By Neil Doyle

BLOOMINGTON – Gov. JB Pritzker has extended the state’s stay-at-home order through the end of May and some local Republican lawmakers have weighed in.

State Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) told WJBC’s Craig Collins an extension to the order was coming, but people weren’t sure what to expect.

“I thought this extension may be limited for another two weeks while things were reassessed, but clearly it’s going to be longer than that,” Barickman said.  “Probably even more significantly, I really think the governor has to stop approaching policy making, even with this, with a one size fits all approach.”

Illinois Senate GOP Leader Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) was pleased with restrictions being eased on state parks and essential health care procedures.

“However, one area not included in this extension was a regional, phased-in reopening of our state,” said Brady in a news release.  “Downstate communities, while following the proper social distancing guidelines, are not seeing the same number of cases, but they’re suffering just the same economically.”

State Rep. Dan Brady (R-Bloomington) echoed the regional reopening.

“I think there are certain small businesses that should be able to reopen and allow more Illinoisans to get back to work,” Brady said.

Some modifications to the order that will go into effect May 1 – you have to wear a mask while in public if it’s unlikely you can stay six feet from everyone else … the opening of state parks will be phased in … and golf is allowed under “strict social distance guidelines.”

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]