South Central Reporter

State Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-Xenia) has grown tired of what he sees as Illinois Democrats' endless hypocrisy when it comes to his handling of the COVID-19 crisis.

“So, the General Assembly sees it too unsafe to meet but we expect truck drivers, clerks, construction workers and other working-class folks to continue working,” Wilhour said. “What a disgrace.”

The veteran lawmaker’s outburst comes in the wake of Illinois' legislative leaders recently announcing that the fall veto session set to kick off this month has been canceled due to lingering concerns about the virus and a current outbreak of infections.  

“This is not the time to physically bring together hundreds of people from all around the state,” state Senate President Don Harmon said. “Given what’s happening, it was an obvious decision. It’s not safe or responsible to have a legislative session under these circumstances.”

Wilhour, recently elected to a second term in the 107th District with 76% of the vote over Democrat David Seiler, isn’t buying it. He adds the move to a growing list of what he sees as some of the governor’s most failed policies and actions.   

“We have a government and a bureaucratic system that are running unchecked and completely out of control," he said. “Small businesses are being destroyed; IDES is still a disaster. Young people are being needlessly punished. We are in a budgetary disaster and tough decisions needs to be made by our elected representatives. The governor and his offices have let people down at every turn.”

The new session was slated to commence on Nov. 17 for the first day of a scheduled six-day session. The next General Assembly is due to be inaugurated Jan. 13.