Will County Gazette

Illinois state Rep. Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield) wonders just how much responsibility Gov. J.B. Pritzker plans to unfairly strap to the backs of small business owners in the state's battle against COVID-19.

“Enforcement should be on the individual and not the business, which has no obligation or authority for enforcing any law,” Batinick told the Will County Gazette. “And you wonder why so many small businesses are closing or leaving Illinois. Since this virus hit, they’ve been closed by the governor, had to endure rioting and looting, and now you’re going to try to force them to play police.”

Batinick is referring to the governor's recent announcement that he’s in favor of a rule that would allow businesses to be fined up to $2,500 for failure to enforce regulations for face coverings and social distancing. As Republicans have quickly voiced their opposition to the proposal, the governor has defended his position by arguing that the change will aid law enforcement, local boards of health, school districts and the general public in policing the use of face coverings and limiting social gatherings.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker | Wikipedia Commons

“The governor’s actions tell you how he has no use for small businesses,” Batinick said. “I don’t know, maybe it has to do with there being more votes coming from individuals. The bottom line is that small businesses are the backbone of the state, and owners deserve better than the way they’re being treated.”

Pritzker tried enacting similar legislation back in May, but withdrew it amid much criticism before a scheduled Joint Commission on Administrative Rules hearing. Batinick is hoping to see small business owners take a stand for themselves.

“There has to be a more balanced approach,” he said. “Right now, small business owners feel targeted because of a lot of what the governor has forced on them.”