BARRINGTON HILLS… State Representative Martin McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) released the following statement in response to Governor Pritzker issuing a statewide mask mandate in Illinois schools:
“The Governor’s mandate is overreach on parents’ rights.
The Constitution and the Bill of Rights are the greatest documents ever written for the recognition of the rights of individuals. These rights are never to be diminished or taken away in order to protect the people from their Government.
The latest overreach from the Governor’s office, based upon his politics, is disappointing. It is obvious Governor Pritzker believes he has power and authority to blow past the co-equal branches of government and issue executive mandates on the people. This executive overreach is an injustice to Illinoisans, our Constitution, and our Bill of Rights.
Where is the safety for business owners or the safety for our children who have struggled in isolated environments and have had psychological and sociological development issues? We need to open up our schools, state, and country again. Mask mandates, vaccination mandates, and shutdowns are not the answer. We can walk and chew gum at the same time safely in the State of Illinois.
At some point, we should trust parents to make the best decisions for their children. Individual liberty is a cornerstone of this country that should be valued and balanced against the desire of some in government to control the population by decree. It is time to stop this big government charade that is attacking the fabric of common sense in America.”