Prairie State Wire

Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie seems convinced that Gov. J.B. Pritzker has become Illinois' enemy when it comes to gaining control over COVID-19. 

McConchie points to Pritzker's recent move to impose a statewide masking mandate for all public and private school students as the latest example of wayward policy. The order also obligates all teachers and staff members on every level to wear masks regardless of vaccination status and for all state employees working at so-called congregate settings that include long-term care facilities and veterans' homes to be vaccinated no later than Oct. 4, according to ABC7.

“Regarding Gov. Pritzker’s latest unilateral COVID orders, his continued go-it-alone approach is actively undermining the state’s ability to have broadly accepted mitigation strategies,” McConchie posted on Twitter. “So much for being ‘all in’ for Illinois.” 

McConchie isn’t the only Republican lawmaker crying foul over what they view as the governor’s maddening habit of putting his own agenda ahead of he best interest of the masses. State Rep. Tom Morrison (R-Palatine) questioned whether the governor has legal authority to implement some of his policies.

In a statement, Morrison charges the new policy “violates constitutional checks and balances, public input, and local control."

Pritzker continues to defend his actions by arguing science and common sense are on his side, according to The Daily Herald, as evidenced by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the American Academy for Pediatrics both also standing in favor of universal masking.

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