Dupage Policy Journal

State senate candidate Kathleen Murray is not pulling any punches when it comes to a proposed bill that would allow politicians to take on extraordinary powers during times of health crises.

The bill – HB 4640 – is sponsored by state Rep. Deb Conroy (D-Villa Park). It has been roundly criticized for its authoritarian tone.

“Illinois Democrats continue to rip our freedoms away one by one. It’s a slippery slope under the familiar façade of the last two years of being for the greater good of public health,” Murray told DuPage Policy Journal. “The latest is HB 4640 introduced by State Rep Deb Conroy (D-Villa Park) which would allow government access to our health data for the purposes of preventing or controlling disease. We know where this can lead.”

State Rep. Deb Conroy (D-Villa Park) is the bill's sponsor. It has been criticized for many for its totalitarian tone.  

The state would be empowered to "isolate or quarantine persons who are unable or unwilling to receive vaccines, medications, or other treatments,” according to Conroy's bill.

“This bill is alarming, and yet another egregious overreach by a Springfield politician. Over 12,000 Illinoisans have filed a witness slip opposing this legislation and yet Democrat State Senator Laura Ellman has said nothing.  We need to know where she stands on protecting our privacy," Murray said.

Local health departments and state legislators would have explicit legal authority to thoroughly supervise the behavior of anyone who does not follow their COVID-19 limitations and guidelines, including isolating and guarding them, under Conroy's plan.

According to the text, local health departments can "adopt any rules" necessary, which might include internment camps, which are now popular in Australia, where anyone perceived as at risk can be arrested and taken to "isolation camps" where they are held in rooms and fed just once a day. Three fugitives from a Howard Spring camp were just "captured."

“Under my watch, if elected, disclosure of personal medical records will continue to be under the sole discretion and consent of the individual, and no other party. And, more broadly, I will fight for local control and individual rights at every decision point,” Murray said.

The 21st Senate District includes Lombard and Glen Ellyn and parts of Wheaton, Lisle and Naperville.

Ellman narrowly beat Republican Senator Michael Connelly in 2018.

Political commentators have pointed out that the bill's harsh language will hurt her chances of getting elected to the position, which pays approximately $128,000 per year. Her yearly salary as a legislator is almost $70,0000 before other benefits.  

Illinois already has some of the most stringent COVID-19 regulations of any state.  Natural immunity gives higher protection against COVID-19 than immunizations, according to the CDC and Johns Hopkins University.