Illinois Valley Times

State Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) desperately wishes Gov. J.B. Pritzker could understand the results of his power grab.

“The governor’s mitigation plan is having a huge impact on small businesses as they try to balance maintaining their livelihoods and stopping increases in the state’s COVID rates,” Rezin told Illinois Valley Times. “There’s no question we’re in unchartered territory, but almost nine months into the pandemic it's past time for the legislature to be allowed to hold open and transparent hearings about the impact some of the governor’s actions are having on families and businesses.”   

With the stakes being so high, Rezin said she isn’t surprised to see more people now taking a more defiant stance against some of the governor’s actions, including McHenry County State’s Attorney Patrick Kenneally, who has vowed not to enforce Pritzker’s latest ban against indoor dining across the region.

“Clearly, you see a frustration building with small businesses owners trying to find a way to survive in the best way they know how,” Rezin added. “Every day, they’re faced with having to make the difficult decision between going out of business and keeping their doors open in defiance. I would think it’s not easy for anyone.”

Rezin, who is now entering her 11th year of serving as the face of the 38th District, said the governor threatening to strip businesses that violate his order of state licenses is just more of the same bullying.

“He’s lashing out and letting his emotions get the best of him,” she said. “I don’t know how he would enforce any of that. You need local municipalities to enforce any order and not everyone agrees with a lot of what the governor has been doing. He can make the threat, but I’m not sure how he would go about enforcing it.”