Chambana Sun

Illinois state Rep. Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) wishes Illinois could have followed the lead of other states with regard to its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“What we see is states around the nation with larger populations have handled things differently,” Halbrook told the Macon Reporter of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s decision to extend his stay-at-home order through the month of May. “I think it was the wrong decision and should have allowed people to move around regionally. All the latest data suggests that should be the case.”

Halbrook predicts the governor's decision will lead to tougher times for the state.

“We’ve already got a real problem with people leaving Illinois, and with the impact this will have, I think as people can move they will at an even faster rate,” Halbrook said. “Until we put meaningful reforms in place, it will just continue to hamper our prosperity and financial growth.”

Halbrook is also perplexed by the fact that Pritzker is still pushing his progressive-tax idea, which is slated to be on the ballot in November in the form of a referendum question.

“I think in light of everything that’s happening, even talking about changing the tax structure in Illinois is absolutely crazy,” Halbrook said. “Illinois is getting hit hard with record unemployment and massive deficits that will make it difficult for people to pay the taxes they already have.”

If he could, Halbrook says he would have a heart-to-heart conversation with the governor to let him know how critical his policies are to helping the state rebound as quickly as possible.

“They’re just some of the things that people want to see happen to give them a chance,” Halbrook said. “The governor needs to consider all these things when he starts implementing policy.”