New Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, center, and others wear masks amid the coronavirus pandemic during session at the State Capitol, Wednesday, May 20, 2020, in Springfield, Ill. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune via AP, Pool)
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The Illinois General Assembly has convened in Springfield for the first time in 10 weeks, desks spaced apart and most members wearing masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Lawmakers are hoping to complete a spring-session’s worth of work in three days after canceling all meeting days since early March because of the coronavirus pandemic.
GOP Rep. Darren Bailey was removed from the House when he refused to wear a face covering.
Despite 147 more COVID-19-related deaths, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said the state is recovering enough to allow outdoor dining at restaurants with appropriately placed tables starting May 29.
