SOUTHERN ILLINOIS — Southern Illinois lawmakers have been united and firm in their opposition to the governor’s reopening plan, saying it’s not workable and may not work quick enough to save many businesses downstate. But should communities work on their own to open up more quickly and defy the governor’s plan?

State Representative Patrick Windhorst says he understands the discontent, but to be careful and tread lightly if you want to cross over the current government orders.

Windhorst says lawmakers need to get back to Springfield to start doing what they can for businesses and residents hurting from the ongoing pandemic.