Barickman: I’ll wait my turn just like everyone else

Posted on January 20, 2021
State Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington). (Neil Doyle/WJBC)

 

By Neil Doyle

BLOOMINGTON – Some lawmakers in Springfield think they should move up the priority list to get the COVID-19 vaccine. But one local state Senator does not agree.

“There has been some chatter about whether public officials would be moved up in the line, that is not going to happen, and shouldn’t happen,” Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) told WJBC’s Scott Miller. “People would really be skeptical if public officials got bumped up in priority. I’ll wait my turn just like everyone else.”

Last week, Gov. Pritzker was asked if legislators should be vaccinated before the spring session.

“I have not been vaccinated and none of the constitutional officers have been to my knowledge. Elected officials will fall in wherever they fall in as the rest of the population does,” said Pritzker.

Under Phase 1B of the state’s vaccination plan, essential workers and those 65 and older can get a shot. That would qualify a few members of the Illinois General Assembly.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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