POMONA – State Representative Paul Jacobs (R-Pomona) issued the following statement in reaction to Governor JB Pritzker’s controversial decision to reinstate mask mandates for all public school students, faculty and staff as the school year begins. Jacobs, who is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, says local school boards should decide what’s best for their students and school districts.
”Governor Pritzker was elected by a vote of the people of the State of Illinois, as were the 177 members of the Illinois legislature. The Illinois General Assembly is an equal branch of government. The Illinois General Assembly is fully capable of passing laws to address the pandemic response. JB Pritzker has dictated long enough to local governments and school boards It is long past time for his fellow Democratic politicians that run this state to stand up to him and demand an end to government by executive orders and top-down decrees,” Jacobs said.
Jacobs also said he’s encouraging all local parent organizations to band together and contact the Governor, Speaker of the House and Senate President to express their disapproval.
“This mandate completely removes local control,” Jacobs said. “These decisions are best made by local officials that know better their circumstances. I firmly oppose any government-led repercussions against school districts that choose to make their own local decisions. It is time for Governor Pritzker’s endless executive orders to end.”
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