Monday, April 27, 2020: Today’s second update includes a discussion on the outcome of a lawsuit filed against Governor Pritzker for the extension of the statewide stay-at-home order and Pritzker’s response to the Judge’s order.
EMERGENCY POWERS
- A judge in Clay County, Illinois, has entered a temporary restraining order in a lawsuit filed against Governor Pritzker, blocking the stay-at-home restrictions set to take effect this week. Last Thursday, Representative Darren Bailey filed a lawsuit against Governor Pritzker, alleging that Governor Pritzker exceeded his authority and is violating the civil rights of the state’s residents. Clay County Circuit Court Judge Michael McHaney heard arguments earlier this afternoon and ruled against Pritzker’s Executive Order. Under this ruling, cities across the state could disregard the stay-at-home order and re-open on their own accord beginning on Friday.
- At his daily briefing, Governor Pritzker assured residents his administration will act swiftly “to have this ruling overturned.” Until then, residents can expect to see new public health directives to respond to the public health crisis. Pritzker says the decision to go to the courts is an insult to all Illinoisans who have been lost during this crisis, it is a danger, and it is reckless. For more information, visit https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/judge-grants-restraining-order-to-block-extended-stay-at-home-order-reports/2262560/.
HeplerBroom attorney Emilee M. Bramstedt contributed to this blog post.