In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is considering yet another extension of his State of Emergency Declaration and “Stay At Home” Executive Order. It could come as soon as today. Our state and nation are facing an extraordinary time that rivals some of the greatest challenges in our nation’s history. Manufacturers are answering our nation’s call – as they have for every challenge – conquering obstacles, and leading the way forward.

State and local officials are making decisions daily about business operations. Let me be clear – manufacturing is essential to Illinois’ success in this battle. Manufacturers and their supply chains are making medical equipment, nutritional food, power grid components, cleaners and sanitizers, and other products that are urgently needed for the health and safety of our state and country.

The IMA is hearing that the Governor may try and further restrict manufacturing in addition to imposing new safety mandates and imposing some type of “inventory” measure that will be used to determine whether a manufacturer can operate. This could create significant interruptions in supply chains.

The IMA will be delivering a letter to Governor JB Pritzker today urging him to continue to declare manufacturing as an essential industry. If you would like to sign onto this letter, please complete the form below.