Prairie State Wire

Jim Dodge laments Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s list of victims stemming from his handling of the COVID-19 crisis seems to grow longer each day.

“Owners, employees and consumers are all being impacted,” Dodge told the Prairie State Wire. “I’ve said all along it would have been better if we relied on a plan that was focused on the protection of the most vulnerable instead of just moving to shut everything down.”

Dodge, who formerly ran for state treasurer, contended that the governor’s actions came at a high price, pointing to a new survey from the small business referral network Alignable that reported 56% of the state’s bar and restaurant owners unable to pay their full rent last month.

Jim Dodge | Courtesy Photo

Nationally, that figure stands at 61%, up 19% from a month earlier, with the harshest part of the winter season still yet to come. In Illinois, the number of restaurants unable to make full rent payments has more than doubled since September.

“I would imagine he’s getting advice from some scientist that concludes indoor dining increases the risk for COVID transmission,” Dodge said. “But at what point do you allow business owners to do what they need to do to make a living for themselves and their families. I would think many of them would be able to work with customers to put a social distancing plan it place without crippling business.”

Dodge said Pritzker’s growing habit of ruling through executive orders and not working with other legislators has only made matters worse.

“This is no way to govern,” he said. “What’s more the lawmakers in these districts now what’s most needed by their residents. To not allow them to have a voice as he has put all these rules in place has just been the wrong thing to do.”