As we celebrate the yearly anniversary of our nation’s independence, it is important to remember why it’s a date worth recognizing. It dates back to the American Revolution: On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, rejecting rule from a government where they had no representation.
This weekend we will mark that event with fireworks, parades, concerts, and barbeques and, hopefully, a remembrance of the ideals and values that gave birth to our great nation.
Also, it is only fair that we reflect on our own governance on a smaller scale, right here in the state of Illinois. Over the last 16 months, the COVID-19 pandemic not only has had a significant impact on the daily lives of everyone in Illinois, but also the way we are governed.
For 16 months we have been under one person’s unilateral rule in addressing a health care crisis. By repeatedly issuing emergency declarations for well over a year, Gov. J.B. Pritzker has single-handedly made decisions that have affected everyone in our state and has done so without any action from lawmakers or approval from the General Assembly.
Even though we are in the final phase of our recovery, this rule by executive order continues. One issued last week will be in effect through July 24, 2021. This is not the system of government created by the founders of this great nation, nor is it the representative system set forth in the Illinois Constitution.
Each and every Illinois resident has a voice, and it’s those voices that elect lawmakers to represent them in the legislature; that is the very essence of our democracy. But for the last year and a half, those voices have been silenced as one person spoke for them.
At a time when we celebrate the creation of our nation and remember the sacrifices people made to start this great experiment of modern democracy, it is also important to remember that rule by one is not a government of the people, by the people, for the people.
To protect those liberties and the system of checks and balances on which our nation was built, I have filed legislation to ensure that no one person can usurp the powers of the legislative branch for an extended period of time. It is the precedent that matters, the voice of every person in Illinois that deserves to be heard and our system of government with its checks and balances that must be preserved.
Therefore, as we celebrate Independence Day, I have urged our legislative leaders to call HB843 for a hearing so that no matter the crisis in which we find ourselves, now or in the future, the voices of the people of the state of Illinois will be heard and our democracy will not be left at the wayside.
Republican Dan Ugaste is the state representative for the 65th District, which includes all or parts of Batavia, Elgin, Geneva, Hampshire, South Elgin and St. Charles.
