East Central Reporter

Republican state Rep. Chris Miller (R-Robinson) is demanding that House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Westchester) reconvene the legislature in Springfield to deal with the return of in-person learning across the state and what he sees as Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s abuse of power on the issue.

“These 18 months of tyranny need to come to an end,” Miller said in a statement. “Chris Welch, call the legislature back in session so we can do our jobs and represent the people who elected us. The people of Illinois do not want a dictator. IDPH (Illinois Department of Public Health) does not have the power to make health decisions for private schools. In case you forgot, Gov. Pritzker, HB2789 failed after thousands of witness slips were filed in opposition. Why do you continue to ignore the will of the people who elected you?”

In addition to the governor imposing a statewide masking mandate for all public and private schools, Miller’s latest outrage is sparked by what’s now taking place at Elmhurst School District 205.

In July, school board members announced masks would be optional for students during the upcoming school year. Pritzker then announced his mask mandate for schools, but Timothy Christian Schools' superintendent said it would keep its optional-mask policy. In response, Superintendent of Education Dr. Carmen Ayala announced that the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) would revoke Timothy Christian Schools’ status as a recognized school.

As a non-recognized school, the school would be banned from participation in IHSA and IESA sanctioned sports, and graduating seniors from Timothy Christian would receive a diploma that is not recognized by the ISBE.

With Timothy Christian Superintendent Matt Davidson now saying the school will require masks, Miller has seen enough.

“To everyone who opposed HB2789: why are you silent now,” he said. “It is time to stand up to tyranny in all its forms.”

Miller has plenty of support coming from Wirepoints President Ted Dabrowski and colleague Rep. Tom Morrison (R-Palatine).

"It's always fear and confusion,” Dabrowski said in a Cities929.com interview, while Morrison went as far as to question the governor’s legal authority.  

In a statement, Morrison argues the new policy “violates constitutional checks and balances, public input, and local control."

Superintendents from public school districts across the state are banding together to oppose the governor’s mask mandate after dozens of districts were put on probation for going on record with their plans of not complying.