Prairie State Wire

In the aftermath of a Clay County judge ruling Gov. J.B. Pritzker overstepped his bounds in the way he enacted his stay-at-home orders, Peter Breen points a finger of guilt at the General Assembly in Springfield.

“The legal ruling was totally expected because the rules about there being a 30-day maximum executive order are clear,” Breen told the Prairie State Wire. “What this highlights is the absolute malpractice of the General Assembly in not addressing the nature and scope of the emergency powers Pritzker has been allowed during the crisis. The legislature needs to be in Springfield working to clarify these issues and assure that the people of this state are safe.”

In rendering his decision, the judge asserted that the governor had no authority to unilaterally extend his order as state Rep. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) argued in the legal action he took back in April. The judge who ruled in the case originally granted Bailey a temporary restraining order applying only to himself, exempting the veteran lawmaker from the governor’s stay-at-home order.

Breen said people are desperate for the kind of clear instruction that comes from strong leadership.

“Right now folks are asking me what are the rules and it’s difficult for me to give a straight answer,” he said. “In the end, I guess even during this time of confusion you should follow the recommended guidelines from the Department of Health and take comfort in the example of the state of Wisconsin, where the Supreme Court recently struck down local government’s order but people have continued to follow health guidelines and have been able to put a lid on new cases.”

Here in Illinois, Breen said he’d like to see at least one more twist.

“I’d like to have guidelines and any orders tailored more closely to the particular needs of each industry,” he said. “I think that would go a long way in clearing up confusion.”