Peoria Standard

State Rep. Norine Hammond (R-Macomb) believes the Illinois General Assembly and Gov. J.B. Pritzker need to have a discussion regarding safely and responsibly reopening the state.

Hammond said she also does not think the legislature should be able to vote remotely and that the lawmakers needed to be back at the capital.

"The legislature offers ideas and works with the executive branch," Hammond said. "The legislative branch is to serve as a check for the executive branch when they feel it has exceeded its authority."

Hammond said it was the lawmakers who are hearing daily from constituents, which is why the governor should be consulting with the legislature so he can hear the issues they have been dealing with. She said the legislature can reflect the diversity of the state and make decisions based on that diversity.

"We are ready to return to session," Hammond said. "We want to work with the executive branch and provide a balanced, responsible state budget, make a plan on how to safely reopen the state and any additional legislation needed to help families in the state."