South Central Reporter

State Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City) wants small business owners to know he believes the power is in their hands in determining where they go from here.

“Ultimately, these business owners and consumers are going to have to make the decisions on what’s best for them, what’s right for them, and what they’re comfortable with moving forward,” Wilhour told the South Central Reporter soon after Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced his approval for much of the state moving into Phase 3 of his five-phase Restore Illinois plan for fully reopening the economy.

Long a critic of many of the most rigid rules the governor has put in place since the COVID-19 emerged, Wilhour questions if the governor ever had the authority to extend the one-size-fits-all rules he enacted across the entire state to begin with.

“These are decisions that are to be made by the local health department,” he said. “Those are the only folks that can come in and shut down a business, but they can’t do it without due process. Just because there is a pandemic doesn’t mean we suspend the constitution.”

In the end, Wilhour said he’s happy to have finally arrived at this point.

“It’s time to open up all businesses to a level that consumers, industry leaders and business owners are comfortable with,” he said.

Under Phase 3 of Restore Illinois, bars and restaurants are able to offer outdoor dining services and so-called "non-essential" manufacturing, offices and retail businesses are allowed to resume operations. In addition, barber shops and salons are allowed to reopen, while gyms and fitness clubs are allowed to offer outdoor classes and one-on-one training.

Finally, churches will also be able to resume holding in-person services, with the recommendation being for groups of 10 or fewer. Congregations hosting larger gatherings are encouraged to do so outdoors.