The Epoch Times An Illinois judge has granted a restraining order to block Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s (D) extension of his stay-at-home order, putting the plan in jeopardy.
Clay County Circuit Court Judge Michael McHaney ruled against Pritzker’s proposed order to lengthen the stay-at-home mandate, which was slated to take effect on Friday, according to local news reports.
Pritzker said that his office is going to work to have the judge’s order reversed. Under the new ruling, cities could disregard the state’s stay-at-home order and reopen starting Friday.
“We are certainly going to act in a swift action to have this ruling overturned,” the governor told reporters on Monday.
The judge ruled in favor of Illinois state Rep. Darren Bailey (R), who said the governor exceeded his authority and is violating the civil rights of residents.
“My lawsuit asks the court to find that Gov. Pritzker overextended his power by issuing additional ‘stay at home’ orders after his original disaster proclamation, which expired on April 9th, 2020,” said Bailey in a statement. “Enough is enough! I filed this lawsuit on behalf of myself and my constituents who are ready to go back to work and resume a normal life.”
Pritzker said he would continue to issue new health directives until the lawsuit is resolved.