the James R. Thompson Center and Morrisonville, IL: 3 hours, 29 minutes.
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 10:29 am
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To be complaining about him not being downstate enough right now is just petty. These are people looking for something - anything - to complain about right now and they have chosen to go to the age old downstate victimhood.
And, people do have access to him. On the phone. Or do a Webex. We’re all conducting business electronically now. They need to get over themselves and grow up.
Comment by Demoralized Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 10:36 am
===He could be just as effective in Springfield===
Then why exactly does it matter where he is?
There is no practical benefit in changing locations, so congrats to this representative for making a completely useless point.
Comment by TheInvisibleMan Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 10:39 am
=He could be just as effective in Springfield, according to GOP Rep. Terri Bryant of Murphysboro.=
I’m more interested in what Pritzker has to say, not where he says it from. What “access” is Bryant advocating for that Springfield would provide that Chicago doesn’t?
Comment by Pundent Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 10:39 am
“staying home as much as possible to limit exposure”
Just imagine how much more fun quarantine would be if more of us could take turns playing with penguins at the Shedd.
How about a lottery system? Fundraiser for COVID relief. I’d buy a ticket.
Comment by JB13 Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 10:41 am
I don’t care where JB is running things from, but I do think he needs to better recognize the regional differences between upstate urban areas and the very rural southern portion of the state.
Completely closing state and federal parks in the rural south seems to be overkill; most the activities like hiking / fishing / hunting / bosting are social isolation; you do that stuff to get away from people and crowds. I completely understand closing playgrounds, because kids don’t know any better. But given the size of some of the campgrounds (Rend Lake especially comes to mind), it should be possible to space out allowed camping sites.
Just my 2¢ worth …
Comment by RNUG Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 10:41 am
I believe that radio and television is available in Murphysboro and the rest of the State. If stations in Rep. Bryant’s area aren’t airing the daily briefings, then maybe she could focus her attention on getting that changed instead of worrying herself silly over where the Governor is.
Comment by Anon221 Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 10:42 am
Even if Pritzker did relocate to Springfield Bryant would complain that he doesn’t visit Marion often enough. Total red herring.
Comment by Cubs in '16 Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 10:44 am
=== Elections have consequences.===
This is the ball game.
===mostly Republicans===
(Sigh)
Thinking this is “trying to be fair” to the Raunerites left who are going to complain “because regionalism”… this is a disservice to the whole report… and frankly seems more like “cover” for the Raunerites to complain and seemingly speak for “others”. I’d like to think this is just a bad way to seem “fair”…
This is back to elections and consequences…
=== That would mean moving his staff and his family and his agency directors to Springfield.===
Right now, no one should be moving around anywhere to appease anyone’s hurt “regional” feelings.
These same folks think “everything should be open but all those “She-Caw-Go” areas. Reading things like “open downstate” but then complain that they want the “She-Caw-Go” folks ignore them or the Governor is not down there.
Which is it?
You want to be left alone, away from “She-Caw-Go” and the people up there… or do you feel this inherent need to beg “She-Caw-Go” folks to recognize “the rest of the state by making them “move” right now, as you don’t want these folks near you?
When you decide your party doesn’t need to be in Cook, the Collars, or the Chicagoland region, where 2 of every 3 people live… you literally are forcing yourself to be, by every measure a super minority party.
It’s tiring and unhelpful during a pandemic, but then again so are Raunerites.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 10:46 am
I believe the governor was asked at a press conference and he said he would try and get downstate and have press conferences. But that was early on and I didn’t think of this but of course Rich did. That involves moving lots of people around and is a stay at home order so he is leading by example. Good for him
Comment by DuPage Saint Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 10:50 am
Ms. Bryant, for her entire freshman first GA, she voted time after time to hurt her district and all economic engines in that district to appease Bruce Rauner.
There was no pandemic, but Ms. Bryant went out of her way to purposely hurt, where this pandemic is hurting, with no fault to anyone.
Some people show their character by purposely hurting for an agenda, then reveal more by confusing who they are by wondering about geography and regionalism when leadership is needed by them.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 10:50 am
Some incredible journalism is being done in the midst of this catastrophe.
This AP story ain’t it, chief.
With so much one could write about, seems such early days to “Break Glass” for the tired regional resentment trope. Isn’t this a summer doldrums kind of piece?
Comment by Moe Berg Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 10:52 am
I’m the most hyper partisan clown around and I can tell you that if the Governor came downstate the local jokers would all be crying about “aren’t we supposed to be staying home? Why is he down here?” blah blah blah. This isn’t 1920. He can see and hear him regardless of where he does his speechifying.
Comment by Unpopular Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 10:56 am
Grinding the Chicago axe even during a pandemic. How petty are these people? Pritzker’s actions, statements and orders are for the whole state.
Comment by Grandson of Man Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 10:57 am
==(Rend Lake especially comes to mind)==
All of the campgrounds there are Army Corps and very family friendly with playgrounds and, in normal times, lots of groups getting together.
Comment by Bigtwich Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 10:59 am
=== Elections have consequences.===
“This is the ball game.”
Now back to OW complaining non-stop about Trump/Rauner because only SOME elections have consequences.
Comment by Logical Thinker Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 11:00 am
Contrived political criticism with absolutely no merit. When you’ve got nothing, you complain about everything.
Comment by Norseman Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 11:00 am
* don’t care where JB is running things from, but I do think he needs to better recognize the regional differences between upstate urban areas and the very rural southern portion of the state. *
Amen, and not just parks either, but I won’t elaborate lest I throw OW into another tizzy.
Comment by EmptyMailbox Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 11:02 am
“When you’ve got nothing, you complain about everything.“
And take political cheap shots during one of the biggest crises in our history.
Comment by Grandson of Man Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 11:03 am
It’s disappointing given the enormity of this crisis facing our nation and state that the IL GOP still have to be in full on campaign mode. It’s obvious that they don’t have much to say or add around this crisis, so they go back to using old-school tactics like crying that the governor isn’t in Springfield or trying to use this crisis by using factually inaccurate statements to scare voters during an emotionally and financially vulnerable time to benefit their political positions (the fair tax is the boogeyman that’s going to take money out of all your pockets). Enough already.
Comment by Shytown Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 11:04 am
In the not too distant past, I attended a reception at the Executive Mansion, during session. Governor Pritzker was the “host” and he was a “no show” at his own event.
Comment by Practical Politics Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 11:06 am
=== Trump/Rauner because only SOME elections have consequences.===
Let’s review, only once…
60/30… every governor who wins…. its 60/30…
Leveraging a budget to hurt folks who will “never ever” vote in the GA as you require, that was the consequence Illinois faced, and how failed leadership worked.
If you can’t grasp how governing works, that’s on you, and not my fault your density can’t grasp the obvious.
Trumpkins are not Republicans, but hyper partisan, old, angry, white, rural that indeed won the electoral college, but lost the popular vote… and those consequences and that damaging is for history to judge.
K? K. Good.
In this context, the leaders of the state party, Rauner appointees, still dictate the responses, and those in the GA still embracing regionalism, anger towards Chicago, and lacking perspective of the meaning of “one state”, again, I can’t help it if someone like Ms. Bryant and her own history is on brand with her quote… found in this Post.
That’s it.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 11:07 am
Pritzker’s actions, statements and orders are for the whole state.
Not true, they don’t apply to his own agencies DHS and DOC. Bryant’s comments about not being down south are petty. She has made valid comments about the normal operations in his agencies that are dangerous for staff and residents- but those comments don’t seem to make it here.
Comment by Deep South Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 11:07 am
===he was a “no show” at his own event===
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 11:08 am
If you’re making it about me, your lacking to defend these thoughts of regionalism and pettiness.
If you can’t defend the regionalism and pettiness, maybe figure out why.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 11:10 am
“Not true, they don’t apply to his own agencies DHS and DOC.”
Didn’t know those agencies are located only downstate.
Comment by Grandson of Man Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 11:11 am
===She has made valid comments about the normal operations===
I just did a Google News search for her name because I thought I may have missed something. But nothing showed up. So if you’ve got something share it. https://www.google.com/search?q=%22terri+Bryant%22&client=firefox-b-1-d&tbm=nws&sxsrf=ALeKk03-ddPa1XekweXsEBY5szP2kUoRLA:1587139760484&source=lnt&tbs=sbd:1&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj1sYet7O_oAhWGWc0KHeoNDU0QpwUIJA&biw=855&bih=684&dpr=3.75
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 11:11 am
So the GOP is complaining that the Governor is not travelling enough during a pandemic that required shelter in place to be instituted?
Seems just about right for the party that has moved so far to the right that it has become “mostly” irrelevant to the actual governance of the state.
Comment by slow down Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 11:13 am
Didn’t know those agencies are located only downstate
Never said they were. She was speaking for the agency locations in her district. But, you knew that.
Comment by Deep South Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 11:15 am
=== She was speaking for the agency locations in her district.===
Cite please. Otherwise your thought is your own. “But, you knew that.“
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 11:17 am
“Never said they were. She was speaking for the agency locations in her district. But, you knew that.”
Agency heads represent the entire state, and there have been problems everywhere, including an employee death in Cook County and workers very concerned about safety and offices remaining open to the public in a dangerous time. But you knew that.
Comment by Grandson of Man Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 11:18 am
Cite please. Otherwise your thought is your own. “But, you knew that.“
Google is your friend….
http://www.duquoin.com/discuss/20200402/letter-to-the-editor-bryant-says-lockdown-of-state-prisons-must-continue
Comment by Deep South Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 11:19 am
==Not true, they don’t apply to his own agencies DHS and DOC.==
I’ve heard a couple of you complain about agencies like this and I would love an explanation as to why you believe these agencies aren’t exceptions? Other than criticisms regarding ensuring these employees have adequate protection don’t you think that just maybe these are essential agencies that need to keep working? Or are you people complaining just complaining because you are working at one of these agencies and you don’t want to work?
Comment by Demoralized Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 11:21 am
- Deep South -
So you agree there needs to be a full lockdown?
Are you just angry to be angry?
I thought you thought more needs to be done?
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 11:24 am
Surprised to see AP O’Connor fall into the same garbage pit as dark money lobby/news crew at IPI’s front group. Could someone tell Rep/Sen Bryant there is a heavily subsidized train line that runs all the way to CHI daily and she could board and convey all her grand plans in person.
Comment by Annonin Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 11:24 am
Rep. Bryant: “It would give everyone in the state access to him instead of just Chicago.”
Gov. Pritker is having open office hours on a regular basis? /s
Comment by Anyone Remember Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 11:25 am
Odd, I don’t recall AP sending anyone to staff the governor’s briefing in Murphysboro. Why doesn’t the Associated Press travel to cover these events in person anymore?
Comment by Leigh John-Ella Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 11:27 am
I’m a downstater who grew up in the suburbs. The Governor needs to be wherever he feels he can be most effective. If that’s Chicago, then great. If it were Murphysboro, then that’s also great. This isn’t the time for regional politics.
New York is probably the state most analogous to Illinois in terms of the dynamics between an alpha world city located at one edge of the state, and parts of the state that are quite geographically distant. Gov. Cuomo has largely been based in Albany instead of NYC. It would be interesting to know his reasoning behind that choice. Total speculation on my part, but tt could have to do with the severity of the situation in NYC itself. I’d have to think there are contingencies in place for Gov. Pritzker to work from Springfield if it were clearly too risky for him to be in Chicago.
Comment by Zim Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 11:31 am
The people of Chicago should hear from Terri Bryant. She should go there to assist the governor. She could be just as ineffective in Chicago as she is in Murphysboro
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 11:41 am
“Google is your friend”
Yours too. DHS just closed all offices to the public yesterday. Two offices in Chicago metro recently closed because employees tested positive. The employee who died was from Cook County. What are they, chopped liver? I guess to those peddling regional grievances during a pandemic, they are.
http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=123826
Comment by Grandson of Man Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 11:44 am
DHS just closed all offices to the public yesterday
Yesterday? - we are a month into this.
Comment by Deep South Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 11:46 am
- Deep South -
I’m confused.
Something happened, but now you’re dwelling to the past?
Are you just being angry to *be* angry?
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 11:49 am
“Yesterday? - we are a month into this.“
*For the entire state*
Comment by Grandson of Man Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 11:51 am
Other than criticisms regarding ensuring these employees have adequate protection don’t you think that just maybe these are essential agencies that need to keep working
You don’t think sending large groups of offenders to a recreational area to gather in large groups is a problem? This is about slowing the spread of a virus - not about being “essential”.
Comment by Deep South Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 11:56 am
To everyone who has not yet commented: Bryant demands that a very large group of people travel *from* the area with the worst COVID-19 outbreak *to* another area of the state because “seat of government”. Let that statement sink in a little and really digest that before you post a comment. Then offer your thoughts on the intelligence of a demand like that
Comment by Lester Holt’s Mustache Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 11:57 am
- Deep South -
From your “Googling”…
=== I am also very concerned that Gov. Pritzker will use the COVID-19 crisis to enact a mass-release policy for DOC inmates. DOC is not testing inmates for COVID-19 in large numbers. The lack of data available regarding the health of DOC inmates means a mass-release of inmates would create an immediate health danger to every community in Illinois.===
That work with your thoughts too?
I can check what you said yesterday to reconcile for you if you’d like.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 11:59 am
Maybe a small town in Southern Illinois could build an aquarium; then he would show up.
Comment by Orca Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 12:01 pm
==Yesterday? - we are a month into this.==
I’m pretty sure that DHS needed to continue to attempt to serve a population that likely doesn’t have access to the electronic means to continue to apply for and get services they need. But, it is a shame that these employees didn’t have the necessary protection apparently.
You don’t seem to understand that some things needed to continue operating, or at least attempt to operate.
Comment by Demoralized Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 12:02 pm
The downstate republicans can find nothing to complain about but this (not shocked). And the AP can find nothing to write about but this (a little shocked)? We are all doomed.
Comment by Overlord Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 12:05 pm
Orca,
I think you folk call them above-ground pools
Comment by Leigh John-Ella Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 12:07 pm
That work with your thoughts too?
Wasn’t there a conversation on here recently about political agendas taking advantage of a crisis - specifically releasing prisoners? Ask Florida how that has worked out.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/15/us/florida-inmate-coronavirus-murder.html
Comment by Deep South Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 12:19 pm
- Deep South -
So you’re for releasing prisoners?
It’s a yes or no.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 12:21 pm
You don’t seem to understand that some things needed to continue operating, or at least attempt to operate.
I understand it fine. You can run a DOC facility without allowing large groups of offenders to gather in recreational areas. It happens every time during a lockdown for security reasons. Lockdowns are actually more work for employees, but does restrict the movement of people. A good union would have demanded DHS provide the PPE before allowing operations - agree Demoralized?
Comment by Deep South Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 12:26 pm
To get this back, to the Post,
=== Bryant demands that a very large group of people travel *from* the area with the worst COVID-19 outbreak *to* another area of the state because “seat of government”. Let that statement sink in a little and really digest that before you post a comment. Then offer your thoughts on the intelligence of a demand like that===
As you ponder that, and people are remote working, using Zoom, Skype, etc, to keep in contact while staying distant, maybe Ms. Bryant can clarify what necessity of proximity is needed for the governor to seem “connected” to her neck of the woods? When she answers, please, explain how breaking that “stay inside” order should be ignored… during the governor’s “fly/drive around’the state” your appeases?
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 12:27 pm
Yes - if their sentence is up, No - if is not. Sorry - forgot to simplify my answer for you.
Comment by Deep South Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 12:28 pm
===A good union would have demanded===
Your beef is with the shop stewards.
Let them know your concerns.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 12:28 pm
=== No - if is not===
Prisons are already overcrowded.
You’re advocating overcrowded prisons keep inmates in close proximity, far greater than they should be?
I kept it simple, lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 12:30 pm
People, return to the topic. Now.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 12:32 pm
Your beef is with the shop stewards.
Amazing how quiet they are right now….helps the Gov when the union is under his palm.
Comment by Deep South Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 12:34 pm
My bad. Apologies.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 12:35 pm
==you can’t say you don’t have time to come downstate==
Rep Bourne - stop acting like a petulant child because you feel like you didn’t get picked first on the playground. What exactly could he do differntly in Springfield that he isn’t doing from Chicago? Call him on the phone. Ask for a Webex. Just stop playing the victim.
Comment by Demoralized Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 12:52 pm
Serious people for serious times.
Comment by NIU Grad Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 12:54 pm
Dear Ms. Bourne,
Would you like to come to “She-Caw-Go” right now, drive 3+ hours to have a one on one with the Governor?
Frankly, if you’re wasting time on Facebook, you have the time to travel north.
Do better or just stay off Facebook entirely.
We could revisit your deep thoughts on Facebook. We all have time.
Like when you pondered about “camps”.
Remember that Ms. Bourne?
Those were “Deep Thoughts”
Either be helpful…
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 12:59 pm
An unnecessary tempest. Gov is doing a fine job from Chicago.
This is just politics.
Although, if it was Rauner you’all would be kicking his rear end.
Comment by allknowingmasterofraccoodom Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 12:59 pm
==Although, if it was Rauner you’all would be kicking his rear end.==
If it was Rauner I guarantee you people would be kicking his rear end but it wouldn’t be for being in Chicago.
I’ve had the thought run past my mind about what this would look like had Rauner been Governor. None of those thoughts are pretty.
But, that’s not relevant because he’s gone and shouldn’t be part of the discussion. We’re in the here and now and he isn’t here.
Comment by Demoralized Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 1:07 pm
I’ve had to work with many of these legislators during this mess - most of them would rather just post on social media or share posts their comms department makes for them instead of actually helping their districts. Two examples for the group of legislators actually helping their districts - Reps Welsh and Batinick. That’s the bar - the rest need to try harder or get off social media. /r
Comment by MakePoliticsCoolAgain Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 1:10 pm
RepBourne is probably whining because all the “news” is going to Butler. Like Sen/Rep Bryant she could mount that subsidized train (actually the other) and impart all her genius directly
Comment by Annonin Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 1:12 pm
==Although, if it was Rauner you’all would be kicking his rear end.==
No I most certainly would not. JB or Rauner or whomever, even large groups of people that are not political in nature, I’d tell them all the same thing - keep that stuff up there, don’t bring it down here. We’ve got enough Covid cases as it is
Comment by Lester Holt’s Mustache Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 1:29 pm
If you’re not going to conduct state government in the seat of government don’t whine when you’re called out on it.
Comment by Downstate Illinois Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 1:38 pm
== don’t whine when you’re called out on it ==
Man that’s some bad reading skills right there. The word “whine” here by definition would mean the person or persons contacting the media about this. That would be Bryant and Bourne. If they’re going to go through the trouble of making such a ridiculous argument to the press, you should at least give them the credit for doing so
Comment by Lester Holt’s Mustache Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 1:58 pm
I don’t need the Gov. down State. But he doesn’t need a large group around him. Haven’t you heard of telephones and computers? Give me a better excuse for him not being in Springfield. How about poor TV coverage, a cheap house to stay in or too many Repubs around.
Comment by Hickory Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 2:13 pm
==If you’re not going to conduct state government in the seat of government don’t whine when you’re called out on it.==
And if you are going to be a petty whiner about him not being downstate then don’t whine when you’re called out on it.
Some of you need something better to do with your lives if this is what you are worried about.
==Give me a better excuse for him not being in Springfield==
Give me a better excuse for why he needs to be.
Comment by Demoralized Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 2:22 pm
Reality?
Bored Back Benchers Bryant and Borne Bellyache
If that’s their priority, congrats to them.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 2:29 pm
I am a downstater from the southern 16 - This divisive caterwauling is growing old. This isn’t Chicago’s problem, it’s isn’t an upstate problem. It’s an Illinois problem.
I don’t feel that we are being slighted. I am perfectly fine with the Gov NOT coming south right now. Do we really want a contingent from a current hot spot traveling the length and breadth of the state during this pandemic? I think not.
Unhappy downstate legislators could perhaps spend more time trying to be helpful to their constituents, providing information, local resources etc. and less complaining across social media about how we are forgotten and mistreated.
Comment by DownSouth Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 2:35 pm
Mr. Pritzker has stated, more than once, that he has teenagers at home. It is more important for him to be with them in the evening, or by himself in Springfield for the evening?
Comment by ajjacksson Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 4:08 pm
allknowingmasterofraccoodom, I can guarantee you Rauner would have been doing the same thing. Yet the GOP reps would have been strangely silent about him staying in Chicago.
As for Pritzker, I’m really not concerned about where he’s living at. It’s actually probably better that he’s in Chicago vs. Springfield. At least with the JRTC there’s a lot of essential State offices there, so it’s open on a daily basis. I don’t know how many people are still working in the Capital Building on a daily basis, but it can’t be many and at this point, the fewer the better.
Comment by MyTwoCents Friday, Apr 17, 20 @ 4:30 pm