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Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker urged federal lawmakers on Wednesday to adopt a nationwide face-covering requirement as the number of cases of COVID-19 increases in some states.
During a virtual hearing of the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security Wednesday, Pritzker criticized the federal government for not implementing the Defense Production act early on in the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said states were bidding against each other to buy personal protective equipment.
“States were forced to play some sick hunger games game show to save the lives of people,” Pritzker said. “This is not a reality TV show. These are real things that are happening.” […]
“This might be the most important thing that we can do to save lives,” Pritzker said. “We need a national masking mandate. We instituted ours in Illinois on May 1, one of the first in the nation, and it aligns with our most significant downward shifts in our infection rate.”
* Tribune…
Pritzker detailed the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic since March, a month when he issued sweeping measures that included closing down schools for in-person instruction and a statewide stay-at-home order.
The state’s coronavirus positivity rate at one point this spring stood at 23%, and is now 2.5%, Pritzker said.
”That isn’t to say that the cascade of decisions that got Illinois to this point were easy,” Pritzker said Wednesday. “In fact, every one of them has been a choice between bad and worse — muddled further by the White House’s broken promises on testing supplies and PPE deliveries.”
* WCIA…
“It’s the federal government’s job to make sure that a nurse being properly equipped in Peoria, Illinois, doesn’t come at the cost of a doctor being ready for work in San Antonio, Texas. There was no national plan to acquire PPE or testing supplies, and as a result, people died.”
Pritzker also urged the Trump administration to take steps to bolster insurance for testing and federal funding for state and local governments.
“The federal administration also needs to provide clarity on insurance coverage or COVID-19 testing,” he said. “Testing is not a one-off tactic. We need regular testing across our population, and that means people need to know that their insurance will cover their testing, every time.”
Pritzker also described the impact COVID-19 could have on local governments after an economic recession resulted in severe losses in local and state tax revenues. He told members of Congress, “without help, there will be massive layoffs of public servants, teachers and firefighters.”
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jul 8, 20 @ 12:46 pm
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Pritzker’s assessment is an honest one. Our federal response has been one of contradiction. Scientists and health care professionals put out guidelines that are discarded by the President. Instead of acknowledging the realities of the virus he chooses to pretend they don’t exists. And the decision to wear a mask should never have been a question or politics but public health. We have failed the citizen of this country on multiple fronts and there’s no sign of that abating.
Comment by Pundent Wednesday, Jul 8, 20 @ 12:56 pm
If America was modeled after Illinois and other states, with a mask mandate and slow reopening, we would probably be having success, just like we’re having in this state. It would be better for the economy and our health—actual conservative policies that are proactive and preserve more of the economy, life and health.
Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, Jul 8, 20 @ 1:02 pm
“It’s the federal government’s job to make sure that a nurse being properly equipped in Peoria, Illinois, doesn’t come at the cost of a doctor being ready for work in San Antonio, Texas.”
A more accurate comparison would have been a nurse in Florida not coming at the expense of Illinois.
Comment by Just Me 2 Wednesday, Jul 8, 20 @ 1:06 pm
Since this was reported by the Center Square, expect a follow-up by Greg Bishop detailing how a mandate on face masks would cost the “taxpayer”.
Think I’m kidding.
He ran a story today about how Covid grants to businesses are affecting, you guessed it, the “taxpayer”.
He went to his boy Andrzejewski for source.
Comment by efudd Wednesday, Jul 8, 20 @ 1:10 pm
Pritzkers assessment is spot on. It would be great if there was a coordinated national masking mandate. More people would comply but plenty still wouldn’t. Given the issues of contact tracing you still need buy-in from the vast majority of the public. I’m not sure how a government enforces or incentives this in a country based on individualism.
I think the Arkansas and South Carolina Governor recently held up a mask and football at a press conference. If you want football wear a mask.
Local leaders across all communities need to be part of a national strategy that runs like a quasi get-out-the-vote or census campaign.
Comment by 1st Ward Wednesday, Jul 8, 20 @ 1:11 pm
There it is. That’s the initial news of what’s to come. Get used to the words Public Sector Lay Offs….wait until after Christmas when State workers get the news about fiscal 2021. Things are going to thin out because of COVID. Were just living in the loan right now. At some point we will start paying it back.
Comment by The Dude Wednesday, Jul 8, 20 @ 1:15 pm
Are we conceding the country is no longer a republic? While there are some things the federal government can do, this is a large, diverse nation and blaming the feds is a distraction from the failures of States.
Btw Governor, when is the State going to resume reviewing and awarding the Downstate Small Business Stabilization grants that were promised? DCEO shelved small business grant reviews so Rebuild Illinois apps could be reviewed. Shameful. And these are federal CDBG funds just sitting there, waiting, while Illinois small businesses struggle.
Comment by Shemp Wednesday, Jul 8, 20 @ 1:21 pm
Illinois does not have a masking “mandate.”
Illinois has a masking “suggestion.”
The state says it’s up to local authorities to enforce the rules. The Springfield Public Health department says the EO does not give them the power to act and The Mayor of Springfield told the SJR today that as head of the liquor commission, he is not going after any bars that refuse to follow the Executive Order.
Where there are guidelines, but no enforcement, there is no “mandate.”
Comment by Thomas Paine Wednesday, Jul 8, 20 @ 1:22 pm
Our governor obviously doesn’t understand the concept of federalism. But hey, that’s okay because the Constitution’s just a piece of paper and civil liberties just an old-fashioned idea that can be ignored at will.
Comment by Downstate Illinois Wednesday, Jul 8, 20 @ 1:29 pm
=== civil liberties===
What civil liberties are you concerned about.
Be specific, not metaphoric, what liberty?
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 8, 20 @ 1:30 pm
===We have failed the citizen of this country on multiple fronts===
With all due respect, “we” have not failed anyone. Republicans in Congress and the White House have failed the American people. They’re the ones to blame and that needs to be made clear
Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Wednesday, Jul 8, 20 @ 1:32 pm
I don’t know that a federal mask requirement would be constitutional. Federalism being what it is, I don’t think local control can be ceded to the federal government on matters of local concern. I think they could mandate masks on travel between the states, but I’m not sure an intrastate restriction would hold up.
Comment by Just Another Anon Wednesday, Jul 8, 20 @ 1:32 pm
=It would be great if there was a coordinated national masking mandate.=
Yes. Because it would allow us to fully recognize these non-compliant individuals as the true kooks that we’ve always know them to be and not faux patriots fighting for liberty. The sooner we can sweep the likes of Thomas Devore and Darren Bailey to the dustbin of history the better off we’ll all be.
A national mask mandate would also help address the issues that Thomas Paine has rightfully pointed out.
Comment by Pundent Wednesday, Jul 8, 20 @ 1:33 pm
=== I don’t know that a federal mask requirement would be constitutional.===
Explain “no shoes, no shirt, no service”
Thanks.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 8, 20 @ 1:34 pm
Peer pressure is strong…only when applied.
This is not the time to cower in the face of ignorance…speak up…mask refusenics are generally paper tigers…don’t be afraid to save your own life…plus the lives of other victims.
Do not be a victim of ignorance… or ignorant actors.
Death comes only once…beware simply means be aware.
Comment by Dotnonymous Wednesday, Jul 8, 20 @ 1:38 pm
==and civil liberties just an old-fashioned idea==
I still shake my head every time somebody says something ridiculous like this. The Constitution is not an absolute. Never has been. It’s a balancing act between it and legitimate government interests. And fighting a pandemic is most certainly a legitimate government interest. But, by all means, lets be big cry babies because someone is telling you that you need to wear a mask to help stop the spread of a deadly virus. Some of you are absolutely unbelievable and should be ashamed of yourselves.
Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, Jul 8, 20 @ 1:38 pm
Is that a federal mandate OW? You don’t even see that posted much any more, and I doubt its even a rule in every jurisdiction. Neither has anything to do with food sanitation.
Comment by The Devil You Know Wednesday, Jul 8, 20 @ 1:45 pm
OW no shoes no shirt no service is a store request not even an ordinance. As to Feds requiring states to pass laws for mask I believe unconstitutional as was decided when congress required states to outlaw gambling and Supreme Court said Feds cannot make a law telling a state to make something illegal. So I guess it becomes a question as to whether the Feds could pass a federal law requiring masks. Maybe because virus is nationwide and provide for general welfare
Comment by DuPage Saint Wednesday, Jul 8, 20 @ 1:46 pm
Pritzker’s right, of course, but at this point being right scarcely makes a difference at the national level (it did for Illinois though, thanks be).
The country is once again short of masks and PPE for the 30+ states seeing increases; testing results are again delayed unconscionably, and without rapid testing turnaround, we can’t set up effective tracking systems - and now the virus has spread so widely that tracking is beyond our capabilities.
One is overcome by a sense of despair - and foreboding.
Comment by dbk Wednesday, Jul 8, 20 @ 1:47 pm
===when congress required states to outlaw gambling and Supreme Court said Feds cannot make a law===
I do believe you’re right. However, the feds can encourage state compliance by tying it to federal funding.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jul 8, 20 @ 1:51 pm
@Pundent. How would the government be able to “fully recognize these non-compliant individuals”. There are privacy laws. are you advocating government ticket/arrest (I don’t see this as viable given the economic/social climate) what would they do?
The government can’t dox individuals due to privacy concerns.
We are back to what’s already happening individuals doxxing others, posting videos/pictures to social media of non-mask user, confronting said individual in public, businesses refusing service/entrance.
Comment by 1st Ward Wednesday, Jul 8, 20 @ 1:54 pm
=== no shoes no shirt no service is a store request not even an ordinance.===
… and yet, you comply. You want food or service, and there you are, not being a “Karen”, but wearing shoes, wearing a shirt.
=== You don’t even see that posted much any more===
That’s because it’s expected, and folks know… you better be wearing shoes, you need to have a shirt.
=== and I doubt its even a rule in every jurisdiction===
Use the google and find one that doesn’t have it.
“I’ll wait”
Europe has embarrassed the Covidiots by showing it “can” be done, wearing masks, AND they are far better off than we are.
Europe is banning Americans… because acting like a 3rd world country when it comes to health makes the “Karens” happy.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 8, 20 @ 1:56 pm
=== are you advocating government ticket/arrest===
Please, keep up…
=== Authorities in Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Monterey announced they’ll enforce California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s mask mandate by citing people who don’t cover their face in public.
“Our last option was to conduct enforcement by issuing an Administrative Citation, but the risk to Community health is too great,” said Captain Edward Ramirez of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department’s West Hollywood Station.
The fine in West Hollywood is $250 plus a $50 fee — and that’s just for the first offense.
In Santa Monica, residents could be fined $100 if they don’t wear a mask or comply with social distancing (or keeping at least six feet of distance from others). Second and third violations would result in $250 and $500 fines respectively, and businesses that break the mask or social distancing mandates could receive up to $1,000 in fines.===
shorturl.at/GMPT5
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 8, 20 @ 2:00 pm
National face cover sounds like a needed plan, may as well start training people to respect each other. No way we are going to get back to school unless teh vast majority of people get behind this. Pretty hard when a face mask is a political issue though. Another headline of some maniac screaming at people in a COSTCO because he was told to wear a mask. He is now out of a job. Trump should pass the law just to keep his base employed and alive…..
Comment by 44th Wednesday, Jul 8, 20 @ 2:03 pm
My right to live trumps your right to go maskless.
Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Jul 8, 20 @ 2:11 pm
=There are privacy laws. are you advocating government ticket/arrest (I don’t see this as viable given the economic/social climate) what would they do?=
Rich has the right answer. Tie federal funding to compliance. Earlier today the President threatened the withholding of federal funds for schools that don’t open. Surely the same could be considered for states that ignore requirements to wear masks. Not that I think it would come to that. Most Republican governors have been in lockstep with the President. If he said wear masks or face the consequences I have little doubt that they’d be on board. Democrats on the other hand don’t seem to need convincing.
Comment by Pundent Wednesday, Jul 8, 20 @ 2:12 pm
We need a National Condom Wearing Law so maybe then we will stop killing our unborn children.
Comment by Arock Wednesday, Jul 8, 20 @ 2:18 pm
=== We need a National … Wearing Law so maybe then we will stop killing our unborn children.===
Would that advocate pre marital…
Put the hot pocket in for a few more minutes, the dorm room thinking needs energy
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 8, 20 @ 2:21 pm
I agree Arock. Universal contraception would be awesome. Instead of trying to make abortion illegal, let’s make it unnecessary. Same with masks, instead of requiring by law everyone wear them, why not have universal mask giveaways and encourage people to wear them. Sometimes you don’t know how much sense you really make
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Wednesday, Jul 8, 20 @ 2:27 pm
- just a piece of paper and civil liberties just an old-fashioned idea that can be ignored at will. -
Downstate, if you post your address I’ll come by later and we can excercise our civil liberties in your front yard. I’ll be naked, because the government can’t tell me to cover nothin, right?
Comment by Excitable Boy Wednesday, Jul 8, 20 @ 2:47 pm
I will never understand how having a piece of fabric on one’s face became the constitutional ‘hill’ for some to die on (literally and figuratively).
Comment by Jocko Wednesday, Jul 8, 20 @ 2:48 pm
The federal government could require all businesses involved in interstate commerce use face masks, but the problem would be enforcement as there aren’t federal resources to enforce it. Thus, a state rule/law would be needed and that’s where Rich is right in saying it would have to be tied to funding. Given more recent SC rulings that probably limits it to specific public health funding or funds for state institutions where face masks would be required such as K-12 public schools
Comment by ArchPundit Wednesday, Jul 8, 20 @ 3:09 pm
Beyond establishing a law and/or debating the constitutional issues, perhaps our leaders, all leaders, could simply say, “wear a mask” and lead by example. We used to do things out of a sense of common purpose and civic pride. Now we use these same issues to divide one another. If the majority of us are on-board it makes it alot easier to police the outliers as a society without having to bring down the law.
Comment by Pundent Wednesday, Jul 8, 20 @ 3:47 pm
Arock..someone always has to go there..no matter what the topic..gets really tiresome- find a different venue for your tirade.
Comment by countrychick Wednesday, Jul 8, 20 @ 4:33 pm
@Oswego Willy Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Santa Monica are overly white and I’m guessing liberal as well.
Ticketing would not work in Illinois especially in Chicago given its demographics. See Kim Fox not pursuing curfew violations during lightfoots emergency order a couple weeks ago.
Then you have downstate and suburban whites who lean conservative including elected officials.
No way ticketing happens in large parts of the country. Maybe some select areas.
Comment by 1st Ward Wednesday, Jul 8, 20 @ 4:51 pm
=== are overly white and I’m guessing liberal as well.===
You know this virus doesn’t care what race anyone is, or political leaning.
Making a mask mandatory with consequences, or no service, or businesses losing licensing… it’s not just people, it’s society.
Also, moving the goal post, are we?
=== are you advocating government ticket/arrest (I don’t see this as viable given the economic/social climate) what would they do?===
It *is* being done, and we’ll see how it plays, but I’ve yet to been to restaurants that were looking to serve those without shoes and shirts, so if tickets happen, we’re gonna see the Covidiots not wearing masks, that’s who will complain and not comply… you know… “conservatives”…
=== See Kim Fox not pursuing curfew violations during lightfoots emergency order a couple weeks ago.===
Then more things will close… like beaches, parks, schools, businesses would be shut down…
If Europe, as a whole, was as weak minded and feeble to realizing the importance of masks, social distancing, they’d be where the United Ststes is.
It can be done… you’re choosing to blame urban minorities… instead of white conservatives… you know, the “Karens”…
Makes me wonder why you feel the need to think minorities, and not whites will be more non-compliant. Hmm…
Ah…
=== Then you have downstate and suburban whites who lean conservative including elected officials.===
You don’t think closing their business and state parks, that with tickets won’t work?
Society deciding national masks are important will work if the Covidiots realize it won’t pay to buck it.
=== No way ticketing happens in large parts of the country. Maybe some select areas.===
That is true, Trump is weak and feeble and only cares for money over people as he thinks 130,000 deaths as “good” as all the world sees America as a 3rd world health spot, no different than the places this president sees as “bad”, riddled with out of control viruses.
It’s good on Pritzker to call for national masking… but it’s not urban minorities that will make it impossible, it will be the President who won’t do what’s needed to save lives.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 8, 20 @ 5:16 pm