Springfield, IL. (ECWd) –
The day after losing in Clay County, which invalidated all of his Executive Orders dealing with COVID-19 that were issued after April 8, 2020, Governor Pritzker posted a threat in a Facebook post, and sent two memorandums to local leaders giving them “instructions” on how to shut down local businesses this coming weekend:
On Facebook, Governor Pritzker sent out this message: “If establishments cannot abide by capacity requirements, I will not hesitate to close them to keep people safe.” – Nevermind that he lacks this authority…
It appears Pritzker is also trying to say that violating his directive “will immediately threaten the welfare of the community.” This is code for “shut them down because I want you to.”
One such memo, which is undated, dealt with the Liquor Control Commission and states:
“If the local liquor control commissioner has reason to believe that any continued operation of a particular licensed premises will immediately threaten the welfare of the community he may, upon the issuance of a written order stating the reason for such conclusion and without notice or hearing order the licensed premises closed for not more than 7 days, giving the licensee an opportunity to be heard during that period, except that if such licensee shall also be engaged in the conduct of another business or businesses on the licensed premises such order shall not be applicable to such other business or businesses.”
The other memo, dated July 2, deals with the Gaming Board, and continues relying on Executive Orders and Disaster Proclamations for their perceived powers:
“To sustain our progress, the IGB reminds all video gaming locations, terminal operators and casinos of their obligation to abide by all applicable state and local laws, Executive Orders, Disaster Proclamations, IGB Resumption Protocols, Gaming Resumption Plans, and IDPH and CDC guidelines. Among other things, these requirements include wearing face coverings in gaming establishments and casinos, practicing social distancing, washing hands regularly, and following signage. A licensee’s failure to comply with COVID-19 health and safety requirements may result in discipline, up to and including license revocation. More importantly, disregard of such preventative measures and requirements could contribute to a resurgence of COVID-19 cases in Illinois and another potential suspension of gaming operations. That is a result nobody wants. We urge you not to let it happen.”
It appears he is trying to continue the ruse that his executive orders still matter.
Finally, his email which accompanied the memorandums, points to using spikes in other states to justify his actions in Illinois, and reiterating he will shut down businesses that do not comply:
Gov-email-Jul-3
