Despite ‘Bridge Phase’ and new guidance from CDC, Illinois House members must remain masked

Posted on May 14, 2021
State Rep. Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) says it’s time to lift mask mandates in schools and on the House floor. (Photo courtesy: Pixabay)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Despite Illinois’ entry into the “bridge phase” and new guidance from the CDC, Illinois House members must remain masked. Senators are still subject to regular saliva tests.

State Rep. Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) says enough is enough, and he’s introducing legislation to lift mask mandates on the House floor and in schools.

“We are at little risk of COVID-19 on this floor,” Niemerg said. “And if we want our constituents to understand the importance of vaccines, we have to end this policy.”

State Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) has a differing viewpoint, reminding colleagues some General Assembly staff members are still ill.

“We can give all the speeches in the world about our freedoms,” Morgan said. “But I ask us all to take very seriously the importance of taking good care of ourselves and the people that we care about and the people we work with in this chamber.”

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]. 

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