South Central Reporter

Illinois state Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City) is blasting Gov. J.B. Pritzker over what he contends is his blatant disregard for rules and regulations.

“Rules, otherwise known as laws, are the responsibility of the legislature,” Wilhour said. “The governor has no right to circumvent our legal process. If he wants the mask mandate with associated penalties, then call the legislature back in and do it the right way. The rule of law, separation of powers and executive restraint are important, even in a pandemic.”

Pritzker recently announced he’s contemplating fines of up to $2,500 for businesses that fail to enforce face-mask and social-distancing regulations aimed at fighting the spread of COVID-19. He added that the Illinois Department of Public Health is now looking into instituting actions that range from having enforcement officers educate businesses about the rules, to warnings and then to the fines.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker | Wikipedia Commons

While the governor continues to insist the state has made great progress in its fight against the deadly virus, he adds that the new rules would make it easier for everyone to remain clear about what the rules are for keeping residents safe and healthy.

Meanwhile, Wilhour worries about more government overreach.

“I’ve said from the beginning, I don’t think he has the constitutional power to be putting restrictions like this in place,” Wilhour said. "When you’re taking these kinds of draconian measures that impact personal liberties, you have to be transparent. The governor hasn’t done that. We’re an equal branch of government and we have the right to be able to analyze these things.”