Vermillion Republican activist Rich Berner suspects that Gov. J.B. Pritzker may have ulterior motives for what some consider to be his harsh treatment of small business owners since COVID-19 hit.
“I think he may be trying to make things look as bad as he can in terms of the debt and deficit because he thinks that will make it easier for him to get the federal bailout he wants,” Berner told the Chambana Sun. “The more businesses are struggling the more he seems to think he can ask for. Ultimately, that’s what this is about.”
Pritzker wants to enact a law that would fine businesses up to $2,500 for failure to enforce face-mask and social-distancing regulations meant to fight the spread of COVID-19. As Republicans have quickly voiced their opposition to the proposal, the governor has defended his position by arguing the change will aid law enforcement, local boards of health, school districts and the public in policing the use of face coverings and limiting social gatherings.
“If the governor just wants to turn regular people against one another he should just say that and tell us why,” Berner added. “Everything he does seems aimed at hurting small businesses. “You’ve already got thousands of small businesses that are gone not to return and something like this only figures to put more of them out of business.”
In the face of so much change, Berner worries how much longer Illinois can be Illinois.
“How much change we’re talking about, no one can say for sure,” he said. “But you know if we lose our small businesses we’re talking about a big part of who we are.”
Pritzker tried enacting similar legislation in May, but withdrew it amid much criticism before a scheduled Joint Commission on Administrative Rules hearing.
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