ZOOM—State Representative Dan Ugaste (R-Geneva) held a press conference today alongside State Representatives Norine Hammond (R-Macomb) and C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Jacksonville).
The House Republicans discussed the recent extension of the Governor’s Stay at Home Order, and the need for the General Assembly to be engaged on emergency declarations moving forward. Representative Ugaste has been vocal about the need for the legislature to be involved in key decisions despite the current pandemic the state has been navigating.
“We have a system of checks and balances for a reason, and we must abide by that system,” said Rep. Ugaste. “We are living in a truly unprecedented time, but we have protocols in place and we must follow them, which is why I am asking Speaker Madigan and President Harmon to bring us back to Springfield.”
Governor Pritzker recently announced he will issue another Stay at Home Order through May 30th, and issue a third emergency declaration. According to Illinois’ Emergency Management Act, the Governor may exercise specific emergency powers for a period ‘not to exceed 30 days.’ Pointing to this statute, Rep. Ugaste asserts that the legislature should have been given the opportunity to affirm or deny the Governor’s most recent Disaster Proclamations and to affirm or deny the next one.
As other states’ legislatures and US Congress continue to meet in this pandemic, Ugaste believes that the Illinois General Assembly should also be meeting to make other urgent and necessary decisions affecting Illinois residents and constituents in his 65th District.
“The health and well-being of all Illinois residents must be, and is, our primary concern; yet, the legislature must not continue to be sidelined. If we are truly all in this together, we need to work together,” continued Ugaste.
###