Kendall County Times

State Sen. Jim Oberweis (R-North Aurora) rages Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s misguided sports ban has already proved to be off base.

“There are safe ways to have athletic competition,” Oberweis told Kendall County Times. “If colleges have a football season, there must be safe ways for high school as well.”

Pritzker recently doubled down on his decision to keep most student-athletes off the field over COVID-19 concerns, sparking protests from parents, students and coaches all across the state.

The Illinois High School Association fired off a letter to Pritzker requesting that they be allowed “to resume control over determining the resumption of sports and activities.” Currently, the two sides are allowing teams across the state to practice this month under specific COVID-19 guidelines.

“Schools should be given an opportunity to at least try to have fall sports,” added Oberweis, who is running against U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-Naperville) in the 14th Congressional District. ”We need to take politics out of these decisions because these decisions have real world impact on these students’ lives.”

Critics charge that’s a reality Pritzker seems unable to relate to given his standing as one of the state’s richest residents.

“Many kids are looking to use athletics as a means of getting their college paid for,” Oberweis added. “We should find a way to let them play. I have sent a personal letter to the governor asking him to give schools the ability to decide for themselves.”

Since launching his congressional campaign, Oberweis has shown a willingness to directly take on the governor whenever he thinks the situation calls for it.

He recently blasted Pritzker over his push to enact a rule that would allow businesses to be fined up to $2,500 for failure to enforce regulations for face coverings and social distancing.

“There is no doubt that wearing masks when indoors in close contact slows the spread of the virus,” he said. “But having said that, it is up to individuals to wear masks. Holding businesses accountable for the actions of individuals is simply not fair.”