Metro East Sun

Rep. David Friess (R-Red Bud) said there's a good reason why Illinois mainly stands alone in the battle to rebuild its economy in the wake of COVID-19.

"The struggle to recover in Illinois has been as hard as it has been due to the fact that the economy was not growing prior to the pandemic, and then when the pandemic hit, the governor shut down countless small businesses, which are the lifeblood of our economy," Friess told the SE Illinois News. "Gov. [J.B.] Pritzker's restrictions have exacerbated the already shaky economy."

A December report from the Illinois Department of Employment Security found that the state has seen a decline in jobs since September. The main bulk of those reductions is connected to the leisure and hotel industry, with the report showing approximately 27,000 jobs nixed in November. 

The job losses are connected to the state's executive order restricting indoor dining — a critical service of the sector.  

"To get the job market moving in a positive direction, Illinois is going to have to be more inviting to its citizens and businesses," Friess said, who knocked off then-incumbent state Rep. Nathan Reitz (D-Red Bud) in November for the District 116 seat nearly 65% of the vote. 

"This is best done by easing the tax burden, which is driving people from Illinois and instituting pro-business reforms," he said." 

Friess worries things could get worse before they get better.

"It is my understanding that 30% to 50% of restaurants and bars may close their doors permanently," he said. "If this happens, communities of every size will be devastated and it will take years to recover."