South Central Reporter

Veteran Illinois state Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-Effingham) doesn’t hold back in voicing his opposition to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s new universal mask mandate for all public and private school students.

"This newest Executive Order by Gov. Pritzker, using our children as political pawns to coerce everyone to take the Covid-19 vaccine, is not acceptable," Wilhour wrote in a Facebook post.

In making his announcement earlier this month, the governor added that the order will also require all state employees working at congregate settings, such as long-term care facilities or veteran homes, to be vaccinated by Oct. 4. Finally, Pritzker’s edict also extends to day cares and teachers and staff members at preschools through 12th grade, who will likewise be required to wear masks regardless of vaccination status.

Wilhour is joined in his opposition by fellow Republican lawmakers Sen. Dan McConchie (R-Lake Zurich) and state Reps. Tom Morrison (R-Palatine) and Dan Ugaste (R-St. Charles).

"The governor's continued unilateral, go-it-alone approach on pandemic decision-making actively undermines the state's ability to have broadly accepted mitigation strategies," McConchie said.

Morrison went even further, charging that Pritzker’s methods "violate constitutional checks and balances, public input, and local control."

In a statement, he said, "Our local school districts are closest to parents, students, and educators and are capable of deciding what is best for their respective communities.”

Pritzker remains unmoved, insisting, "My goal has always been to safely bring all kids back into the classroom and, crucially, keep them there. Without these measures, we will likely see many more outbreaks."

Pritzker has pointed out the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention and The American Academy of Pediatrics stand with him in recommending universal masking.

"As governor, it's my duty to take immediate and urgent action to slow the spread of the delta variant" of COVID-19,” he said. "People are dying that don't have to die."