UPDATED 1:47 P.M.
PEORIA, Ill. – Governor JB Pritzker used a Peoria agency as a backdrop for talking up increased money thanks to both state and federal sources for community and low-income assistance programs Monday morning, but he also talked in detail about people not masking up and not getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
Speaking at the Peoria Citizens Committee for Economic Opportunity building, Pritzker said mask mandates and requirements for vaccinations by state and other employees will work.
“I know that there are people who are attempting to challenge these things in court,” said Pritzker. “I would just say that this is a very unhelpful thing to do, and it is going to make schools and health care settings less safe.”
As for the assistance money, which Pritzker says the pandemic made all the more important, a record $327 million is avaialble statewide for paying energy bills, rent, and other things. Information is available by CLICKING HERE.
Also Monday, Pritzker claimed the ongoing McCluggage Bridge rehabilitation project as a victory for him and for the state.
The $167 million work slated to finish in 2023 is being funded through the state’s Rebuild Illinois Capital plan.
“With a new deck bridge that will nearly double its width, the new structure will not only be safer, smoother, and faster at larger capacity, but we’re adding a protected bike and pedestrian path,” said Pritzker.
The McCluggage Bridge was first opened during World War II.
State of Illinois/Illinois Information Service
