Springfield, IL — On Oct. 22, Gov. JB Pritzker expanded his vaccinate-or-test mandate to include individuals who work in licensed day care centers.

State Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro), State Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris), State Sen. Sally Turner (R-Beason) and State Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) issued the following statement following the mandate:

“The COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating for families across the state, but women in the workforce have been especially impacted by this unprecedented health crisis. We witnessed countless parents struggling to find affordable and reliable child care for their children. And it was working mothers who were hit hardest, as they juggled their careers and child care during unpreceded circumstances.

The reality is the most recent mandate is an attack on working mothers as they resume a more normal work schedule. Gov. Pritzker’s action has the potential to exacerbate an already growing child care crisis in our state. It’s a shortsighted act that will diminish the already limited and sparse availability of child care to families in Illinois.”