Kankakee, IL - Earlier this week, Governor Pritzker announced plans to start mitigation efforts for Region 7 which includes Kankakee and Will Counties.

After much consideration, I will continue to support our business owners and community to achieve a balance between public health and implications on the economy. Small businesses are the backbone of every community and forcing them into another shutdown would not only devastate the livelihoods of families, but also the local economy. Without the proper financial resources to support business owners during shutdowns, this mandate is not sustainable for our community.

Furthermore, the City of Kankakee is a home-rule municipality. This state mandate would impose standards on local law enforcement and the Kankakee County Health Department that cannot be met. I would prefer to have the City of Kankakee police addressing crime and protecting the City.

With that being said, I also understand that our community is facing flu season, in addition to, the pandemic. I am a believer in science which is why I have been providing regular updates and resources for months in response to the impact of COVID-19.  

I will continue to advise everyone to adhere to the recommendations of the Illinois Department of Public Health. Please wear masks, social distance and frequently wash your hands. Although the City of Kankakee has distributed approximately $70,000 to small business owners and residents for mortgage, rent and utility assistance, I know there are greater needs. I will continue to advocate at the federal level for direct aid to the City of Kankakee and other municipalities. And I will continue to share resources that will support business owners and our community as we work toward recovery from this pandemic.

Adults have the autonomy to make decisions. Business owners have an obligation to operate in a responsible manner that upholds health standards and keep consumers safe. I will support the decision of local business owners. The public must maintain their responsibility to wear masks to minimize exposure to the virus. I trust that our community will come together and be mindful of these factors as we move through mitigation and navigate this pandemic.

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ADMINISTRATION BUILDING 304 South Indiana Avenue Kankakee, Illinois 60901-3904

Telephone: 815-933-0500 Fax: 815-936-3619 Website: www.citykankakee-il.gov

 

Download - Mayor Wells-Armstrong Releases Statement In Support of Local Business Owners