File photo
File photo
Five Republican congressmen from Illinois are criticizing Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s handling of federal COVID-19 relief funds, arguing he should be more transparent about how the money is being spent and explain why so much of it has yet to be distributed.
“We continue to hear from local leaders in our districts who are struggling because of COVID-19 and Gov. Pritzker’s stay-at-home orders,” the congressmen said in a statement. “The lack of transparency regarding the federal funding sent to Illinois to support our communities through this pandemic is unacceptable. While Gov. Pritzker continues to criticize the federal government and call for additional federal support, he must immediately provide information to the public about how the federal tax payer money he is withholding will be disbursed and a process for how smaller units of government can get access to the funding.”
The statement was signed U.S. Reps. Darin LaHood, John Shimkus, Adam Kinzinger, Rodney Davis and Mike Bost.
According to U.S. Treasury Department data, Illinois had spent only 14.4% of the COVID-19 funds allocated as of June 30. In May, Illinois Republicans sent a letter requesting information on how smaller local governments could received federal funding.
“No information was provided in response to that letter,” the congressmen said.
Alerts Sign-up