West Central Reporter

Chris Hicks seethes at the thought of there being no respite for some of the state’s most vulnerable residents.

“It is disheartening to see no help available to those who need it the most,” Hicks told the West Central Reporter of reports some of those hardest hit financially by the impact of COVID-19 are now encountering difficulties getting through to the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES), which handles unemployment claims for suddenly out-of-work residents.

“There is no excuse for these locations being closed,” added Hicks, now running as a Republican for Sawyerville Village president and a spot on the Gillespie School Board.

With some economists predicting the effects of the COVID-related lockdowns imposed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker could linger for decades, some are stressing that pain and suffering isn’t only about dollars and sense.

A growing number of state lawmakers say some of their constituents have shown signs of severe depression and even suicidal thoughts due to the frustrations of not being able to get through to IDES as savings and prospects dwindle.

“The COVID restrictions have proven to be a much larger problem than COVID,” Hicks added. “A full investigation needs to be launched to determine why such an utter failure has occurred. These issues need to be addressed immediately.”

Hicks said he looks around at other states like Florida where restrictions were lifted long ago and sighs at the thought of what could have been.

“It is difficult for Illinois businesses to compete and prosper when draconian measures have kept many businesses closed,” he said.

Of the jobs lost in the state over the last year, IDES reports that at least 216,000 have come in the leisure and hospitality industry.