Rockford Sun

Republican state House candidate Kathie Hansen argues there’s a good reason for Gov. J.B. Pritzker to be reluctant about calling lawmakers back to session in Springfield.

“He’s afraid the legislature won’t do what he wants,” said Hansen, who is running against state Rep. Maurice West Jr. (D-Rockford) in the 67th District. “The one thing everyone wants to tackle right now is ethics reform; everyone except the Democrats.”

Hansen said the governor also has to know there would be major pushback against a rule he is now proposing that would allow businesses to be fined up to $2,500 for failing to enforce regulations for face coverings and social distancing. Pritzker is defending the proposal as a tool that will aid law enforcement, local boards of health, school districts and the general public in enforcing the use of face coverings and social gathering restrictions.

Hansen has an entirely different view.

“I think it’s ridiculous and shameful the way small businesses are being targeted,” she said. “No wonder businesses are fleeing this state so quickly. What the governor is doing is completely unconstitutional and we have to stop him from breaking our laws.”

In May, Pritzker tried enacting similar legislation, but withdrew it before a planned Joint Commission on Administrative Rules hearing amid much criticism. Hansen is hoping for a similar reaction this time around.

“I’m hoping businesses everywhere will get together to fight this,” she said. “People need to stand up to him and decide fighting for their constitutional rights is worth the struggle.”

In the Rockford area, Hansen said the silver lining is many law enforcement agencies aren’t expected to enforce the measure even if it passes.

“It has no legal standing,” she said. “Everyone knows that Gov. Pritzker does not have the authority to just continue changing and enacting law anytime he sees fit.”