Sangamon Sun

 State Sen. Steve McClure (R-Springfield) wants Gov. J.B. Pritzker to see the big picture in the lingering fight against COVID-19.

“There’s no question the virus is a serious threat, but we also have to reach a point where we allow businesses to keep operating and functioning,” McClure told the Sangamon Sun. “We have to find a way to keep our small business industry alive and thriving. I would say these decisions should be made with local leadership involved and not solely by the governor.”

Even as infection rates of the virus show upticks, McClure thinks the governor has exceeded his powers by unilaterally deciding to reenact shutdown restrictions in at least 24 counties. Despite the rising numbers, the move has sparked outrage and resistance from small business owners still struggling with the effects of earlier shutdowns.

With a Facebook page dedicated to businesses planning to defy his order already created and launched, Pritzker is now threatening to send the Illinois State Police to regions where restaurants and bars are deemed to be in violation. Given the high stakes, McClure argues it all should be expected.

“These communities and businesses are fighting for survival,” he said. “These should be more local decisions and the people should have more of a say.”

McClure argues so much of what the governor is doing seems to be arbitrary or motivated by factors other than what’s purely in the best interest of the people.

“Some of what’s happening has absolutely nothing to do with science,” he said. “It seems the governor and democrats are hell-bent on the idea of a federal bailout and the government riding into save them. There seems to be nothing they want do to try to advance that possibility.”