SE Illinois News

State Rep. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) regrets Gov. J.B. Pritzker is being the only person he thinks he can be in his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“What you’re seeing is what happens when privilege and arrogance come together, it destroys every moral fiber in you,” Bailey told the SE Illinois News. “The governor is on this power trip where he won’t listen to anyone and he doesn’t care whose being hurt by his actions.”

Pritzker recently doubled down on his decision not to allow most student-athletes to take the field over COVID-19 concerns, sparking protests from parents, students and coaches all across the state. The Illinois High School Association fired off a letter to Pritzker requesting that they be allowed “to resume control over determining the resumption of sports and activities.” Currently, the two sides are allowing teams across the state to practice this month under specific COVID-19 guidelines

“Everything the governor’s doing has been a complete disaster,” Bailey added. “He’s not only destroying Illinois but the future of our young people as well. Who does he really think he’s protecting when kids, parents and everyone in between all want to be back playing?”

Bailey said he’s convinced most of the governor’s actions are now politically motivated, with the goal being to try and make President Donald Trump look bad no matter the cost.

“It’s wrong and he needs to be held accountable,” he said. “The thing is people are really getting fed up with everything he’s doing and you see they’re taking action.”

Bailey argues student-athletes are now added to a long and still growing list of victims Pritzker has trampled over since taking over in Springfield.

“He’s become a dictator, someone not at all concerned about anyone but himself,” he said. “You’ve got a whole generation of kids being hurt, some even losing the potential of scholarships that could change their lives. It’s reminiscent of times in history when kings wouldn’t listen to anyone when imposing their will.”