Lake County Gazette

Veteran state Sen. Craig Wilcox (R-McHenry) is urging parents to join him in taking a stand against Gov. J.B. Pritzker and what he sees as his abuse of power in the back-to-school mask debate.

"If you’re tired of the Governor stepping in and making decisions for our local schools, please sign my petition,” Wilcox posted on Facebook. “It urges local control for boards of education when it comes to safety decisions for students and staff.”

Wilcox’s actions come in the wake of the governor imposing a statewide mask mandate for all public and private school students. Formally enacted earlier this month, the order also requires all teachers and staff members at every grade level to wear masks regardless of vaccination status, and for all state employees working at congregate settings, such as long-term care facilities or veterans' homes, to be vaccinated no later than Oct. 4.

While Pritzker is defending his actions as in the best interest of the state and in line with the latest U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the American Academy for Pediatrics recommendations, Wilcox is far from being the only Republican lawmaker taking him to task.

State Rep. Tom Morrison (R-Palatine) has questioned if the governor even has the power to do what he’s doing.

In a statement, Morrison argues the new policy “violates constitutional checks and balances, public input, and local control."

Pritzker remains unfazed.                     

"My goal has always been to safely bring all kids back into the classroom and, crucially, keep them there,” he said. “Without these measures, we will likely see many more outbreaks."