Dupage Policy Journal

Rep. Amy Grant (R-Wheaton) wants Gov. J.B. Pritzker to stand by his words when it comes to allowing increased capacity at high school extracurricular events.

"The governor has always claimed he wants to follow the science and health experts have told us it's OK, that the likelihood of these kids spreading the virus between one another is not high," Grant told the DuPage Policy Journal. "I think it's time. These kids have certainly suffered enough as it is."

Even as the state has made steady progress in lowering COVID-19 infection rates, extracurricular school events are limited to 50 people, even in cases where facilities can safely accommodate many more while adhering to all mask-wearing and social-distancing guidelines.

In the current situation, Grant said kids and parents are the real losers with the limits.

"I think the increase would do wonders for the kids' morale," she said. "I've joined a bipartisan coalition of legislators and educators in asking Gov. Pritzker to make this happen."

Officials from the Illinois High School Association, the Illinois Association of School Boards are also lobbying for the change along with parents, coaches, players, and school administrators from across the state.

"The truth is these kids are already getting together regardless, visiting and eating with one another," Grant said. "At least playing a sport or having them in that kind of setting creates a far safer environment."

Grant said continuing the current policy is a disservice to kids and parents everywhere.

"These restrictions are hurting so many," she said. "The memories all these kids are missing out on is something you can't get back. I just hope the governor can hear us and moves to take the steps he should for the sake of these kids."