South Central Reporter

State Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City) wonders how Gov. J.B. Pritzker can continue to push all his stay-at-home policies and other COVID-19 restrictions with a straight face.

“This is the governor yesterday,” Wilhour said of a photo showing him joining a group of other lawmakers, including U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, in taking part in a Juneteenth holiday march that attracted massive crowds. “He threatens everyone else to follow his orders or else. Stop worrying about his ridiculous guideline. He only follows them when he feels like it’s politically beneficial.”

Using an executive order, Pritzker first enacted his stay-at-home policy back in March, forcing small businesses all across the state to shutter or operate at limited capacity. More recently, the governor announced the state is on course to move into Phase 4 of his five-phase Restore Illinois plan, as all the regions seem to fulfilling the metrics he laid out for them.

Wilhour argues the time for such action is way past due and has taken to encouraging small business owners in his 107th District and across the area to take matters in their own hands when it comes to getting back to their livelihoods.

“Thanks Sharon’s Café in Salem for having the courage to open back up again,” he recently posted on Facebook. “The shutdown is another example of nonsensical policies that disproportionately affect small businesses and benefit major corporations. Everyone open up.”

Phase Four guidelines allow for gatherings of up to 50 people and for restaurants and bars to reopen with limited seating. Health clubs and movie theaters can also reopen under similar guidelines.