John --

Welcome to the April Parkhurst Pulse!

Spring Session is canceled through the end of the month, but bill deadlines were extended to May 22nd. 

Please contact my District Office with any questions or concerns regarding state issues. We’re here to help!

Very truly yours,

Lindsay Parkhurst

79th District State Representative

Fighting For You!

COVID-19

The Governor announced April 17th that all Illinois schools are to remain closed for the rest of the school year.

On April 14th, myself and other Republican women serving in the Illinois House of Representatives sent a letter to Governor JB Pritzker and Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Director Colleen Callahan requesting the Governor re-open State Parks and trails closed since the March 20th stay at home order. 

Our voice was heard:

The Governor announced April 23rd that he will sign a modified version of the state’s stay at home order that will go into effect on May 1 and extend through Saturday, May 30.

Starting May 1:

OUTDOOR RECREATION: State parks will begin a phased re-opening under guidance from the Department of Natural Resources. Fishing and boating in groups of no more than two people will be permitted. A list of parks that will be open on May 1 and additional guidelines can be found on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/closures/Pages/ParksOpenDuringCoVID19.aspx. Golf will be permitted under strict safety guidelines provided by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and when ensuring that social distancing is followed.

NEW ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES: Greenhouses, garden centers and nurseries may re-open as essential businesses. These stores must follow social distancing requirements and must require that employees and customers wear a face covering. Animal grooming services may also re-open.

NON-ESSENTIAL RETAIL: Retail stores not designated as non-essential businesses and operations may re-open to fulfill telephone and online orders through pick-up outside the store and delivery.

FACE COVERINGS: Beginning on May 1, individuals will be required to wear a face-covering or a mask when in a public place where they can’t maintain a six-foot social distance. Face-coverings will be required in public indoor spaces, such as stores. This new requirement applies to all individuals over the age of two who are able to medically tolerate a face-covering or a mask.

ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES AND MANUFACTURING: Essential businesses and manufacturers will be required to provide face-coverings to all employees who are not able to maintain six-feet of social distancing, as well as follow new requirements that maximize social distancing and prioritize the well-being of employees and customers. This will include occupancy limits for essential businesses and precautions such as staggering shifts and operating only essential lines for manufacturers.

SCHOOLS: Educational institutions may allow and establish procedures for pick-up of necessary supplies or student belongings. Dormitory move-outs must follow public health guidelines, including social distancing.

The Illinois Department of Public Health will also be issuing guidance to surgi-centers and hospitals to allow for certain elective surgeries for non-life-threatening conditions, starting on May 1.

My office will remain closed to the public and my staff is continuing to work remotely. We are still offering constituent services and can be reached by email at repparkhurst.com or by phone at 815-523-7779. 

We are working hard to keep you updated with the latest information. My website is updated daily with the community resources, calls to action, and information for the 79th District. Illinois House Republicans are offering rolling updates and news from the state at ilcovid19info.com. 

Thank you!

Thank you to our Medical Workers and First Responders who are continuing to work on the frontlines treating patients. And also thank you to American Industry who is continuing to work hard to find treatments, vaccines, cures, and manufacturing personal protective equipment, ventilators, and hand sanitizer.  America is truly a great nation. #proudtobeanamerican

Around the District 

Staying safe and staying home is the best thing we can do to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Hands Across Illinois Web Event

On April 29th I participated in an online event recognizing Illinois children who are affected by abuse and neglect, as well as honoring the many volunteers and staff who work day in and day out to bring the much needed support and care to these children.

 April is Child Abuse Prevention month. 

Fortitude Community Outreach

I assisted Fortitude Community Outreach by packing up and delivering coat and blanket donations to help the homeless in our district. Thank you to Fortitude for providing food and other necessities to the homeless in our communities!

COVID-19 Response

I have been working with my daughter and nieces over the last few weeks to make face masks for our local front-line workers!

Supporting local business

Under the governor's executive orders, restaurants and bars must shut down dine-in services. However, many local small businesses are offering take-out and delivery to keep their employees working. I have highlighted a business who is offering alternative services on my Facebook page. Check it out! Want to be featured? Send me a message!

Constituent Services

Part of my job as a state representative is to assist you with navigating problems with state agencies. From assisting gun owners with FOID and CCL applications to navigating the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, my office successfully assisted 10 constituents in the month of April. It is my pleasure to serve you!

Job Board

Are you looking for a new job or a change in career? Check out my job board for job search resources and local listings. If you are an employer, check out the link above to find out how to send job posting requests.

Census

Want something to do while you are at home? Respond to the Census! You may have received mail from the Census Bureau with a code. Head online and respond. It takes 5 minutes and can mean more funding for our schools, roads, and human services!

I already responded! Please be counted and encourage others to be counted. We lose money locally and statewide for everyone not counted.  

When you're done, you can see how our country, state, county, and village is responding. Check out the Census response rate map and encourage your neighbor to respond, too!

“Like” me on Facebook to keep up to date on future events and drives!!!