(WBBM NEWSRADIO) —Gov. JB Pritzker this week said Illinois state legislators may receive their COVID-19 vaccinations now, as part of Phase 1B distribution, and for many that means jumping to the head of the line.
Phase 1B is for those 65 and older and for essential workers like police and fire, teachers and grocery employees.
Pritzker said, however, “many legislators asked because there is so much work to be done” whether they can be part of the group.
The governor said he himself is not getting a vaccine yet.
“I’m waiting my turn. I think it’s important to set an example in that way,” the Democrat said.
David Greising, president of the Better Government Association, said legislators are showing “a bit of a tin ear.”
“There’s a big issue with regard to equity and the distribution of vaccines,” he said. “That’s counterbalanced, though, by the fact that we do need the legislature to be doing its business.”
Greising says unlike the Illinois General Assembly, many states have adopted rules to allow their legislators to meet remotely.
Illinois faces continuing budget problems largely because of the pandemic, and Pritzker has asked for lawmakers’ help in sorting out the state’s finances.
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