Springfield, IL…Governor Pritzker has announced new COVID mitigations due in part to the spread of the “Delta variant”. New mitigations will include masking in schools. State Representative David Friess (R-Red Bud) offered this statement after the signing:
“Governor Pritzker once again dictated from on high what he believes is best in our local communities. Instead of working with fellow elected officials to manage this crisis, he continues to go at it alone. He has ignored the General Assembly and overridden the local health departments, school superintendents, and school boards. Local elected officials must have a say on COVID. Now, because the governor believes he knows more than you, our freedoms are restricted once again.
They told us to get the vaccine ‘so we can get back to normal’. The mixed messaging and contradictions leave us with little faith in this administration. Now, even those who are fully vaccinated must wear a mask in certain circumstances. Where is the science that supports this most recent edict? Moreover, all indications are we are at herd immunity. 62% of the population has received at least one dose, which doesn’t consider those with natural immunity. If you want to get the vaccine, you can get it. There is no shortage of vaccines. We all know that the vaccine protects those who get it. At this point, if you don’t want to take the vaccine, you should have the right to take that risk. The same is true regarding masks. With freedom comes the right to disagree.”