Reitz Responds as Legislature Prepares for Return to Springfield

RED BUD, Ill. – In response to the General Assembly’s plans to reconvene for legislative session in Springfield later this week, state Rep. Nathan Reitz, D-Steeleville, released the following statement:

“The COVID-19 crisis has changed life for many families in Southern Illinois. To help develop both short-term and long-term solutions to the many obstacles facing our state, the General Assembly will return to session later this week. While we will be following guidelines outlined by medical experts, it is critical that we take action as soon as possible as there are so many Illinoisans in dire need of help.

“As our state has worked to address the COVID-19 crisis, I have continued fighting for our families by serving on legislative working groups focused on health care, human services and education. I have been working in a bipartisan manner to find real solutions to challenges caused by the pandemic and my top priority when we return to Springfield is to continue my support for middle-class families, put residents back to work, support our local mom and pop businesses, and rebuild and grow our struggling economy.

“Now more than ever it is critical that lawmakers put aside partisan bickering and do right by the people of Illinois by passing a balanced, responsible budget. It is important that our limited resources are used to help families that are struggling to make ends meet by providing relief for employers and workers and increasing support for local and rural health providers. We must prioritize paying down the enormous backlog of unpaid bills to save taxpayer dollars in long run and get our state back on the right track. I will continue working to be a strong advocate for Southern Illinois families.”