Illinois Valley Times

State Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Elmhurst) is hoping a light finally goes off in Springfield.

“I’m urging everyone to do everything we’re being told to try to keep everyone safe and healthy,” Rezin told the Illinois Valley Times. “At the same time, I’m certainly concerned about our small businesses during this unprecedented pandemic. It should be the first priority of our state, local and federal governments to get our economy going again as soon as we can.”

A new U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Metlife survey suggests there is little time to lose. Researchers concluded that over the next two weeks, well over half of all small businesses across the country could be closed.

As one of nearly 40 states that have stay-at-home orders in place, Illinois lands right in the middle of all the struggle.

“We need to make our businesses one of our top priorities again,” Rezin said. “It’s important and critical to our stability that they are able to get things done.”

Rezin said she is hopeful that the next session in Springfield can serve as a springboard for all the changes she’s convinced are needed to get the state back on track once all has passed.

“I’m hoping once we get back in session we can continue to have conversations about the importance of government working with businesses to get the economy going again,” she said. “I’m hopeful that Springfield can get the job done, but in times past we’ve been met with such opposition. I hope both parties understand the importance of doing what we can to make things easier for businesses to do what they need to do.”