Will County Gazette

State Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Louisville) is imploring Illinois parents to take back their power.

Bailey is set to speak at an “adults only event” presented by Illinois Patriots on empowering parents of Illinois at Bengston’s Farm in Homer Glen on July 18.

"It’s going to take a generation of strong, bold, unapologetically outspoken, protective and loving parents with a fierceness to fight for what is right, regardless of social trend and acceptance to turn around our culture and make the world a better place to exist for our kids," reads a post on the Conservative Committeeman Project Facebook page. “We must come to together to organize and collaborate for the children.”

Topics will include masks, COVID testing in schools, CRT, SB818 (sex education for kindergarten - 8th), vaccine discrimination and segregation.

“This event cannot happen without the support of the moms, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles and concerned community members,” the post reads.  “Please consider attending and share this event with everyone willing to learn more about what is happening in Illinois. We will have information on current bills, mandates and guidelines as well as what's in the pipeline that will affect our kids' rights and freedoms. This event cannot happen without the support of the moms, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles and concerned community members. It takes a village.”

Now seeking the GOP nomination for governor, Bailey has vowed to change the whole tone in Springfield, starting with getting the state’s fiscal house in order.

“I have proposed a zero-based budget,” he recently told WAWV TV. “There would absolutely be a spending freeze and no tax increases. Every department would start at zero and they would have to show why they need this money.”

Bailey laments the impact of what he calls the state’s reckless spending and wayward policies.

“The economy has been decimated, children are hurting and senior citizens and long-term care facilities are frustrated because there’s been no visitation rights, no social activity,” he said of the shutdown orders put in place by Gov. J.B. Pritzker in the wake of COVID-19.

“We’ve all taken a toll because of that,” he said. “We need to let each county decide what the health department needs to do. When we figure this out under my governorship, Illinois will be a great state.”