Chicago City Wire

Gov. Pritzker gets disapproval after being in favor of providing vaccines to Illinois politicians and felons ahead of high-risk adults.

Pritzker spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh said that the decision came after the governor’s office received requests from legislators who wish to receive the vaccine in phase 1b. “The state of Illinois has urgent and vital business that must be addressed, and we hope that the General Assembly will engage in a robust and productive schedule,” according to her.

Illinois GOP Chairman Tim Schneider argued that the decision was wrong.

“For months, thousands of Illinois workers have been going to work and diligently abiding by safety precautions as they performed their jobs,” Schneider said. Springfield politicians are capable of doing the same and waiting in line like everyone else to receive their vaccine. Despite some of them believing so, Illinois legislators are not more important or worthy than the rest of us.”

According to the CDC  Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) chart, “executive, legislative, and other general government support” roles are to be included in the phase 1c of vaccination rollout.

Pritzker has also earlier allowed prioritizing prisoners ahead of the most vulnerable. 

“Let’s be clear here, Gov. Pritzker is prioritizing young healthy felons and Springfield politicians over high-risk adults. These decisions display a shameful lack of judgment by the Governor. He should reverse course” Schneider added.