David Friess and family | Contributed photo
David Friess and family | Contributed photo
State House candidate David Friess (R-Red Bud) fears all the damage Gov. J.B. Pritzker has caused to Illinois by his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic may be irreparable.
“I will be surprised if the state's small business industry will be able to recover from all the damage brought on by the governor's stay-at-home order,” Friess told the SE Illinois News. “Businesses plan for rainy days when things are slow, but they don't plan for their state government ordering them to shutter their businesses for two to three months. Nor do small businesses plan for their state government to order a lockdown of their customers.”
Indeed, a new WalletHub.com survey concludes that Pritzker has done more to “restrict everyday life” in Illinois than any other governor in the country. Researchers note that despite having roughly only half of the cases of New York City, Illinois ranks 10 spots ahead of its counterpart when it comes to restrictions.
“Experts have theorized that 25% of small businesses will fail as a result of actions the government has taken,” added Friess, who is challenging incumbent state Rep. Nathan Reitz (D-Steeleville) in the 116th District. “I fear that number will be much larger.”
With the study using such metrics as mask requirements, travel restrictions, gathering restrictions, school and restaurant closures, the ability for "non-essential" businesses and child care to open, Illinois ranked near the bottom in most categories. Neighboring states Wisconsin, Missouri, Iowa and Indiana all ranked in the Top 16 for fewest restrictions.
“Clearly, all of Gov. Pritzker's restrictions have not been in the state's best interest,” Friess added. “Through Phase 2 of the governor's plan, big box stores were considered ‘essential,’ however, small retail stores and mom and pop shops were not, which contributed to over 1 million Illinoisans filing for unemployment. The same guidelines and procedures – social distancing and masks – can be employed in small retail shops just as easy as big box stores.”
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