SPRINGFIELD – State Sen. Brian Stewart (R-Freeport) says Gov. J.B. Pritzker continues his go-it-alone approach to governing by announcing new mask and vaccination mandates on Aug. 4, changes to Illinois’ COVID-19 mitigation plan that were made without any input by the members of the Senate or House of Representatives.“Since early in 2020, and now on Aug. 4, Gov. Pritzker has issued more than 75 Executive Orders, ruling on nearly every aspect of the COVID-19 pandemic in a one-size-fits-all approach. The Governor has made these decisions without any oversight from the legislative branch. He has denied rank-and-file lawmakers the ability to act on behalf of all Illinoisans,” Stewart said. “Gov. Pritzker has made decisions that shut down our state, forced the closure of countless small businesses, and put thousands of residents out of work. His lack of leadership then failed to provide a state system to help newly unemployed Illinoisans receive the most basic of financial assistance when they needed it most. And just as the state seems to be getting back on its feet, the Governor once again acts unilaterally to issue a series of new mandates.”
Stewart says he will continue to advocate for local officials having control over such decisions, as it affects their schools and communities.