Dupage Policy Journal

Rep. Amy Grant (R-Wheaton) wants Gov. J.B. Pritzker to stand by his word 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."

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

"I think the increase would do wonders for the kids' morale," Grant 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 pushing for the increase 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."

In the end, Grant said to keep doing things the way they're now, being down 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."