SE Illinois News

Republican state Rep. Darren Bailey says he has no regrets about the scene he sparked in Springfield last month that led to him being removed from the first legislative session members convened for since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“I did it on behalf of the people of Illinois,” Bailey told the SE Illinois News of his refusal to wear a face covering as required by newly adopted House rules. “Being forced to wear this mask is not about health concerns. It’s about losing our freedoms and liberties and I felt someone needed to stand up.”

The Xenia lawmaker returned for the next day’s session at the Bank of Springfield Center and has proven to be as feisty as ever in pushing for the things he thinks the state needs most for a resurrection.

“I came back because I felt I needed to be there for my constituents,” Bailey said. “I put the mask on and took a stand for what I see as a responsible budget and a path forward for this state with everything that’s happening.”

Bailey said all the early indications seem to suggest Democrats are pushing to enact a budget that resembles the one they hammered home last year.

“I think they will borrow money to make it work and count on money they claim to be expecting from the governor’s progressive income tax,” he said. “From all the numbers I’ve seen, I’m guessing that if we maintain spending at the same levels as last year with no cuts, we’re looking at a $7 billion deficit.”

In the end, Bailey said it all adds up as just more of the same kind of bad policy that has gotten the state in such a rut to begin with.

“What we’ve been doing in Springfield for the last 40 years just isn’t working,” he said. “I think what’s wrong with Springfield is that Democrats have been in control for too long and too many of their bad policies have taken hold. That’s why I do what I do in terms of sanding up and speaking out. Enough is enough.”