Commentary – The Illinois Freedom Caucus is calling on the leadership in the House and the Senate to act immediately to give law enforcement the tools they need to prevent demonstrations from blocking emergency vehicles and unnecessarily risking lives.
"On April 15, Tax Day, I-90 on the way to O’Hare Airport was blocked for two hours. Even after the road was re-opened, there were delays for hours on the Interstate. Given that Chicago is the location of the Democratic National Convention, there is no question the Chicagoland area will continue to be targeted for similar demonstrations in the near future.
People absolutely have a right to free speech but they do not have the right to put people’s lives in jeopardy. Blocking roads prevents firetrucks from reaching fires and delays ablulances from reaching hospitals. The act of blocking busy roads is not an act of protest or free speech. It is an attack on our society. It is an act of domestic terrorism.
Swift and decisive action is needed. It is imperative we have a plan in place to deal with these acts of domestic terrorism in the long run. In the short-term, we need to pass House Bill 5819 immediately and enhance the penalities for blocking major roadways. We know what is coming our way the closer we get to August 19th. We need to have the tools in place to protect the citizens of our state. We call on the leaders in the House and the Senate to take these threats to our community seriously and take the responsible actions we all know must be done to save lives and protect our citizens.”
The Illinois Freedom Caucus is comprised of State Representatives Chris Miller (R-Hindsboro), chairman; Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City), vice-chairman; Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich); Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville); Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur); Jed Davis (R-Newark) and David Friess (R-Red Bud). The members of the Illinois Freedom Caucus are members of the Illinois General Assembly who are advocating for limited government, lower taxes and accountability, and integrity in government.
