On March 18, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker announced a “bridge” phase between Phase 4 and Phase 5 of his original Restore Illinois Plan.

State Senator Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) issued the following statement after the Governor’s announcement:

“After a year of uncertainty and instability, I’m encouraged that the Governor is finally hearing the calls from Republican lawmakers and the public to move Illinois closer toward a full reopening. However, I still have concerns.

“Under the Governor’s continued go-it-alone plan, Illinois remains one of the most restrictive states in the nation, yet we still have one of the highest death rates per capita. It’s clear, the current approach is not working. We need to open up our state and return to normalcy.

“It’s time to set aside politics, look at the science and recognize what’s working in other states that are open and thriving.”