Sangamon Sun

Day by day, veteran state Sen. Steve McClure’s criticism of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s handling of COVID-19 seems to build.  

“For the legislative branch not to be involved in making decisions on behalf of this state months after virus hit is quite disappointing,” McClure told the Sangamon Sun. “That the legislature is basically sidelined at a time when decisions are being made that impact the entire state is beyond frustrating.”

McClure rages even more in the face of news that the governor is now contemplating re-employing tougher restrictions on the state in the ongoing battle to control the virus.  

Citing rising infection rates that have moved at least 11 counties to “warning levels” for the spread of the virus, Pritzker recently pronounced the state is at a “danger point” for another potential shutdown. Cass, Gallatin, Jackson, Jo Daviess, Johnson, Perry, Randolph, Saline, Sangamon, St. Clair and White counties are those Pritzker listed.

Again, McClure is at a loss to understand.

“The fact we don’t have any say when we’re an equal branch of government is just maddening,” he said.

McClure admits adding to his frustrations is the question of if the governor even has the power to do what he’s considering.

“I know the courts have weighed in on this, but it seems he's right back where he started,” he said.

McClure said Republican lawmakers have been busy doing everything they can to have a say in the state's business.

“We’ve called for special sessions on COVID, ethics reform and race relations and we still haven’t met since May,” he said. “I think transparency is a positive think. If all the right steps are being taken, transparency will show that.”

Finally, McClure said he worries if there’s another slowdown on any level many small businesses will be done for good.

“They’re already struggling,” he said. “I think it’s important that we allow them to follow all the safety guidelines to operate their businesses because we can’t afford to go in reverse.”