East Central Reporter

Protesters gathered this week at the Illinois Capitol building demanding Gov. J.B. Pritzker reopen the economy, as a state representative said the protests are a result of “growing frustration” with the governor and his COVID-19 crisis response.

Approximately 150 protesters gathered this week and chanted, "Freedom Over Fear" and "Reopen Illinois" outside the Illinois Capitol, while carrying signs reading, “Free Illinois.” according to the Week.com.

State Rep. Chris Miller (R-Oakland) said via email the protests are a result of residents frustrated with the governor’s response to the crisis. He also pointed out a disconnect on the governor’s part.

"These protests are a manifestation of the growing frustration with the Governor’s response to the coronavirus crisis and the arrogance of the ruling class,” said Miller.  “While people in Illinois are losing their jobs and applying for unemployment, our billionaire governor is lecturing us on what to do and what not to do while his wife has been free to travel to their Florida home.”

Miller said that some Illinois residents are analyzing the coronavirus data and believe that the state’s hospital’s are not overburdened by coronavirus patients.

“People are looking at the data and seeing that our hospitals are not overrun and that we have accomplished the stated goal of flattening the curve and yet we are all still stuck at home with nowhere to go,” Miller said.

Miller indicated there should be a plan for people to go back to work with steps to protect everyone, especially the most vulnerable.

“There is a growing view that the cure is becoming worse than the disease and that perhaps instead of issuing stay-at-home orders to healthy people, maybe it is time to pivot to a strategy that allows people to go back to work and take steps to protect the people who are the most vulnerable,” Miller said.

The United States of America was founded by those who wanted freedom, and the protests show that is still true today, according to Miller.

“Our country was founded by people who yearned for freedom. That love of freedom is alive and well today. It is not surprising that people would protest the actions of the governor and demand a return to some semblance of normalcy in Illinois," said Miller.

At the time of this report, the Illinois Department of Health website indicates 52,918 positives out of 269,867 coronavirus tests, and 2,355 coronavirus-related deaths in the state.