McHenry Times

Rep. Allen Skillicorn (R-Crystal Lake) is trying to recall Gov. J.B. Pritzker after alleging that he has not addressed the problems with the state's unemployment claim system.

Data obtained by Skillicorn reportedly shows that the number of calls received by the Illinois Department of Employment Security from March 2 through April 28 increased dramatically and quickly, averaging 370,000 calls per day, the local Patch website reported on May 26. The number of agents available to answer those calls slightly increased from 88 to 122.

What remains unknown is the number of calls that aren't completed and online sessions that erroneously prevent the user from completing their claim. 

"The Governor has had ample time to fix this website," Skillicorn said, Patch reported. "I called him out on it, and nothing has been addressed nor has there been a plan presented to fix the problems. Enough is enough. The incompetence cannot continue."

Pritzker is a Democrat first elected in November 2018 and took office in January 2019 after he defeated Republican incumbent Bruce Rauner. 

The affidavit that initiates a recall must be signed by at least 20 representatives and 10 senators, Patch reported. No more than half the signatures of either group can come from one political party. Once the minimum number of signatures is obtained, the affidavit has to be filed at the State Board of Elections. After that, Illinois citizens would have 150 days to gather more than 630,000 voter signatures.