Chicago, IL – Today, Bruce Rauner vetoed SB 1905, a law preventing local governments from enforcing right-to-work laws. In response, JB Pritzker issued the following statement:

“Just this week, we saw Bruce Rauner celebrate an assault on workers’ rights as the Supreme Court decided to hear Janus vs. AFSCME, and now he’s continuing these attacks on the state level,” said JB Pritzker. “The hardworking men and women of the labor movement deserve a partner in Springfield who will defend their right to collectively bargain, not one who wages war on it. When I’m governor, the labor movement will always have a seat at the table as we fight for working families, protect workers’ rights, and work to raise the wage floor. I urge the General Assembly to override this failed governor’s veto.”

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Chicago, IL – Today, Bruce Rauner finally announced he will sign HB 40 after facing overwhelming pressure from JB and women’s rights advocates across the state. In response, JB Pritzker issued the following statement:

“Since the beginning of this campaign, I have demanded that Bruce Rauner sign HB 40,” said JB Pritzker. “My campaign delivered thousands of postcards encouraging the governor to sign HB 40, held a phone bank in support of the bill, and stood with HB 40’s co-sponsors at several events calling on this failed governor to do his job for Illinois women.

“Let’s be clear: Bruce Rauner threatened to veto HB 40 and only got around to doing the right thing after an organized advertising and grassroots campaign. Today’s announcement does not change the fact that Bruce Rauner’s only sense of morality is whatever panders best to voters. Illinois women deserve a relentless advocate in the fight to protect their rights – and that’s exactly what I’ll be as governor.”

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Chicago, IL – Comptroller Susana Mendoza endorsed JB Pritzker for governor yesterday. This marks JB’s second endorsement by a statewide elected official in the Democratic primary for governor. The announcement was made at a grassroots campaign event at IBEW Local 193 in Springfield before the pair stopped in Chicago.

Here’s what Illinoisans are reading and seeing in the news about Susana Mendoza’s endorsement:

From WMAQ:
 

From WLS:
 

From WAND:
 

From WMBD:
 

From WYZZ:
 

From WRSP:
 

From WCIA:

From WHBF:
 

From KLJB:
 

 
From State Journal Register:

Comptroller Susana Mendoza Wednesday endorsed J.B. Pritzker for governor, becoming the second statewide Democratic official to endorse Pritzker.

During an announcement in Springfield, Mendoza said that as comptroller she’s seen firsthand the damage caused by the nearly two-year budget impasse, something she said was caused by Gov. Bruce Rauner’s “refusal to govern.”

“I decided to make an endorsement for governor because I understand what is at stake,” she said.

Mendoza said she gave fair consideration to all of the candidates in the crowded Democratic field running for governor, seven candidates including Pritzker. She said Pritzker is a “fierce progressive fighter” who will bring jobs to the state.

“Over the course of this last year, I’ve had the opportunity to listen to all of the candidates for governor,” Mendoza said. “I’ve studied their platforms. One clear leader has emerged. This is no close second.”

From WJBC:

Pritzker said he loves having Mendoza on his side, especially after seeing the video where Mendoza repeatedly confronts an ex-con hit and run driver.

“She chases him down, she corners him, she calls the police, she pulls out her phone and she looks at him and says ‘Hey buddy, I’ve got it on video, say cheese,’ ” Pritzker said. “That’s our Susana and she is fearless.”

Mendoza said Pritzker can help undo the damage left behind by the state’s two-year long budget drought that ended this summer.

“It’s fair to say that J.B. wants to make sure we have JOBs,” Mendoza quipped.

From Fox Illinois:

“I have a high degree of confidence that this governor actually wants to work for the people of the state of Illinois and that’s what I want to see for whoever our governor is,” Mendoza said.

She said she carefully vetted every candidate, but felt Pritzker was the one for the people.

She also said she believes Pritzker will bring positive change.

From WMAY:

Another top Democrat is getting on board with J.B. Pritzker’s bid to become the party’s nominee for governor. Comptroller Susana Mendoza appeared with Pritzker in Springfield to endorse his candidacy.

Mendoza is perhaps the most outspoken statewide Democratic official and a frequent critic of Governor Bruce Rauner.

From Politico Illinois:

Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza is to endorse gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker today, holding two availabilities: one in Springfield in the morning then one in the afternoon in Chicago. Mendoza, a firecracker constitutional officer, hasn’t shied away from head-to-head battles with other pols, including Bruce Rauner. 

From WAND:

“We need a governor who will fight for the people of Illinois, not against the people of Illinois. JB’s that champion. We need a governor who will look out for all of Illinois, for all Illinoisans. Who will join me in lending a strong voice to the voiceless, and who will help to unify our state.” said Comptroller Mendoza. 

“Comptroller Susana Mendoza is a force. She is strong, she is fearless, and she is a vital voice for the people of Illinois. There is no one who has done more to hold this governor accountable than Susana Mendoza. Since day one, she has traveled this state, meeting families hurt by this governor and working towards solutions. Think about how much Susana could accomplish if instead of spending her time defending families from the governor of Illinois, she had a governor as a partner in Springfield who would stand up for working families. Now it won’t be easy to defeat Bruce Rauner and his right-wing allies in 2018. But we’ve got Susana Mendoza on our team, we’re going to win. Together, we’re going to defeat Bruce Rauner for good.” said JB Pritzker. 

From WCIA:

Comptroller Susana Mendoza chose to support JB Pritzker during a gathering in Springfield Wednesday. The support means he’s ahead of the other candidates.

This is his second endorsement by a statewide officeholder after Secretary of State Jesse White endorsed his campaign last month.

From Northern Public Radio:

The comptroller made the announcement in Springfield at the headquarters of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 193. The State Journal Register reports Mendoza claimed she’d seen the damage firsthand from the nearly two-year state budget impasse. She also claimed it was caused by incumbent Gov. Bruce Rauner’s “inability to govern.”

“I decided to make an endorsement for governor because I understand what is at stake,” she said.

“There is no one who has done more to hold this governor responsible than Susana Mendoza,” Pritzker said. “Those who underestimate Susana, do so at their own risk.”

Her endorsement follows that of Secretary of State Jesse White and a variety of labor unions.

From Chicago Tribune:

In becoming the second statewide elected official to back Pritzker after Secretary of State Jesse White, Mendoza said she was “truly sincere” in deciding the billionaire entrepreneur was the best candidate in the Democratic field.

Joining Pritzker at an event outside the James R. Thompson Center, Mendoza said he was “someone who I have the full faith and confidence can lead us in the right direction and do the job better than anybody else at this time.”

The first-term Democratic comptroller touted Pritzker’s support for a graduated income tax, dovetailing with the governor candidate’s latest TV ad in which he criticizes the state’s current flat tax system as “unfair” and vows changes to make the “wealthy pay more.”

Mendoza said Pritzker is “going to fight for those very same progressive values that he’s helped elect other people to champion.”

From WTAX:

Mendoza is a no-holds-barred fighter in going after Republican incumbent Gov. Bruce Rauner. Citing her sponsorship of the impeachment of then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich, also a Democrat, she tried to dispel any notion she’d be Pritzker’s yes-man.

“I don’t work for (the governor). I work for the people of the state of Illinois,” Mendoza told reporters after the announcement Wednesday in Springfield, “and I’m going to be a check and balance on whoever the governor is. I just have a high degree of confidence that (Pritzker) actually wants to work for the people of the state of Illinois. And that’s what I want to see in whoever our governor is.”

From DeWitt Daily News:

Democratic Gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker has a tenacious ally in his corner. 

Comptroller Susana Mendoza announced her endorsement Wednesday morning at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 193 Headquarters in Springfield. 

Pritzker loves having Mendoza on his side, especially after seeing the video where Mendoza repeatedly confronts an ex con hit and run driver.

Mendoza says Pritzker can help undo the damage left behind by the state’s two year long budget drought that ended this summer.

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Springfield, IL — Today, Comptroller Susana Mendoza endorsed JB Pritzker and Juliana Stratton at a grassroots campaign event at IBEW Local 193 in Springfield. This marks JB’s second endorsement by a statewide officeholder after Secretary of State Jesse White endorsed the campaign in August.

“Comptroller Susana Mendoza is a force. She is strong, she is fearless, and she is a vital voice for the people of Illinois,” said JB Pritzker. “There is no one who has done more to hold this governor accountable than Susana Mendoza. Since day one, she has traveled this state, meeting families hurt by this governor and working towards solutions. Think about how much Susana could accomplish if instead of spending her time defending families from the governor of Illinois, she had a governor as a partner in Springfield who would stand up for working families. Now it won’t be easy to defeat Bruce Rauner and his right-wing allies in 2018. But we’ve got Susana Mendoza on our team, we’re going to win. Together, we’re going to defeat Bruce Rauner for good.”

“As your state Comptroller, I have seen firsthand the division and destruction Bruce Rauner has caused this state. Over the past three years, we’ve seen the longest budget impasse in the country’s history, our bill backlog triple to $16 billion, eight credit downgrades, and social service providers decimated,” said Comptroller Susana Mendoza. “We need a governor who looks out for all Illinoisans, who will join me in lending a voice to the voiceless, and unify our fractured state. That is why I’m proud to endorse JB Pritzker and Juliana Stratton for governor and lieutenant governor. I believe JB and Juliana have a vision that will put an end to Rauner’s crisis and move our state forward.”

Makes Stops in Macomb, Lincoln, Tallula

Tallula, IL — Today, JB Pritzker made stops in central Illinois, speaking with Democrats in Macomb, Lincoln, and Tallula. At the events, he discussed his statewide, grassroots campaign and his priorities for creating jobs throughout the state.

JB began the day at a lunch with McDonough County Democrats:

Chicago, IL — JB Pritzker released the following statement after HB 40 was delivered to Bruce Rauner’s desk.

“HB 40 is now on Bruce Rauner’s desk, but women and families in our state still don’t know if their governor will sign this critical legislation,” said JB Pritzker. “Illinoisans shouldn’t have to force Bruce Rauner’s hand to stand up for their basic rights. Even though he promised to veto HB 40, I urge the governor to sign the bill without delay, and if he won’t, then HB 40 will be the first bill I sign into law as governor. It is time to send an unwavering advocate for women to Springfield – not someone who campaigns as one and then turns his back after getting elected.”

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Chicago, IL — The opposition to Graham-Cassidy is surging with doctors, hospitals, insurers, and patients all against the devastating “healthcare” bill. But Bruce Rauner has yet to stand with bipartisan governors and take action against this devastating bill.

The Washington Post reports that “nearly the entire American health-care community” is against the bill, including the following organizations, which the Post acknowledges as an “almost certainly incomplete” list.

• Adult Congenital Heart Association
• ALS Association
• Alzheimer’s Association
• Alzheimer’s Impact Movement
• American Cancer Society
• American College of Emergency Physicians
• American College of Physicians
• American College of Preventive Medicine
• American Diabetes Association
• American Academy of Family Physicians
• American Academy of Pediatrics
• American Cancer Society
• American College of Emergency Physicians
• American College of Physicians
• American College of Preventive Medicine
• American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
• American Diabetes Association
• America’s Essential Hospitals
• American Foundation for the Blind
• American Health Care Association
• America’s Health Insurance Plans
• American Heart Association
• American Hospital Association
• American Liver Foundation
• American Lung Association
• American Medical Association
• American Nurses Association
• American Osteopathic Association
• American Occupational Therapy Association
• American Psychiatric Association
• American Psychological Association
• American Public Health Association
• American Society for Addiction Medicine
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
• Amputee Coalition
• The Arc
• Arthritis Foundation
• Association for Community Affiliated Plans
• Association of American Medical Colleges
• Association of University Centers on Disabilities
• Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
• Autism Society
• Autism Speaks
• Autistic Self Advocacy Network
• Big Cities Health Coalition
• Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
• Catholic Health Association
• Children’s Hospital Association
• Center for Medicare Advocacy
• Coalition to Stop Opioid Overdose
• Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities
• COPD Foundation
• Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
• Family Voices
• Federation of American Hospitals
• HIV Medicine Association
• Infectious Diseases Society of America
• JDRF
• Lutheran Services in America
• Kaiser Permanente
• March of Dimes
• Medicare Rights Center
• National Association of Medicaid Directors
• National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners
• National Association of School Nurses
• National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
• National Down Syndrome Congress
• National Health Council
• National Institute for Reproductive Health
• National Kidney Foundation
• National Multiple Sclerosis Society
• National Organization for Rare Diseases
• Planned Parenthood
• Public Health Institute
• Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
• Trust for America’s Health
• WomenHeart

“The entire medical field and Illinois families across this state are against Graham-Cassidy, but Bruce Rauner is still failing to stand up for Illinoisans,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “This bill strips healthcare from a million Illinoisans and takes billions of federal dollars away from our state and Bruce Rauner is no where to be found on this devastating legislation.”

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Chicago, IL — Yesterday, the National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD) came out in fierce opposition to the Graham-Cassidy bill as Bruce Rauner continued his silence. NAMD is a bipartisan group that represents Medicaid directors in all 50 states.

The latest letter comes after overwhelming reports detailing the devastation that will be caused by the GOP efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Almost all assessments find that Illinois’ working families will face slashed Medicaid funding and a potential loss of protections for pre-existing conditions, putting coverage for millions in danger.

“The experts agree: this healthcare bill will be a disaster for Illinois working families, and once again Bruce Rauner is nowhere to be found,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “It’s time this failed governor stood with experts from across the country and spoke out against this heartless assault on healthcare for Illinoisans.”

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Chicago, IL — Today, Glenn Poshard announced his endorsement of JB Pritzker for governor. Poshard has spent over three decades in public service in Southern Illinois, serving as a member of the State Senate, Congress, founder of the Poshard Foundation for Abused Children, and President of Southern Illinois University.

“I am so proud to have the endorsement of a distinguished leader like Glenn Poshard,” said JB Pritzker. “He has served his community in so many different ways and changed the state for the better with his commitment to public service. As an elected official, an advocate for children, and an educator, Glenn Poshard has always fought for what’s right. I’m humbled to have him as a partner in this campaign and as we continue building our grassroots, statewide movement.”

“I was really impressed with JB Pritzker. Not only his background and experience in job creation himself, but what he would like to do with the state of Illinois and how he would like to do it,” said Glenn Poshard. “He stands up for working men and women. That’s one of his greatest attributes. Union wages and benefits built the middle class of America, and that’s what JB Pritzker understands more than anybody else in this race. He embraces the great principles of our party including equalizing educational opportunities for all of our children and protecting the most vulnerable among us and that’s important to me. He has both the head and the heart of a really good leader in government.”

Chicago, IL — As Bruce Rauner cowardly avoids speaking out about the latest devastating GOP assault on healthcare, studies for the damage the Graham-Cassidy bill will have on Illinois are appalling.

The latest report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities details the destruction that will be caused by the effort to “repeal and replace” the Affordable Care Act, including deep cuts to per person spending on healthcare and a Medicaid funding cliff in 2027. Illinois funds will be slashed by over $9.2 billion dollars by 2027, devastating working families across the state that have come to rely on the program. Overall, the study concludes that Graham-Cassidy “would likely be even more damaging than a straight repeal.”

“Healthcare for millions of Illinoisans is at risk and once again Bruce Rauner refuses to stand up for the people of this state,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “It’s time for Rauner to finally do what other GOP governors have done and speak out against this heartless attack to take away healthcare from people across the country.”

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New Ad Puts Pressure on Rauner to Support HB 40

Chicago, IL — Today, the JB Pritzker campaign released a new TV ad, “Stand Up.” The ad comes as Bruce Rauner refuses to support HB 40, a bill that would protect a woman’s right to choose in Illinois if Roe v. Wade were overturned at the federal level.

“Stand Up” highlights Rauner’s cowardly refusal to stand up for Illinois women and JB’s commitment to making HB 40 the first bill he would sign as governor. Two weeks ago, JB and HB 40 co-sponsors Senator Heather Steans and Representative Sara Feigenholtz delivered 4,000 postcards from women across the state in support of HB 40 to Governor Rauner’s office as a part of his ongoing effort to support Illinois women and fight for reproductive rights.

“Illinois women deserve a governor who will protect their healthcare, not one that will stand by as those fundamental rights are under threat,” said JB Pritzker. “As governor, I will be a steadfast supporter of a woman’s right to choose, and HB 40 will be the first bill I’ll sign in office. Every day, I’ll show up and fight for issues that matter to Illinois women and families, just like I have been doing my whole life. With Donald Trump in the White House and Bruce Rauner failing to lead, we need fierce leadership in Springfield – and that’s exactly what I’ll provide as governor.”

Graham-Cassidy Bill Would Have Dire Consequences for Illinois

Chicago, IL — Yesterday, as a bipartisan group of governors condemned the latest effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act, Bruce Rauner offered nothing but a half-hearted critique of the callous Graham-Cassidy bill.

The failed governor’s refusal to stand up for the Illinoisans who will be harmed by the law comes on the heels of reports laying out the law’s devastating effects. The latest estimate shows Illinois losing $18 billion in federal funding by 2027, with even steeper cuts projected afterwards. The report also warns of protections for pre-existing conditions being scrapped, devastating Illinoisans currently protected under the ACA.

“If Bruce Rauner was ever going to grow a spine and stand up for Illinoisans then now is the time to do it,” said Pritzker spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “This is a moment when bipartisan governors across the country are standing up to Donald Trump and speaking out against this devastating healthcare bill, but Rauner is asleep at the wheel.”

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Beardstown, IL — This weekend, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 431 endorsed JB Pritzker and Juliana Stratton at an event in Beardstown. UFCW Local 431 represents thousands of workers in the Quad Cities and across a wide range of industries including meat packing and processing and rendering plants. With the announcement, UFCW Local 431 becomes the 20th union to endorse JB for governor.

“I am honored to have the endorsement of UFCW Local 431 and as governor, I will work tirelessly to fight for the working families they represent,” said JB Pritzker. “Together, we will grow the economy, fight for the right to organize, and stand up for immigrant families. Now more than ever, we must stand united to defend our shared values. That’s why I’m humbled to have the hardworking members of UFCW Local 431 standing with me in the fight ahead.”

“UFCW Local 431 is proud to stand with JB Pritzker and Juliana Stratton in the fight for Illinois working families,” said UFCW Local 431 President Jerry Messer. “JB and Juliana will protect immigrant rights, ensure the right to collectively bargain, and fight for better workplace safety protections for us all. I know they will be partners in government, who listen to working families in our state and put Springfield back on our side.”

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Chicago, IL — Today, the JB for Governor campaign released a new digital ad, “Been There,” highlighting JB’s lifelong commitment to standing up for progressive values and his resistance to Donald Trump.

The digital ad shows JB at the March for Women’s Lives in 1992 and the Chicago Pride Parade in 1993. It also highlights his recent resistance to Donald Trump, including protesting Trump’s efforts to strip healthcare from millions, standing up for DREAMers, and marching in the Women’s March on Springfield.

“Donald Trump is unfit to be president, and Illinois needs a governor who will stand up to his bigoted and hateful agenda,” said JB Pritzker. “I’ve spent my life standing up for progressive, Democratic values and no other candidate for governor has worked harder to resist Donald Trump in Illinois. Now more than ever, it’s time for our state to unite and make sure we’re a firewall against this president’s reckless agenda.”

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Today, JB Pritzker opened a new JB for Governor campaign office in Joliet. This is the sixth office opening across the state as the campaign continues to build a statewide, grassroots operation. While speaking at the opening, JB highlighted his priorities for creating jobs, investing in quality education, and expanding healthcare for Illinois families.

Today, JB Pritzker made a trip to Central Illinois with two stops in Beardstown. During his trip, he discussed his plans to invest in infrastructure, fight for quality education, and expand healthcare coverage in Illinois.

His first stop was at UFCW Local 431 where he met with Cass County Democrats and union members:

He then stopped at the African Days Picnic:

Chicago, IL — Yesterday, JB Pritzker opened the second JB for Governor campaign office on the South Side of Chicago. This is the fifth office opening as the campaign continues to build a statewide, grassroots operation. While speaking at the opening, JB highlighted his priorities for creating jobs, investing in quality education, and expanding healthcare for Illinois families.

Harrisburg, IL — Just a few days after the statewide “Think Big” Bus Tour, JB Pritzker headed to Harrisburg for a dinner with the Saline County Democrats. While there, he discussed his priorities for creating jobs throughout the state.

From WSIL:

Democrats in Saline County gathered in Harrisburg Saturday night to meet three democratic candidates for governor. […]

“Whether you’re a Republican or a Democrat, I think everybody believes about this state that we need the state to be one of the best in the nation. In fact, I believe it,” Pritzker said.

WATCH:

Chicago, IL — As Bruce Rauner is set to hold a women’s health roundtable today, JB was joined by HB 40 Co-Sponsors Senator Heather Steans and Representative Sara Feigenholtz yesterday to make a special delivery to Governor Rauner’s office: 4,000 postcards in support of HB 40. Illinoisans across the state signed the postcards urging Rauner to sign the critical legislation that protects women’s reproductive rights and stands up to Donald Trump.

“I will never be silent in the fight to protect women’s healthcare and stand up to Donald Trump’s attacks. That’s why I’m proud to have delivered 4,000 postcards to Governor Rauner from Illinoisans across this state who support HB 40,” said JB Pritzker. “While Bruce Rauner has failed to stand up for Illinois women, I’ll be a governor who champions women’s rights and resists Donald Trump every day in Springfield.”

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Chicago, IL – Yesterday, after Donald Trump announced his cruel decision to end DACA, Bruce Rauner minced words, taking hours before releasing a cowardly non-statement, saying that Congress should “deal with these challenges.”

But fellow Republican governors from across the nation immediately stood up for DREAMers with Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval saying outright, “I support DACA” and Vermont Governor Phil Scott stating, “It’s unfortunate the President has chosen to end the Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.” Ohio Governor John Kasich gave the strongest defense calling DACA a “simple moral issue” and saying that DREAMers had a home in Ohio. So why won’t Bruce Rauner stand up for immigrant families in his state?

“While Republican governors move beyond politics to take a principled stand, Bruce Rauner is abandoning DREAMers and cowering to Donald Trump,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “There are 42,000 DREAMers under attack in Illinois as Bruce Rauner hides behind a empty statement and fails to lead.”

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Chicago, IL — Yesterday, JB Pritzker held a press conference with Chicago leaders and DREAMer Jay Meza blasting Donald Trump for his heartless decision to rescind the DACA program. While Bruce Rauner remained silent for hours, JB Pritzker acted immediately, sending a letter to leaders in Congress and asking them to defend DACA and the 42,000 DREAMers in Illinois.

Here’s what Illinoisans are seeing and reading in the news about JB’s actions on DACA:

From CBS 2 Chicago:

From NBC 5 Chicago:

From WCIA:

From KFVS:

From CBS 2 Chicago: JB Pritzker, City Alderman Condemn President Trump’s Order To End DACA:

Democratic contender for Governor JB Pritzker along with several aldermen called the media together on Tuesday to condemn President Trump’s order to end DACA.

After the politicians spoke, WBBM’s Steve Miller talked to a so-called “Dreamer,” one of 800,000 young people in this country whose future is in jeopardy.

“The last memory I remember of Mexico was a blue gate. And that was our fence,” said 23-year-old Jay Meza, who came here when he was three.

“That’s the only thing I remember. Everything else is here in Chicago.”

From WLS-AM: Pritzker and other Dems denounce DACA decision:

There’s an avalanche of denunciation.

Listen to JB Pritzker, the billionaire Democratic candidate for governor who stated, “Donald Trump is a racist! He exploits division and the promotes hate! He has no regard for the values that are trampled upon and the lives that are destroyed along the way. It’s up to all of us to stop him.”

From the Belleville News Democrat: Here’s how Illinois politicians are reacting to Trump’s DACA decision:

J.B. Pritzker, candidate for Illinois governor, in a letter to U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer and U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, both Democrats: “These young people trusted this government. Came out of the shadows. Submitted paperwork and underwent an extensive vetting process. In exchange, they were granted temporary relief from deportation and a work permit. Now they’re in school, working better jobs, earning higher wages, and contributing to their local economies… Stand with DREAMers across this nation and pass the BRIDGE Act. Pass comprehensive immigration reform. Put undocumented immigrants on a pathway to citizenship.”

From the Chicago Sun-Times: Reaction to Trump ending DACA for Dreamers:

J. B. Pritzker: “Donald Trump ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program today is a disgrace to everything that we stand for – both as a state and as a nation.

“He broke a promise he made to young immigrants across the nation — that they “shouldn’t be very worried” and that he would “take care of everybody”.

“Right now, the futures of nearly 800,000 young people have been put in jeopardy by Trump’s unnecessary assault on DACA. These young people trusted this government. Came out-of-the-shadows. Submitted paperwork and underwent an extensive vetting process. In exchange, they were granted temporary relief from deportation and a work permit. Now they’re in school, working better jobs, earning higher wages, and contributing to their local economies.

“DACA recipients in Illinois contribute greatly to their communities. Illinois has the fourth-largest population of DACA recipients in the country and the highest share in the Midwest, with more than 42,000 people. In total, Trump’s actions will rob Illinois of nearly $2.3 billion in GDP each year.

“That’s why the time for action is now. Share this to resist Trump’s anti-immigration policies and stand with DREAMers across the nation.

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Baseless Attack by Chicago Tribune is an Affront to an Institution Teaching Illinoisans to Fight Hate

Chicago, IL – In 2009, JB stood with Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel and opened the doors to a museum that honors the memory of those killed in the Holocaust and turns powerful lessons of history into positive actions today. It was the culmination of years of work by JB and survivors to make the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center a reality.

Thanks to that hard work, now over 60,000 Illinois kids and teachers come to the museum each year to learn how to fight bigotry and hate. The founding principle of the museum is “Remember the Past, Transform the Future” – an important creed for Americans less than a month after white supremacists descended on Charlottesville.

But in a story out today, the Chicago Tribune tries to reduce the work of JB and Holocaust survivors to a groundless political attack. The story comes as the paper’s pick for governor, Bruce Rauner, has had a horrendous summer and continues to implode. Just yesterday it was reported that Rauner’s former general counsel is the subject of a government ethics complaint.

“JB has nothing but pride for his work with survivors to build the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center,” said Pritzker campaign communications director Galia Slayen. “At a time when the phrase ‘Never Forget’ has never felt more relevant, it’s disappointing that the Tribune would try to reduce this museum to be a part of their political agenda.”

Here is more information on JB’s work to help build the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center:

1999: JB first became involved in efforts to build the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center when he was approached by two Holocaust survivors around 1999 who sought his help and laid out their vision for the institution.

December 2002: JB Pritzker’s foundation donated over $1.2 million to the Illinois Holocaust Museum’s construction and operating endowment.

IN THE YEARS LEADING UP TO THE GROUNDBREAKING, JB’S FOUNDATION DONATED HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS MORE TO SUPPORT THE MUSEUM’S EFFORTS

October 2003: The Pritzker Family Foundation donated $20,000 to the Illinois Holocaust Museum for their operating budget.

December 2003: The Pritzker Family Foundation donated $200,000 to the Illinois Holocaust Museum for their construction and operating endowment.

July 2004: The Pritzker Family Foundation donated $25,000 to the Illinois Holocaust Museum for their operating budget.

October 2004: The Pritzker Family Foundation donated $20,000 to the Illinois Holocaust Museum for its annual dinner.

December 2004: The Pritzker Family Foundation donated $200,000 to the Illinois Holocaust Museum for its operations & endowment budget.

January 2005: The Pritzker Family Foundation donated $35,000 to the Illinois Holocaust Museum for their operating budget.

November 2005: The Pritzker Family Foundation donated $60,000 to the Illinois Holocaust Museum for its annual dinner.

November 2005: The Pritzker Family Foundation donated $50,000 to the Illinois Holocaust Museum for its annual dinner.

December 2005: The Pritzker Family Foundation donated $200,000 to the Illinois Holocaust Museum for its operations & endowment budget.

JB WAS PRESENT AT THE GROUNDBREAKING FOR THE MUSEUM IN 2006 & HELPED RAISE MILLIONS NEEDED TO START CONSTRUCTION

June 2006: JB Pritzker was present at the groundbreaking for the Illinois Holocaust Museum.

2006: As Campaign Chair for the new museum, JB Pritzker announced they had raised nearly half of their $35 million campaign goal, which included both building the Holocaust Museum Center and endowment opportunities.

AFTER THE GROUNDBREAKING, JB PRITZKER CONTINUED TO FUNDRAISE FOR THE HOLOCAUST MUSEUM, INCLUDING HEADING UP THE MUSEUM’S ANNUAL FUNDRAISING DINNER

2006-2009: JB Pritzker’s foundation also donated an additional $2.4 million to the Illinois Holocaust Museum for the annual dinner, construction endowment & more.

2009: It was reported that  “as campaign chair for IHMEC, has helped raise nearly $40 million of the $45 million needed for the new museum” … “He brought the group from having essentially nothing in the bank to where it is today, several tens of millions of dollars later.”

The Illinois Holocaust Museum Opened In April 2009.

AFTER THE HOLOCAUST MUSEUM OPENED, JB PRITZKER SPENT MILLIONS MORE ON FUNDRAISING EVENTS & LECTURE SERIES TO HELP IT SUCCEED

2009-2015: JB Pritzker’s foundation donated over $2.6 million to the Illinois Holocaust Museum for the opening ceremony, the annual dinner,  the Chicago Poker Challenge fundraiser and for the Voices of Conscience lecture series.

March 2016: JB’s foundation donated another $5 million to support an innovative way to tell survivors’ stories.

2017: In total, JB’s foundation has contributed over $12 million to the Illinois Holocaust Museum.

THE HOLOCAUST MUSEUM JB PRITZKER HELPED BUILD IS AN AWARD-WINNING, INNOVATIVE MUSEUM THAT EDUCATES AROUND 50,000 SCHOOLCHILDREN EACH YEAR

HEADLINE: “Illinois Holocaust Museum Wins National Award” [Chicago Tribune, 5/26/17]

The Illinois Holocaust Museum Was Awarded The National Medal For Museum And Library Service, The Nation’s Highest Honor For Museums And Libraries. “The Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Skokie has been named one of 10 recipients of the 2017 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, according to the organization that distributes the award. The award was announced May 15, in a joint news release between the museum and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The accolade is regarded as ‘the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries for service to the community,’ according to the release.” [Chicago Tribune, 5/26/17]

The Illinois Holocaust Museum Had 104,000 Visitors In 2016, Approximately Half Of Those Were Field Trips From Schools. “From 2013 to 2016, the Illinois Holocaust Museum had 392,000 visitors, compared with 336,000 from 2009 to 2012. Attendance in 2016 was 104,000, a 6 percent increase over 2015. Field trips from schools account for about half the visitors; Illinois law mandates Holocaust education for public elementary and high school students.” [Crain’s Chicago Business, 1/21/17]

Since It Opened In 2009, More Than 2,000 CPD Recruits Have Attended An Ethics Training At The Illinois Holocaust Museum. “It’s a frigid afternoon in the middle of December, and more than 100 Chicago police cadets are exploring the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Skokie… Since 2009, more than 2,000 aspiring Chicago police officers have attended this police ethics training program, the Law Enforcement and Democracy Initiative. The eight-hour course focuses on how German police participated in the dehumanization, systematic oppression, and mass murder of Jewish people, which instructors and police officials say holds powerful lessons that recruits can use on the streets in Chicago.” [Chicago Magazine, 1/31/17]

HEADLINE: “Holocaust Horrors Help Teach Ethics To CPD Recruits” [Beth Steinberg, Chicago Sun-Times, 12/18/16]

THE ILLINOIS HOLOCAUST MUSEUM HAS BEEN PRAISED BY BOTH DEMOCRATS & REPUBLICANS

Daniel Biss On The Illinois Holocaust Museum: “To See What This Institution Has Become – For The Community, For The State, For The Educational Infrastructure For The State Is Really, Really Incredibly Meaningful To Me.” “State Sen. Daniel Biss (D-9) said that the museum, located in his district, has great personal meaning for him. His parents survived the Holocaust, he said, and his cousins — survivors and long-time Skokie residents — have volunteered at the Holocaust Museum ever since it was housed in a small storefront on Main Street. ‘To see what this institution has become — for the community, for the state, for the educational infrastructure for the state is really, really incredibly meaningful to me,’ he said.” [Skokie Review, 10/28/15]

State Rep. Laura Fine Called The Illinois Holocaust Museum “A Gem In My District.” “‘This is the gem in my district,’ echoed State Rep. Laura Fine (D-17). ‘It has so much meaning to everybody here and we need to make sure it has (that meaning) for everyone around the state.’ Fine relayed a recent experience visiting Auschwitz with her husband and seeing Israeli students draped in Israeli flags and singing. ‘This is a group of students saying this could never happen again and the only reason it can’t is because we can’t forget that it happened in the first place,’ she said.” [Skokie Review, 10/28/15]

House Republican Leader Durkin Praised The Illinois Holocaust Museum And Noted It Was Important To Teach Young People The Importance Of Standing Up To Prejudice. “Jim Durkin (R-82), the House Republican leader in Springfield, also made a case for the importance of the museum— not just to remember the past, he said, but to address the present and future as well. ‘After the Holocaust, the world has experienced repeated genocide since the end of World War II including the tragedies of Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia,’ he said. ‘The Holocaust illustrates the consequences of prejudice, racism and stereotypes.’ Recent events, he said, ‘show us how important it is…to teach young people the importance of standing up in the face of hatred, prejudice and speaking out.’” [Skokie Review, 10/28/15]

Laura Bush Said The Illinois Holocaust Museum “Has A Great Role To Play In Holocaust Education.” “The former first lady’s interest in the Holocaust. Her father’s infantry division liberated Nordhausen; he sent photos to her mother, writing ‘tear it up’ on the back of a photo showing rows upon rows of bodies. The Illinois museum ‘has a great role to play in Holocaust education,’ [Laura] Bush said.” [Crain’s Chicago Business, 3/9/17]

President Bill Clinton Attended The Opening Of The Illinois Holocaust Museum And Said It Was Important To Have A Holocaust Museum There Because It Was “In The Heartland Of The Country.” “The Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center opened its doors to a new chapter on Sunday, as an estimated 12,000 people attended the opening ceremony… ‘We don’t want the only people learning to be in Washington, New York and Los Angeles,’ former President Bill Clinton said to the crowds gathered under tents. ‘I think it is important that this place of remembrance and learning is here, not only because of what happened in Skokie three decades ago but because it is in the heartland of the country.’” [NBC Chicago,7/14/09]

Sen. Silverstein: “We’re So Proud To Have The World-Class Illinois Holocaust Museum In Skokie” [@SenSilverstein, Twitter, 5/16/17]

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Think Big Bus Tour Ends With Stops in Rockford and Hampton

Hampton, IL — On the final day of his 22-stop, statewide Think Big bus tour, JB Pritzker made stops in Rockford and Hampton celebrating Labor Day. On his final two stops, he discussed his statewide, grassroots campaign and his priorities for creating jobs throughout the state.

On the first stop of the day, JB marched in the Rockford Labor Day parade with local union members:

From WREX:

WREX: JB Pritzker marches in Rockford Labor Day Parade

Illinois gubernatorial candidate JB Pritzker marched in Rockford’s Labor Day parade today.

Pritzker is one of nearly a dozen democrats vying for the state’s top seat. He says many of the labor unions support him and that’s one reason he decided to come to Rockford’s parade.  

“Well Rockford is a place of working families i mean this place was built on the hard work of not only labor unions but people who all across this region that have worked hard to build up Rockford. Now it’s time we had a governor that’s on their side.”

He then celebrated the end of the Think Big Bus Tour at the Rock Island Democrats Salute to Labor Picnic at the Illiniwek Campgrounds:

From WQAD:

Illiniwek Campgrounds was the last stop for gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker on his six-day tour through southern and central Illinois, which focused on ways to create job growth down state.

“We’ve got a 5 point jobs creation plan and we’ve talked about it across the state and listened. What we’ve heard is we really need to focus on infrastructure in this state,” says Pritzker.

From the Dispatch Argus:

Jim Bivens, of Milan, arrived early with his family to set up lawn chairs in front of the stage. 

Proudly wearing a “JB for Governor” sticker, Mr. Bivens already has chosen Mr. Pritzker as his gubernatorial pick.

“I’m very interested in what he’s going to do if we could get him elected governor,” Mr. Bivens said. “What sticks out for me is he wants to feed the children in school. He wants to make sure all the kids have a good breakfast. It’s important to me that he’s taking care of everybody, not just the rich or the poor.”

Arriving with running mate Juliana Stratton in a sleek, slogan-wrapped touring bus, Mr. Pritzker ended his five-day statewide Think Big bus tour in Hampton.

“We need to put Springfield back on the side of working families in this state,” he said. “For too long, we’ve had a governor who has created crisis after crisis, which is affecting working families.”

Mr. Pritzker said Gov. Rauner wants to lower wages and get rid of labor unions — a message popular with many in the crowd who were proudly wearing union T-shirts.

“We need somebody who is going to stand up for our labor unions, for our workers, and for our working families,” Mr. Pritzker said. “We’re not attracting jobs to the state. We had a half percent of job growth last year. It’s not enough to create any new jobs for people.”

From the Quad City Times:

Quad-City Democrats got a chance to get a closeup look at most of their party’s gubernatorial hopefuls Monday, as four candidates for the nomination showed up for the 50th annual Salute to Labor picnic at Illiniwek Forest Preserve. […]

[Pritzker was] telling the crowd he had plans for improving education, job creation and health care, as well as helping agriculture and manufacturing. He also appealed to the party faithful by calling President Donald Trump “a racist and a xenophobe,” a claim he’s made before.

Calls on Bruce Rauner to Break His Silence and Defend DREAMers

Chicago, IL – Today, at a press conference in front of the Thompson Center, JB Pritzker denounced Donald Trump’s decision to end DACA and Bruce Rauner’s failure to stand up for Illinois’ immigrant families. JB was introduced by DREAMer Jay Meza, and was joined by Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia, Pastor Emma Lozano, and Aldermen Gilbert Villegas, Milly Santiago, Danny Solis, Raymond Lopez, and George Cardenas.

“Earlier today, I sent a letter to Senator Schumer and Leader Pelosi, urging them to act,” said JB Pritzker. “I urged them to pass the bipartisan BRIDGE Act to protect DREAMers. I encouraged them to move forward with comprehensive immigration reform. And I said it is time to put undocumented immigrants, DREAMers, and their parents on a pathway to citizenship.

“I’m going to keep fighting. I won’t be silent like Bruce Rauner. I will stand with our DREAMers and fight for their right to every opportunity our country offers. I will keep holding Bruce Rauner accountable for failing to lead in Illinois. And I will stand with those resisting across our state and fight Donald Trump’s border wall. Our values are under threat. The lives of young people across our state and our country hang in the balance. It is time for all of us to come together and resist.”

JB Pritzker Releases Radio Ads and Letter Calling on Bruce Rauner and Congressional Leaders to Defend DREAMers and Stand Up to Donald Trump

Chicago, IL — In the wake of Donald Trump’s unconscionable decision to end the DACA program and put 800,000 young immigrants in jeopardy, JB Pritzker released two radio ads slamming Trump’s decision and sent a letter to congressional leadership urging them to take action to protect DREAMers.

The radio ads will air in both English and Spanish. Listen to the radio ad here:

The following letter was sent to Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi. Read the full letter here:

“Donald Trump’s reckless decision to end DACA is an affront to American values and makes it clear that he lacks even an ounce of moral leadership,” said JB Pritzker. “We are a nation of immigrants, and I’m proud that Illinois is home to the fourth most DREAMers of any state in this country. It’s time Bruce Rauner came out of his cowardly silence and stood up to Donald Trump and for DREAMers.”

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Gurnee, IL — JB Pritzker and Juliana Stratton wrapped up day five of their six-day, statewide Think Big Bus tour today. As they travel the state on the bus tour over the Labor Day holiday, JB and Juliana are building support from every corner of Illinois.

Here’s what John Penn, Vice President of Midwest Laborers’ International Union, told Northern Public Radio:

“If our membership wants a 30 percent cut in wages, then vote for Rauner. If you want to keep your wages and increase your wages, vote for Pritzker — I think it’s a pretty good message,” he said. Penn was referring to J.B. Pritzker. The Democrat won the Midwest Laborers’ endorsement last week.

Here’s what Mike Carrigan, the president of the state AFL-CIO, said in a Herald & Review op-ed:

Next year is an election year, but we must start working now to make sure Rauner’s mess is cleaned up. In early June, the Illinois AFL-CIO Executive Board endorsed JB Pritzker for governor. Pritzker is a problem-solver and proven leader.  He’s a doer not a talker. He has taken a leading role in technology innovation and advocacy for early childhood education. He and his well-qualified running mate, Juliana Stratton are traveling the state listening to everyday Illinoisans. That’s how you solve problems – by first listening and then figuring out a way to get it done. Pritzker gets it.

JB and Juliana made three stops throughout the day, including appearances in Warrenville, Robbins, and Gurnee. Along the way, they discussed their statewide, grassroots campaign and their priorities for creating jobs throughout the state.

JB and Juliana began the day greeting union workers in Warrenville at IBEW Local 701:

Later, they marched with supporters in the Robbins Labor Day Parade:

Read the parade coverage from the Daily Southtown HERE.

Then JB and Juliana made a campaign stop in Gurnee with State Senator Terry Link and the Lake County Federation of Teachers Local 504:

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Chicago, IL – JB Pritzker released the following statement to celebrate Labor Day, the strides the labor movement has made for the middle class, and to reaffirm his commitment to fighting for working families as governor.

“The labor movement has been at the forefront of protecting and expanding workers’ rights, and as governor, I’ll fight alongside Illinois’ hardworking men and women to protect those rights,” said JB Pritzker. “I’ve spent this Labor Day weekend touring the state to hear from union members and stand in solidarity as we celebrate the progress we’ve made and gear up for the fight ahead.

“Illinois needs a governor who will raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour, fight for the right to organize, and defend working families from right to work — not one who wages war on the labor movement and vetoes a raise for two million Illinoisans like Bruce Rauner. When I’m governor, the labor movement will always have a partner in Springfield who will make sure more workers can join unions so that we can raise the wage floor and boost purchasing power for working families. Together, with the support of the state AFL-CIO and 19 individual unions in this campaign, we will defeat Bruce Rauner and make sure working families always have a seat at the table.”

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The day began with JB and Juliana marching with supporters on the Southeast Side Labor Day parade:

From ABC 7 Chicago:

They then met with union members at the Friends of Labor festival in Steelworkers Park:

JB and Juliana opened a new JB for Governor office on the West Side of Chicago with local elected officials. They highlighted their statewide grassroots campaign and priorities for creating jobs.

From Village Free Press:

During the opening of a campaign office in the Chicago’s Austin community on Saturday, Illinois gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker — who’s widely considered to be the frontrunner in the Democratic primary race — explained what he said is the key to lower property taxes in Maywood.

“Low-income communities are burdened with the highest rates of property taxes in the state and that’s unfair, and it’s because the system overall is unfair. The biggest challenge is that the state of Illinois only puts up about a quarter of the money for school funding all across the state. A quarter of the money. So roughly three-quarters of that comes from local property taxes. A little, tiny bit comes from the federal government.

Pritzker also summarized numerous aspects of his campaign platform, detailing his plans for childhood education and healthcare, among other areas. Below are excerpts from his Saturday stump speech.

On the state’s budget crisis: There are people who have suffered because Bruce Rauner, for 736 days, wouldn’t pass a budget; wouldn’t even introduce a budget. You know what’s happened to social services in our state. Agencies have closed, mental health facilities have closed — the things that I’ve cared about my whole life are under siege.

On education: We need equity in education. That means starting with our youngest kids. Every single child should have access to universal preschool. We need quality childcare for every child. Eighty-five percent of brain development occurs before [children] show up at kindergarten. This state needs to help those kids and parents. […]

On small businesses: Two-thirds of all the jobs in this state get created by small businesses. We have to invest in small businesses in this state. We need the state to stand up with a small business loan fund and a micro fund.

Urban agriculture: I believe part of that will be legalizing marijuana and taxing it. What matters most is safety. It’s readily available but it’s not safe. We need to make it safe.

They then headed to the Taste of Polonia, a Polish heritage festival on the Northwest side of the city:

For the final stop of the day, JB spoke at the Chinese American Citizens Alliance Spirit of America Awards Gala:

Day 3 of ‘Think Big’ Bus Tour Included Stops in Belleville, Marion, Springfield

Springfield, IL — JB Pritzker and Juliana Stratton hit the campaign trail for the third day of their six-day, statewide Think Big bus tour. They started off with another stop in Belleville before making stops in both Marion and Springfield. At the stops, they discussed their priorities for creating jobs in central and southern Illinois and their statewide, grassroots campaign.

At the first event, JB and Juliana spoke to supporters at the JB for Governor Belleville office opening:

They then stopped in Marion where they held an economic roundtable with local business leaders and elected officials:

From WSIL:

The final stop was at the Laborer’s Union Hall in Springfield, where JB spoke about putting Springfield back on the side of working families. JB and Juliana were joined by Illinois AFL-CIO President Michael Carrigan:

Day 2 of ‘Think Big’ Bus Tour Included Stops in Bloomington, Stanford, Decatur, Taylorville, and Belleville

Belleville, IL — JB Pritzker and Juliana Stratton continued their six-day Think Big Bus Tour through central and southern Illinois with five stops in Bloomington, Stanford, Decatur, Taylorville, and Belleville. At the stops, they discussed their priorities for creating jobs in central and southern Illinois as well as their statewide, grassroots campaign.

The day began early in Bloomington at a breakfast meeting where the LiUNA Midwest Region announced their endorsement of JB Pritzker and Juliana Stratton:

From Pantagraph: Pritzker praises labor, attacks Rauner, at B-N stop:

Democratic governor candidate J.B. Pritzker showed why Laborers Local 362 endorsed him during a visit Thursday in Bloomington. […]

“If Bruce Rauner wins another four years, there may not be any labor unions in this state. His Koch brothers network will have eviscerated unions all across the Midwest,” said Pritzker. “We are an island (surrounded by right-to-work states). … It’s a target. That’s what they see. We have to protect it.”

He said Rauner has hurt job growth not only in his governance but by criticizing the way the state is run.

“We have to solve the problems that Bruce Rauner has brought to our state with 736 days of no budget, (and) then another crisis created by (education funding) when he wouldn’t sign it. … Jobs don’t get created in an unstable environment,” said Pritzker. “Why would you come here when the leader of the state says, ‘Don’t come?’ … I’ll be your best chief marketing officer.”

From WGLT: Pritzker Picks Up Union Endorsement During Bloomington Stop:

“If Bruce Rauner wins, his Koch brothers network—that’s what he belongs to, this right-wing network—will have eviscerated unions across the Midwest. We are an island (in Illinois). We have to protect this state from their onslaught,” Pritzker said. “We need to win in 2018.” […]

Pritzker’s visit was focused on job creation, specifically in central Illinois. He spoke to union members about his five-point plan for jobs, starting with investing in infrastructure like roads and broadband. He also wants to invest in state community colleges and universities so they can support startups.

He said Rauner’s negative remarks about the state—he called it “bad-mouthing”—was turning off businesses to the idea of coming or expanding in Illinois. In comments to reporters after the event, Pritzker appeared confident that he could do what former Gov. Pat Quinn couldn’t do in 2014—win downstate areas like McLean County. Rauner swept them all.

“Bruce Rauner is trying to pit communities against each other. He’s trying to divide downstate from the collar counties, and collar counties from Chicago. He’s trying to make a division because he thinks it will help him get re-elected. We shouldn’t let him do it. This is one Illinois.”

From WJBC: Pritzker receives Bloomington labor endorsement:

Midwest Region of the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) Vice President John Penn offered the enthusiastic endorsement in front of 150 guests at the Laborers Local 363 Union Hall in Bloomington this morning. […]

“I’m proud to have all these members here excited about taking on Bruce Rauner and beating him,” Pritzker said after the announcement.

The endorsement gives Pritzker the support of 28 downstate unions and the 18,000 members that make up LiUNA. Pritzker also locked up an endorsement from Illinois’ top labor group in June when the AFL-CIO announced their backing of the Chicago Democrat.

JB and Juliana then toured the LiUNA Training Facility in Stanford, IL with LiUNA Midwest Regional Manager John Penn: