Kane County Reporter

State Rep. Keith Wheeler (R-Oswego) says he will make a motion at an upcoming Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) meeting regarding Gov. J.B. Pritzker's emergency rules.

"JCAR is holding a hearing Wednesday in Springfield and I have insisted for the governor's emergency rules be placed on the agenda," Wheeler said at the news conference. "I believe the governor’s actions criminalize folks trying to protect their livelihoods and families."

Wheeler said Pritzker's rules were government overreach.

“This is a vast government overreach in a time when business owners are doing everything they can to stay afloat," Wheeler said. "Filing these emergency rules to extend criminal penalties to businesses and individuals all over Illinois is an abuse of emergency rulemaking."

Wheeler said the governor's actions make those working in certain professions a Class A misdemeanor — a crime that carries fines of up to $2,500 and jail time of one day shy of a year.

"A single mother doing nails in her own home could suffer fines and jail time," Wheeler said. "We should not punish those who are the backbone of our economy."

Wheeler hopes the JCAR will vote to block the governor's emergency rules.

"JCAR is a thoughtful and clever committee and I am proud to serve on it," Wheeler said. "In order to block a rule, it takes eight members— this is a bipartisan action."

Wheeler said Pritzker's rules have to be stopped.

"I hope the committee members will join me," Wheeler said. "Pritzker cannot continue to unilaterally rule the government as he has for two months. Tomorrow I will make a motion to stop this."

Wheeler said Pritzker's administration has reached beyond its authority. He said the measure needs to be brought before the legislative branch for a vote.