Kane County Reporter

Republican state Senate candidate Ben Bierly can’t see how Illinois can continue to be Illinois if Gov. J.B. Pritzker gets his way.

“Small businesses employ approximately 60% of all workers in Illinois, yet they are the ones who are most severely affected by the types of closings forced on us by the governor,” Bierly told the Kane County Reporter. “Many small businesses have already closed their doors permanently, followed closely by churches as well. Closing the economy would be a death sentence to many businesses that have managed thus far and will force Illinois into foreclosure.”

Citing rising COVID-19 infection rates, Pritzker recently warned that the state could be headed for yet another shutdown in some form if the numbers don’t quickly turn around. Eleven counties –Cass, Gallatin, Jackson, Jo Daviess, Johnson, Perry, Randolph, Saline, Sangamon, St. Clair and White – have all experienced recent upticks that are linked to business operations and high-risk activities.

“Unless the situation merits closing all business, no business should be forced to close to appease the fear of a few,” added Bierly, who is running against Democrat John Connor in the 43rd District. “If people have to contend with higher risks to the Wuhan virus, they can simply avoid businesses or activities that give them concern. We are all adults and can make reasonable decisions for ourselves.”

Beyond that, Bierly wonders if Pritzker even has the authority to take the actions he’s threatening to.

“The governor has no authority to make such unilateral decisions,” he said. “His authority ran out on April 16th and he cannot simply reissue orders expecting that will give him legal authority to operate for another 30 days. Our rights as human beings and as citizens aren’t given to us by the government. The government’s job is to protect our safety and our rights simultaneously. It’s not an either-or proposition.”