Illinois Valley Times

Veteran state Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) is intent on making sure Gov. J.B. Pritzker isn’t adding to the woes being felt by small business owners across the state.

“We want to make sure these tougher restrictions the governor is talking about aren’t just another case of overreach,” Rezin told the Illinois Valley Times. "If he does move to impose tougher restrictions, we want to make sure that there’s due process for anyone involved or targeted. For instance, what’s the timeframe you have before there’s any shutdown? Who would have the authority to give the warning? And do you have the ability to go before a judge to plead your case?”

Citing rising cornonavirus infection rates, Pritzker recently warned tougher restrictions could be looming as at least 11 counties are now at “warning levels” for the spread of the virus. Cass, Gallatin, Jackson, Jo Daviess, Johnson, Perry, Randolph, Saline, Sangamon, St. Clair and White counties are all now considered potential hotspots.

“The balancing act is how do we allow the small biz to be open while maintaining a safe environment for everyone?” Rezin added. “We want to make sure that were creating an environment that allows businesses to remain flourishing. My concern is if the governor uses the numbers alone to go backwards by asking some businesses to close, many of them will never make it back to reopening.”

From here, Rezin said she plans to continue closely monitoring the situation with the hope the day never comes when the governor seeks to make good on his second shutdown threat.

“My hope is that people will adhere to current restrictions so we can bring our numbers back down and everyone is able to remain open to make a living for themselves,” she said.