REPUBLICANS IN THE ILLINOIS HOUSE ARE CALLING FOR STATE EMPLOYMENT OFFICES TO REOPEN.
ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT SECURITY OFFICES HAVE BEEN CLOSED SINCE THE START OF THE PANDEMIC, WITH BUSINESS CONDUCTED ONLINE AND VIA PHONE. ROCKFORD REPRESENTATIVE JOE SOSNOWSKI SAYS IT'S TIME I-D-E-S OPENS TO THE PUBLIC AND PRAISES THE SECRETARY OF STATE'S OFFICE FOR REMAINING OPEN DURING MUCH OF THE PANDEMIC.
REPRESENTATIVE DAN UGASTE OF SAINT CHARLES HIS G-O-P COLLEAGUES SUGGEST RE-DIRECTING THE FEDERAL BENEFITS TOWARDS CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE INSTEAD.
GOVERNOR J-B PRITZKER HAS SAID I-D-E-S OFFICES WILL REOPEN THIS SUMMER BUT HASN'T GIVEN AN EXACT DATE. HE'S CITED SAFETY CONCERNS IN THE PAST BASED ON THREATS AGAINST WORKERS.