Illinois Valley Times

Veteran state Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) isn’t putting much stock in Democrats now demanding answers from Gov. J.B. Pritzker on the COVID front.

“I think it’s all just lip service for their constituents,” Rezin told the Illinois Valley Times. “The truth is Democrats in Springfield have a supermajority in the House and Senate and if they wanted, they could call a hearing at any time. Instead, they’ve elected to ignore the pleas of Republicans to take these steps long ago.”

Rezin laments it's all come at great cost for the state, particularly small business owners.

Citing rising infection rates, Pritzker recently moved to unilaterally reenact COVID-19 restrictions that include banning indoor bar and restaurant service in at least 24 counties spread across the state. Almost from the moment it was announced, the move has raised the ire of many small business owners still reeling from the impact of the governor’s initial shutdown. With the stakes growing larger by the day, Democrats have now join Republicans in demanding that the governor convene public hearings to justify his latest restrictions.

Again, Rezin takes exception.

“They’re trying to make it look like they’re trying to do something because if you’re a small business owner it doesn’t matter if you’re Democrat or Republican, you’re livid that the governor is doing this again with offering any data for it,” she said. “The truth is restaurants have done the best job of everyone in making sure their environments are clean, safe and socially distanced.”

Rezin said she doubts if the governor ever takes the time to think through all the damage his actions have caused.

“People are investing their life savings in these businesses and the governor just comes along in a moment’s time to order them closed,” she said. “It speaks to the disconnect he has with many of the people he’s supposed to represent.”