Illinois state Rep. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) | repbailey.com
Illinois state Rep. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) | repbailey.com
Illinois state Rep. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) is criticizing Gov. J.B. Pritzker for putting his personal desires ahead of the welfare of the state's taxpayers.
“What he’s doing shows his complete disregard for the people and businesses of this state,” Bailey told the SE Illinois News. “I am completely undone by his arrogance.”
Pritzker recently announced that he wants to enact a rule that would fine businesses up to $2,500 for failure to enforce face-mask and social-distancing regulations meant to fight the spread of COVID-19. As Republicans have quickly voiced their opposition to the proposal, the governor has defended his position by arguing the change will aid law enforcement, local boards of health, school districts and the general public in policing the use of face coverings and limiting social gatherings.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker
| Wikipedia Commons
“This just shows how unfriendly he is to Illinois businesses,” Bailey said. “The General Assembly needs to get together to pass laws that make sense for this state. It’s true we have increased COVID numbers, but they go right along with the increased testing and he refuses to show us any of the numbers he is using for any of this.”
Pritzker tried enacting similar legislation in May, but withdrew it amid much criticism before a scheduled Joint Commission on Administrative Rules hearing. As was the case back then, Bailey worries about the impact such actions would have on an already suffering small business community.
“They really can’t afford anything like this,” he said. “With everything they’ve had to deal with, there’s just no wiggle room. All the governor seems interested in is more burden, regulations and restrictions, with all of it coming at the demise of the state economy.”
Bailey sees just one way out.
“The people of Illinois have to stand up and say 'enough,'” he said. “I think we’re going to see even more resistance as more and more people grow frustrated with what’s happening. People everywhere want to know what they can do to put an end to it.”
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