Lake County Gazette

The list of questions state Sen. Craig Wilcox (R-McHenry) has for Gov. J.B. Pritzker over his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic seems to grow each day.

“My Senate Republican colleagues and I have repeatedly asked the governor for specifics regarding the science and data he cites as the basis for his decisions leading to shuttered businesses and lost jobs, restricting social and religious gatherings, and impacting public education and school sports, unfortunately to no avail,” Wilcox told the Lake County Gazette. "Now, McHenry and Lake Counties are the latest areas to come under the Governor’s re-imposed mitigation standards.”

In all, the governor has moved to re-enact restrictions in at least 24 counties as infection rates have ticked up, forcing many small businesses still reeling from his first shutdown order to now face even more struggle. No industry is expected to be hit any harder than restaurants and bars, which now face more restrictions that include limited operations and no indoor dining.

“No data has been provided showing restaurants are a leading cause of this latest surge, yet these businesses are the ones facing the harshest restrictions,” Wilcox added. “Restaurant doors are being closed, and jobs are being lost. How is he essentially shutting down restaurants when the data doesn’t show that’s what needs to happen?”

Wilcox is now pushing for hearings where the governor would be afforded the opportunity to present any data he contends have led to his "science-based decisions."

“We should be able to have a respectful discussion on policies being unilaterally imposed, without being accused of not taking the coronavirus seriously,” Wilcox added.

Still, with the stakes being as high as they are, Wilcox said he isn’t surprised to see many small business owners showing more resistance to the governor’s orders this time around, including launching a Facebook page to strategize and vent.

“I would love to see all restaurants defy the order and save their businesses,” he said. “I really don’t think the governor has a clue about what these owners are going through in trying to save their businesses and maintain their livelihoods.