Prairie State Wire

Illinois House Republicans Dan Ugaste (R-Geneva), Norine Hammond (R-Macomb) and C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Jacksonville) held a news conference via teleconferencing to discuss their belief that Gov. J.B. Pritzker is exceeding his authority for extending stay-at-home orders for more than 30 days.

Ugaste said the state is currently in the middle of a public health crisis due to COVID-19 that has been a difficult for everyone.

"I’m not here to criticize the governor but to bring attention to the fact that the legislature needs to be part of the decision-making process," Ugaste said. "Any changes to orders need approval by both chambers. The legislature needs to have a voice in this."

Ugaste said to allow the governor to continue to run the government by one person creates absurdity.

"We need to go back to Springfield as a legislature and vote on this," Ugaste said. "The stay-at-home order was extended to May 30 and, in doing so, the governor is bucking the system of checks and balances. We have a system of checks and balances for a reason."

Ugaste said he is calling on Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) and House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) to bring the legislature back to vote.

"We’re currently in session but session days are getting canceled," Ugaste said. "We need to be brought back to Springfield to vote on this. I'm also asking Gov. Pritzker to request we get called back for such a vote. If we’re all in this together then the governor cannot continue to act alone. We have duties to the people of the state."

Ugaste said ignoring this role means ignoring the people of Illinois, adding, "We must continue to function even in a time of crisis as a democracy." 

Hammond said there needs to be a discussion about safely and responsibly opening the state.

"The legislature offers ideas and works with the executive branch," Hammond said. "The legislative branch is to serve as a check for the executive branch when they feel it has exceeded its authority."

Hammond said it was the lawmakers who are hearing daily from constituents, which is why the governor should be consulting with the legislature so he can hear the issues they have been discussing. She said the legislature can reflect the diversity of the state and make decisions based on that diversity.

"We are ready to return to session," Hammond said. "We want to work with the executive branch and provide a balanced, responsible state budget, make a plan on how to safely reopen the state and any additional legislation needed to help families in the state."

Davidsmeyer said Pritzker's authority should not go past the initial 30 days of emergency power.

"Whether you agree or disagree, a separate and equal branch of government should have input on the state of Illinois," Davidsmeyer said. "We are the ones who are the boots on the ground."

Davidsmeyer said he talks to constituents on a daily basis, adding, "As a state, we have to make decisions." 

Davidsmeyer said he also does not believe that lawmakers should be allowed to vote remotely.

"There needs to be a check in place to make sure the person who is voting is the person that was elected to do so," he said. "We've been entrusted with the importance of that authority and that power. That was what was given to us from the constituents."