SE Illinois News

Congressman Dave Severin (R-Benton) of the Illinois House of Representatives, has gathered a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers to reach out to Gov. J.B. Pritzker to adjust restrictions in K-12 related events.

The main request of the two-party alliance is to allow a 25 percent increase in spectator capacity in K-12 extracurricular activities held in the state’s various school gymnasiums hosting boys' and girls' sporting competitions.

“We have learned from conversations with school officials involved with the planning and execution of hosting extracurricular activities that there have in fact not been major viral outbreaks resulting from allowing previously prohibited extracurricular activities,” read the letter signed by both Republican and Democrat members of the Illinois House and addressed to the governor and the Illinois Department of Public Health.

“We believe this is due to the unprecedented effort of local school officials and athletes to take the steps necessary to keep everyone safe."

Citing the confidence in the continuous success of the COVID-19 safety protocols implemented and practiced in various events, the coalition expressed optimism that an increased 25 percent crowd capacity will still provide a safe environment while at the same time "help families make memories that would otherwise be lost and ease public pressure on school districts and local officials.”