Sangamon Sun

Rep. Mike Murphy (R-Springfield) is glad the Illinois legislature will finally return to session.

Murphy said it shouldn’t have taken this long for the legislature to be called back into session to address the unintended consequences of the one-size-fits-all approach that he claims has been devastating for families and small businesses across central Illinois during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The Bank of Springfield contacted myself and Rep. Butler about offering their center as a safe social distancing environment and I’m pleased that offer has finally been taken up," Murphy said. "Now it’s time to get to work. The governor’s Restore Illinois plan doesn’t allow for enough input from informed local officials to be a part of the decision making process."

Murphy said, fortunately, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he was open to input from locals for the path forward to safely and regional open the state.

"I hope he stands by that," Murphy said. "Numerous small businesses of all types have been working closely with public health professionals to ensure they can open quickly and safely to provide services and jobs and a safe environment."

Murphy said local leaders, families and small businesses have been crying out for a safe reopening.

"I think we can come to a consensus to more quickly facilitate the reopening of restaurants and small businesses that are still held back by the governor’s plan," Murphy said.

Murphy said the state also needs clear direction from the federal government.

"It’s going to get a lot worse before it gets better," Murphy said. "It's not going to get any better when the initial PPP runs out."

Murphy said he hoped the governor would stand by his recent comments and allow legislative recommendations to be incorporated into a more targeted regional plan that prioritizes the safety and economic recovery suggestions of local experts.

"Like my fellow legislators, I have been in contact with local leaders, families, and small businesses of all types from across central Illinois who have been crying out for this opportunity," Murphy said. "I believe we can come to a consensus to facilitate the safe re-opening of restaurants and other small businesses that are still held back by the governor’s plan."