Dupage Policy Journal

Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park)  and Gov. J.B. Pritzker both recently visited London to drum up business for Illinois.

“Illinois is the crossroads of America's transportation network, home to world-class universities and skilled workforce,” Harmon recently posted on Twitter. “Industries looking to get into world's leading economy should do it here, in Illinois. That's why we're in London.”

Pritzker describing his work there as a recruiting visit, aimed at seeking new investment and jobs for the state.

Although critics say Springfield’s recent passage of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act will bring higher electric bills, the governor appears undaunted.

"With our climate action plan in one hand and the ‘Reimagine Electric Vehicles Act’ in the other, I will aggressively work to recruit and support businesses that will create thousands of good jobs in communities across our state," Pritzker told Fox News.

Meanwhile, Harmon recently saluted the governor for what he views as his skillful handling of the COVID-19 crisis.

"When we follow medical science, we make progress against this pandemic,” Harmon said in a post to Facebook. “I applaud the governor for continuing to follow the science to protect the people of Illinois." 

Republican lawmakers though have been blasting Pritzker over his decision to impose a statewide mask mandate for all public and private school students, and state employees who work at congregate settings.

"The governor's continued unilateral, go-it-alone approach on pandemic decision-making actively undermines the state's ability to have broadly accepted mitigation strategies," said Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie (R-Lake Zurich).

Harmon also recently touted the Senate’s approval of legislation that paves the way for voters to be able to cast their ballots in future elections using methods permitted in the 2020 general election.

The new bill grants local election officials the authority to establish perpetual ballot drop-boxes that would accommodate vote-by-mail votes. The measure also dictates that election officials must admit a mailed ballot even if it lacks proper postage.

"I am proud that Illinois distinguished itself from those states seeking to restrict voting access and instead passed legislation making it easier for everyone to participate in this vital aspect of our democracy," Harmon said in a post to Facebook.