South Central Reporter

State Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) is urging Illinois parents to take back their power in the fight against COVID-19.

“This legislation seeks to preserve parents' decision-making authority regarding their child’s education and healthcare,” Bryant posted on Facebook of the Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment (SJRCA 12) she recently filed. “Throughout this pandemic, we’ve seen countless examples of the government’s disregard for the rights of Illinois parents. Enough is enough. Parents have a right to be involved and to have a say in the education and wellbeing of their child.”

Filed on Aug. 31, SJRCA 12 seeks to add a new section to the Illinois Bill of Rights that declares parents have the right to determine their child’s education and healthcare needs related to COVID-19 without infringement up until the time that the child attains the age of majority.

Republicans have long argued that the governor’s one-man-army approach to dealing with the crisis has been all wrong for the state, including him recently reimposing a universal masking mandate for all public and private school students as schools across the state prepare to reopen for in-person learning.

The mandate also applies to all teachers and other staffers.

“Throughout this entire pandemic the governor has continued to exclude other lawmakers, local leaders and parents in his pandemic response,” Bryant said. “SJRCA 12 is a proactive step to put an end to his ongoing record of overstepping his authority, and to take a stand against any future attempts to cut parents out of decisions impacting the health, future and wellbeing of their children.”