Republicans call for reopening Illinois legislative session – The Southern

I just want to clarify and make sure everyone understands that what we're talking about here is the governor's authority to go past that 30 days of emergency power, Davidsmeyer said. Whether you agree with the governor or disagree with the governor, we believe that a separate but equal branch of government, the General Assembly, should have input in the direction of the state of Illinois.

They are just part of a growing chorus of GOP lawmakers who argue the General Assembly should be part of any decision to extend the stay-at-home order as well as when and how to reopen the states economy.

On Monday, a circuit judge in Clay County ruled in favor of Xenia Rep. Darren Baileys lawsuit claiming Pritzkers executive order will infringe on his civil rights. And while that decision applies only to Bailey, and it is being appealed, Rep. John Cabello, of Machesney Park, filed a second lawsuit Wednesday, this time seeking an injunction to prevent another stay-at-home order from going into effect.

Pritzker on Wednesday called the latest lawsuit irresponsible and an attempt at grandstanding.

Rep. Deanne Mazzochi, R-Elmhurst, has been urging Pritzker to call lawmakers back into session because those lawsuits, if ultimately successful, could put the state in financial jeopardy.

If the governor believes his actions are best for the state, he should have the Legislature confirm it, and if he can't or won't, it calls everything he has been doing into question, she said in an email Wednesday. It is also putting the entire state at risk and the state of Illinois on the hook for untold damages. Do it lawful, do it right, and be transparent about it.

See the rest here:

Republicans call for reopening Illinois legislative session - The Southern