(LibertySociety.com) – Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has stepped into the national spotlight with a bold directive regarding individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol incident.
At a Glance
- Illinois Governor JB Pritzker blocks hiring of January 6 participants pardoned by Trump.
- The directive emphasizes that involved conduct is “infamous and disgraceful.”
- Pritzker’s stance directly challenges Trump’s executive orders.
- Legal challenges are expected but likely to be supported by Illinois law.
Illinois’s Staunch Stance Against January 6 Participants
Governor JB Pritzker of Illinois has issued a directive targeting those involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, asserting they should not be employed within state agencies. His statement comes in response to the pardons granted by former President Donald Trump to over 1,500 individuals engaged in what Pritzker deems “infamous and disgraceful conduct.” These actions, he argues, were aimed at disrupting the peaceful transition of power and compromising democratic institutions.
This directive specifically instructs Illinois’s Department of Central Management Services not to consider these individuals for state jobs. Pritzker emphasized the importance of integrity and adherence to ethics within government roles, reinforcing his commitment to public safety and the ethical standards expected of state employees.
A Direct Opposition to Trump’s Executive Orders
Pritzker’s directive represents open resistance to the executive orders signed by Trump, which included recently issued pardons and commutations for individuals involved in the Capitol disturbance. Out of the thousands pardoned, about 50 residents of Illinois were impacted, with some yet facing prosecution or other legal proceedings.
“The US Constitution does not grant the President this unilateral authority. In Illinois, we will stand against unlawful actions that would harm millions of working families, children, and seniors.” – Pritzker
Pritzker’s decision highlights a significant clash between state and federal actions, reminding both Illinoisans and Americans of the contentious nature of Trump’s pardoning decisions. While supporters of the pardons argued for leniency towards nonviolent offenders, detractors like Pritzker questioned allowing any who sought to undermine government institutions a place within them.
Looking Ahead to Legal Challenges
As expected, the directive will likely face legal hurdles, questioning its reliability within Illinois law. However, Pritzker’s administration appears confident that the state’s personnel code will act as a solid foundation to uphold the ban on hiring those involved in the January 6 events.
“I hereby direct CMS to apply the State Personnel Code and consider any participation in the January 6 insurrection as infamous and disgraceful conduct that is antithetical to the mission of the State” – Governor JB Pritzker
Although the impact of these legal proceedings remains to be seen, Pritzker’s actions signify a broader effort to ensure that state agencies reflect the integrity and values that he argues are inherent to Illinois’s governance.
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