Dear Friend, 

This week, I joined with my fellow Senate Republican colleagues to urge the Pritzker Administration to take into consideration the daily realities facing the people of this state and push back the state income tax deadline for Illinois taxpayers.

Following the call to action, on March 25, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker announced that the state’s income tax deadline will be extended from April 15 to July 15.

Given that many citizens are looking at the future with trepidation and concern about providing for their families, this extension was necessary and the least we could do to help provide a measure of relief to Illinois citizens. 

As we continue to navigate this ongoing health crisis, it is critical that state government recognizes the economic hardships and impact that a state-wide shutdown is having on residents and businesses.

As we approach the April 7 expiration date on the governor's stay-at-home order, we are going to have to begin looking at what this crisis is doing to our economy and where a majority of confirmed COVID-19 cases are localized. 

If downstate continues to see limited and isolated cases of the virus outbreak, I would urge a serious conversation about regionalizing any future "shelter-in-place" orders or further business restrictions.

While ensuring the safety and well-being of our citizens is always the first priority, we have to begin looking toward the future and how we can begin to help Illinois recover. 

As always, please reach out to my District office by phone or e-mail with any questions or concerns you may have. 

Sincerely, 

Dale Righter
State Senator for the 55th District ​