Dupage Policy Journal

Republican state House candidate Laura Hois has had enough of what she sees as Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s one-man crusade against Illinois small businesses, owners and employees due to COVID-19.

“I believe it would be a mistake to reimpose restrictions on businesses without first consulting with local elected officials and business owners,” Hois told the DuPage Policy Journal. “Throughout this crisis, Pritzker has ruled unilaterally with no input from his co-equal branch of government. A situation that could ruin livelihoods should be vigorously debated and decided upon by the legislative body as a whole. Residents will suffer if Gov. Pritzker forces another shutdown.”

Citing rising coronavirus infection rates, the governor recently warned the state could be headed for even more restrictions as at least 11 counties have now eclipsed “warning level.” Cass, Gallatin, Jackson, Jo Daviess, Johnson, Perry, Randolph, Saline, Sangamon, St. Clair and White counties have all been identified as potential hotspots.

Running against incumbent state Rep. Anne Stava-Murray (D-Naperville) in the 81st District, Hois still worries about overkill.

“He appears too eager to impose mitigation strategies on local residents and community leaders,” she added. “In our district, people have been adhering to the social distancing guidelines and effective safety protocols when appropriate.”

Hois, a Downers Grove resident, is also concerned about Illinois still being Illinois if the governor were to make good on his latest shutdown threat.

“Another shutdown would cause irreparable damage to this state’s economy,” she said. “Illinois has the highest number of people who have lost their jobs that are still unemployed and likely will remain unemployed due to Illinois’ too-rigid COVID-19 restrictions.”

Hois added she believes the governor’s maddening habit of making some of the state’s biggest decisions without input from fellow lawmakers and the constituents they represent has only made matters worse.

“The governor’s habit of making unilateral decisions has remained unchecked despite the many court decisions ruling that he has exceeded his authority when doing so,” she said. “His one-size-fits-all approach is causing fear and harming people who are suffering from depression and are committing suicide at alarming rates. Unfortunately, Gov. Pritzker is focused on a political agenda. Decisions regarding any adjustments to COVID-19 restrictions should be made locally.”