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Debate in Illinois over responses to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

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These pages were updated from March 2020 through June 2020 and do not contain the latest commentary available. To submit arguments for inclusion on this page, email editor@ballotpedia.org. To learn how Ballotpedia decides which arguments to feature, click here.


Ballotpedia is providing comprehensive coverage of how the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is affecting America's political and civic life. In addition to monitoring federal, state, and local responses to the coronavirus, we are also capturing the nationwide and local debates on whether to extend or lift coronavirus-related restrictions affecting the economy, schools, government operations, public health, religious services, and travel.

These arguments come from a variety of sources, including public officials, journalists, think tanks, economists, scientists, and other stakeholders. We encourage you to share the debates happening in your local community to editor@ballotpedia.org.


This article covers the debate over continuing restrictions and closures in Illinois in response to the coronavirus pandemic. You will find the following:


Debate over reopening plans in Illinois

See also: Debate over reopening plans during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

This section includes a sampling of statements made by public officials, influencers, and stakeholders on reopening plans in Illinois.


Debate over stay-at-home orders in Illinois

See also: Debate over stay-at-home orders during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

This section includes a sampling of statements made by public officials, influencers, and stakeholders on the stay-at-home order in Illinois.

  • State Rep. Darren Bailey (R) (Official Website of State Representative Darren Bailey): State Representative Darren Bailey (R) filed a lawsuit against Governor J.B. Pritzker (D) arguing that he overextended his power by extending the stay-at-home order to May 30. Bailey argued that the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act only provided for 30 days of emergency executive action, and Governor Pritzker's orders exceed this time frame.

     - "“Enough is enough!” – Rep. Bailey files lawsuit against Governor JB Pritzker," April 23, 2020.

  • Steve Chirico (R), mayor of Naperville (ABC 7 Chicago): Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico (R) argued that his city should not follow the same rules imposed in Chicago because the spread of coronavirus is worse there.

    "We are experiencing COVID at a different pace than Chicago and we don't want to be following the same rules as a city. We would like to use our influence with the governor, and based on data, based on data and science, to get him to start allowing our businesses to begin opening up." - "Illinois coronavirus: DuPage County mayors ask governor for extended stay-at-home order exemption to reopen businesses," April 29, 2020.

  • Governor J.B. Pritzker (D) (Patch): Governor J.B. Pritzker (D) extended the stay-at-home order to May 30 arguing that if the state lifts restrictions the hospitals would be overwhelmed.

    "If we let up now, we would have nowhere near the kind of hospital capacity that we need. The projections are clear. We would see our deaths per day shoot into the thousands by the end of May, and that would last well into the summer. Our hospitals would be full, and very sick people would have nowhere to go." - "Here's What's Reopening Under New Coronavirus Stay-At-Home Order," April 23, 2020.

  • Governors JB Pritzker, Gretchen Whitmer, Mike DeWine, Tony Evers, Tim Walz, Eric Holcomb, and Andy Beshear (Illinois.gov): Governors JB Pritzker (D-IL), Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI), Mike DeWine (R-OH), Tony Evers (D-WI), Tim Walz (D-MN), Eric Holcomb (R-IN) and Andy Beshear (R-KY) announced a regional partnership to coordinate the reopening of the economies in their states.

    "Today, we are announcing that Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Indiana, and Kentucky will work in close coordination to reopen our economies in a way that prioritizes our workers' health. We look forward to working with experts and taking a fact-based, data-driven approach to reopening our economy in a way that protect families from the spread of COVID-19." - "Midwest Governors Announce Partnership to Reopen Regional Economy," April 16, 2020.

  • Sheriff Steve Bareis (Belleville News-Democrat): Perry County Sheriff Steve Bareis said that he was not willing to enforce the state lockdown order if it violated the First or Second Amendments.

    "Our constitution ensures certain citizens’ rights are protected … We will not be part of a police state, stop vehicles for no reason, stop the worship of God, or interfere with legal activities on personal property." - "Coronavirus shouldn’t keep people from worship, a southwestern Illinois sheriff says," April 16, 2020.

  • U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (ABC 20): U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth argued that she would support reopening the economy once there is certainty there will not be a second wave of infection.

    "Our economy needs to get going again. In order for that to happen, we have to do it in a way where we don't have a rebound of infection rates and then go back and shelter in place again. I want us to emerge from this where we don't have to go backwards." - "Conditions needed to reopen Illinois economy," April 16, 2020.

  • Republican State Senators (Belleville News-Democrat): State Senators Paul Schimpf (R), Donald DeWitte (R), Jim Oberweis (R), Craig Wilcox (R), Jason Plummer (R), Chuck Weaver (R), Sue Rezin (R), and Dan McConchie (R) wrote an open letter to Governor J.B. Pritzker (D) arguing that state lockdown measures need to be lifted to allow non-essential businesses to reopen with social distancing measures in place.

    "Illinois should start to ease back on some of the more aggressive social distancing measures as soon as the Illinois Hospital Association projects that ICU bed capacity is sufficient to respond to the projected levels of COVID-19 admissions. We are not advocating for an immediate return to normalcy — far from it. But where non-essential businesses or facilities can practice social distancing norms, they should be allowed to operate." - "Republicans send Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker this open letter about coronavirus," April 15, 2020.

  • Governor J.B. Pritzker (D) (NBC Chicago): Governor J.B. Pritzker (D) insisted in a press conference that the state has the sole authority to lift stay-at-home order, not counties. He added counties still retain the power to restrict parks.

    "We’re looking at all orders and thinking of the health and safety of everyone in the state, no matter where they live. ... Things in the executive orders are state law, or are mandated by executive order. They can only be removed by the state government." - "Pritzker Says State, Not Counties, Will Remain in Charge of Whether ‘Stay-at-Home’ Order is Changed," April 15, 2020.

  • Mayor Lori Lightfoot (Chicago Tribune): Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot (D) said that the state cannot open the economy until increased testing and tracing capacity is achieved and the infection rate begins to fall. - "Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot expects Illinois’ stay-at-home order will extend into May," April 16, 2020.


Debate over school closures in Illinois

See also: Debate over school closures during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

This section includes a sampling of statements made by public officials, influencers, and stakeholders on school closures in Illinois.

We have not yet identified any statements related to this topic or state. To suggest a statement, email us.


Debate over religious service restrictions in Illinois

See also: Debate over religious service restrictions during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

This section includes a sampling of statements made by public officials, influencers, and stakeholders on religious service restrictions in Illinois.

  • U.S. District Judge John Z. Lee (WTTW): U.S. District Judge John Z. Lee ruled that Illinois's stay-at-home order does not violate the First Amendment's religious protections because all First Amendment rights have limits that may be restricted for by a compelling government interest.

    "The Court understands Plaintiffs’ desire to come together for prayer and fellowship, particularly in these trying times. But even the foundational rights secured by the First Amendment are not without limits; they are subject to restriction if necessary to further compelling government interests — and, certainly, the prevention of mass infections and deaths qualifies. After all, without life, there can be no liberty or pursuit of happiness." - "Judge: Stay-at-Home Order Doesn’t Violate Religious Rights," May 3, 2020.

  • Sheriff Steve Bareis (Belleville News-Democrat): Perry County Sheriff Steve Bareis said that he was not willing to enforce the state lockdown order if it violated the First or Second Amendments.

    "Our constitution ensures certain citizens’ rights are protected … We will not be part of a police state, stop vehicles for no reason, stop the worship of God, or interfere with legal activities on personal property." - "Coronavirus shouldn’t keep people from worship, a southwestern Illinois sheriff says," April 16, 2020.


Debate over election policy in Illinois

See also: Debate over election policies and procedures during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

This section includes a sampling of statements made by public officials, influencers, and stakeholders on election policies in Illinois.

  • Daniel Fishman (Chicago Sun Times): In response to an Illinois judge's ruling that extended the signature-gathering deadline for candidates and lowered the signature threshold, the executive director of the Libertarian Party, Daniel Fishman, said the ruling should be a guide for other state justices ruling on petitioning during this pandemic.

    "This legal victory is the first of many for the Libertarian Party as we fight for fair access to the ballot in an era when traditional petitioning is impossible and a threat to public health. We think Judge Pallmeyer’s precedent will be a beacon for other justices as they hear the other Libertarian Party cases." - "Third-party candidates net win with lower ballot requirements during pandemic," April 23, 2020.

  • Matt Dietrich (Chicago Sun Times): Matt Dietrich, a spokesman for Governor J.B. Pritzker (D), said that the governor had no legitimate authority to postpone the March 17 election that occurred and that future cancelations or postponements could only occur if the legislature amended the Election Code.

    "The Election Code is silent on the issue of canceling or postponing an election. It would require the General Assembly amending the Election Code to give us (or some other official or entity) such authority." - "Fact-check: Postponing primary not in Pritzker’s power," March 24, 2020.

  • Party Co-Chair Rich Whitney (WSILTV): The Green Party filed a lawsuit against Illinois State Board of Elections arguing that due to the coronavirus candidates cannot gather signatures and therefore will be exempted from upcoming election cycles. - "Green, Libertarian parties file federal lawsuit over Illinois’ stay at home order," April 8, 2020.


Debate over state budget in Illinois

See also: Debate over state budget during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

This section includes a sampling of statements made by public officials, influencers, and stakeholders on state budget in Illinois.

  • State Senate President Don Harmon (D) (Wire Points): State Senate President Don Harmon (D) wrote a letter to the Illinois Congressional delegation seeking federal money to supplement the budget shortfall expected to result from a decline in the state's revenue sources due to the pandemic. He asked for $15 billion in block grant funding, $10 billion for the pension relief, $6 billion for the unemployment fund, $1 billion for public health, and $9.6 billion for municipalities.

    "Illinois heavily relies on three revenue sources: personal Income tax, corporate income tax and sales tax. According to a recent report from the University of Illinois' Institute of Government and Public Affairs, Illinois could see an estimated revenue loss of $14.1 billion for 2020-2021 due to this pandemic. This loss would deplete approximately one-third of Illinois' general funds in one fiscal year, significantly impacting state services and long-term obligations." - "The letter to Illinois Congressional delegation," April 14, 2020.

  • Moody's Corporation, an American credit rating agency (Chicago Sun Times): Moody's Corporation, an American credit rating agency, downgraded Illinois' economic outlook from stable to negative over concerns about what the coronavirus would do to the state budget.

    "The negative outlook aligns with our view of the probable effects of the coronavirus pandemic, which will reduce tax collections and likely cause current-year pension investment losses, both of which would weigh more heavily on Illinois, given its existing weaknesses relative to other states. Federal government support will mitigate some of the direct budgetary burden, but the state will face liquidity pressure that may lead it to near-term actions such as adding to its balance of unpaid bills. The state is also increasingly likely to take actions that worsen its long-term liabilities, in view of revenue shortfalls and growing health and social burdens." - "Wall Street ratings firm: COVID-19 could mean ‘long-term damage’ to already woeful Illinois finances," April 21, 2020.

  • Andrew Biggs (Twitter): Andrew Biggs, a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, argued that the federal government could offer loans with conditions to Illinois to cover pension shortfalls.

    "Personally, I'd give [Illinois] some help (mostly loans) if they froze the system and switched all employees to defined contribution plans. But the federal taxpayer shouldn't prop up gold-plated pensions that most taxpayers themselves don't have." - "Post on April 17, 2020," April 17, 2020.

  • Editorial Board (Chicago Tribune): The Chicago Tribune Editorial Board wrote that Illinois lawmakers' overspending did not prepare the state for the current pandemic crisis that will likely set the state revenue back by $4.1 billion.

    "But like the coronavirus’ broadside to the economy, the reality is Illinois wasn’t prepared then, or now, for this precise moment as economists had long been warning. Our state policymakers didn’t create the coronavirus, and they couldn’t prevent its brutal economic effects. But for leaving the state so unprepared for this unexpected crisis, and spending at breakneck speed right up to it, there is no one else to blame." - "Editorial: Illinois’ fiscal plight goes from bad to worse," April 13, 2020.

  • Adam Schuster (Illinois Policy Institute): Adam Schuster, director of budget and tax research at Illinois Policy Institute, argued that Congress should reject Illinois' request for a $44 billion bailout because it goes beyond the relief needed for the pandemic and would extend to cover public employee pensions in the state, which were nearing insolvency prior to the pandemic. He also argued that any state receiving federal aid should be required to have a balanced budget at the end of each fiscal year and sufficient rainy-day funds. - "Why Congress Should Reject Illinois' $44 Billion Bailout Request," April 23, 2020.

  • Governor J.B. Pritzker (D) (Illinois Policy): Governor J.B. Pritzker (D) argued that the state needs to enact a progressive income tax to make up for revenue lost during the coronavirus pandemic. - "Pritzker doubles down on progressive income tax, says Illinois needs $3.7 billion tax hike 'now more than ever'," April 15, 2020.

    • Additional reading

  • "Senate President Don Harmon’s foolish pitch to Washington can only hurt Illinois" - Chicago Sun Times, April 19, 2020

  • "Editorial: Illinois’ shameless, dishonest ask for a federal bailout" - Chicago Tribune, April 19, 2020


Debate over prisons and inmates in Illinois

See also: Debate over prisons and inmates during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

This section includes a sampling of statements made by public officials, influencers, and stakeholders on prisons and inmates in Illinois.

  • Editorial Board (Chicago Tribune): The Chicago Tribune Editorial Board defended a judge's decision not to release a non-violent offender from the overcrowded Cook County Jail arguing that the jail was taking precautions against the spread of coronavirus and that the criminal justice system needed to be upheld even during a pandemic. 

    "Judge Petrone made the right call, however difficult. Judges must uphold the law and protect the integrity of the criminal justice system. ... And as long as the jail takes all reasonable actions to keep the jail safe, and assures that eligible nonviolent detainees get their requests for release considered, Cook County is fulfilling its mission under trying and unprecedented circumstances." - "Editorial: Coronavirus in Cook County Jail:Protect detainees, the public and criminaljustice system," April 9, 2020.


Debate over essential and non-essential businesses in Illinois

See also: Debate over essential and non-essential businesses during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

This section includes a sampling of statements made by public officials, influencers, and stakeholders on essential and non-essential businesses in Illinois.

  • Republican State Senators (Belleville News-Democrat): State Senators Paul Schimpf (R), Donald DeWitte (R), Jim Oberweis (R), Craig Wilcox (R), Jason Plummer (R), Chuck Weaver (R), Sue Rezin (R), and Dan McConchie (R) wrote an open letter to Governor J.B. Pritzker (D) arguing that state lockdown measures need to be lifted to allow non-essential businesses to reopen with social distancing measures in place.

    "Illinois should start to ease back on some of the more aggressive social distancing measures as soon as the Illinois Hospital Association projects that ICU bed capacity is sufficient to respond to the projected levels of COVID-19 admissions. We are not advocating for an immediate return to normalcy — far from it. But where non-essential businesses or facilities can practice social distancing norms, they should be allowed to operate." - "Republicans send Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker this open letter about coronavirus," April 15, 2020.


Responses to the coronavirus in Illinois

See also: Government responses to and political effects of the coronavirus pandemic, 2020 (Illinois)
Click the links below for more on responses to the coronavirus pandemic in Illinois.

General resources

The chart below shows coronavirus statistics from countries across the world. The information is provided by Real Clear Politics.

Click the links below to explore official resources related to the coronavirus outbreak.


See also

Footnotes

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Political responses to the coronavirus pandemic, 2020-2021
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Federal policy responses • State government responses • Local government responses • Diagnosed or quarantined incumbents, candidates, and officials • State legislative session changes • State legislative responses • State executive orders • Eviction and foreclosure policies • Travel restrictions • School responses (2021-2022) • School responses (2020-2021) • School responses (2019-2020) • State court closures • Stay-at-home order status • States that issued stay-at-home orders • States that did not issue stay-at-home orders • Changes to ballot measure campaigns and policies • Changes to vote-by-mail and absentee voting procedures • Initial key federal official responses • Arguments in support of and opposition to government responses • Lawsuits • Multistate agreements • Non-governmental plans to reopen • Unemployment filings • Analysis articles • Paycheck Protection Program • Mask requirements • School budget changes • State budgets • Federal definitions of essential and nonessential businesses • Federal aid to states • Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) program • State emergency power authority • Changes to state emergency power authority • Municipal emergency power authority • Halloween guidelines • Vaccine distribution plans • State plans to end federal unemployment • Changes to emergency power laws • Active COVID-19 emergency orders • State vaccine requirement (vaccine passport) policies • Recalls related to the pandemic • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance on school responses to the coronavirus • State employee vaccine requirements • Healthcare worker vaccine requirements
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