Sangamon Sun

State Sen. Steve McClure (R-Springfield) is as focused as he’s ever been on making sure what he feels is most critically needed quickly comes to Springfield.

“In the midst of this coronavirus pandemic, the most important thing is to make sure we keep as many people safe as we can and to make sure that as few people pass away from it as possible,” McClure told the Sangamon Sun. “That has to take precedent over everything.”

But McClure adds there are other things that state lawmakers have to be consider, particularly given the findings in a WalletHub.com survey that finds Illinois now ranks near the top of state economies most vulnerable to the deadly virus. The rankings were based on variables ranging from “high impact for industries and workforce” and “resources for businesses” that might help in coping with the crisis.

“The president recently discussed the idea of having another task force to focus on bringing the economy back after this crisis over,” McClure said. “Certainly the governor needs to be focused on this virus, but I would think it would be helpful to have someone here in the state working on economy in that way as well.”

McClure pointed out Illinois’ financial struggle long predates all the current struggle.

“Illinois was in bad financial shape before any of this came about,” he said. “Things will be even worse off now that this has happened and that has to concern all of us.”

McClure said the answer lies in bipartisan solutions where both parties are willing to come together to do what’s best for the state and country.

“I don’t like or understand the fact that Gov. J.B. Pritzker has decided to make partisan attacks against the president during all of this,” he said. “Everyone has a tough job here and we all need to be working together.”