Metro East Sun

State Sen. Jason Plummer (R-Edwardsville) stands in support of a suit filed by the Edwardsville-Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce naming Gov. J.B. Pritzker as a defendant and stemming from his extended stay-at-home order.

Just days before the state was moved to Phase 3 of the governor’s five-phase Restore Illinois plan for fully reopening the state economy, attorney Thomas DeVore argued in Madison County “for a definitive determination” on behalf of his clients about the governor's authority to extend his order. The suit further accuses Pritzker of “exceeding statutory authority” and requests that the courts clarify the bounds of the authority.

Plummer leaves little doubt about where he comes down on the issue.

“The governor has taken advantage of this crisis to exercise a level of power and authority this state has never witnessed before, so the push back from so many people … is a sign that they are uncomfortable with J.B. Pritzker’s autocratic ways and his lack of transparency,” Plummer said.

Most businesses across the state have not operated or have only done so on a limited basis since mid-March, when the governor enacted his order that only businesses he deemed essential could continue operating.

“Everybody knows that the pandemic is a crisis, but that being said we are at the point now where the governor is using the bully pulpit to go after our small businesses and our local law enforcement,” Plummer added. “He’s using legally dubious positions to shut down the economy and destroy the livelihood of many people.”

With masks still required to be worn, under Phase 3 of Restore Illinois people are allowed to gather in groups of 10 or fewer; certain offices can reopen; childcare centers, hair salons and barber shops can reopen; and non-lakefront parks can reopen.

In addition, restaurants will be able to offer outside service and so-called "non-essential" retail stores will be allowed to resume operations.