McHenry Times

State Rep. Steve Reick (R-Woodstock) believes politics rather than COVID-19 prompted the cancellation of the fall Veto Session of the Illinois legislature.

“No one is discounting the severity of COVID-19, especially now that we are in the midst of a second wave,” Reick told the McHenry Times. “However, we were able to meet safely in May and, with proper precautions, we can meet safely now. We have a top-notch Springfield staff that pulled together a safe environment in May that included testing, mask mandates, an abundance of hand sanitizer, and more than enough room to practice social distancing. Not one legislator contracted COVID-19 during our session in May, so we know full well the staff is capable of pulling this off.”

House Speaker Mike Madigan cancelled the session, citing concerns over rising COVID-19 and the upcoming holidays.

Politics could be behind the cancellation, said Reick.

“I can’t help but wonder if the cancellation has more to do with political unrest within the House Democratic caucus than it has to do with health and safety,” he said. “I certainly hope that’s not the case, because it would be a great injustice if Speaker Madigan has placed his political problems ahead of our ability to do the people’s work during a scheduled veto session.”