Chicago, IL – In response to a lawsuit filed today to halt the implementation of HB 40, JB Pritzker released the following statement:

“Reproductive rights are once again under attack by Illinois Republicans, and we must continue fighting these archaic attempts to restrict a woman’s right to choose,” said JB Pritzker. “Whether it’s a new lawsuit filed today or legislation filed a month ago, the GOP is committed to rolling back the clock on women’s rights. As governor, I will be a champion for women’s rights, and I will always fight to expand and protect reproductive rights in Illinois.”

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Chicago, IL – Today, Assistant Majority Leader Greg Harris announced his endorsement of JB Pritzker for governor at an LGBTQ event at Sidetrack on the north side of Chicago. Greg Harris has represented Illinois’ 13th House District since 2007, and has been a champion of LGBTQ rights during his time in office. The endorsement comes as support for JB Pritzker continues to grow, with endorsements from Secretary of State Jesse White, Comptroller Susana Mendoza, the Illinois AFL-CIO, and over 20 individual unions.

“Greg Harris has been a leader in the fight for LGBTQ equality in Illinois and I’m so proud to have his support,” said JB Pritzker. “Every day, Greg has fought hard to make Illinois a better, more welcoming place for all people and families, and he needs a partner in Springfield. I will stand with Greg to fight for working families and continue the progress we’ve made with LGBTQ rights. Together, I know we can build on his historic accomplishments, guarantee equal protections for all Illinoisans, and fight hate wherever it occurs in our state.”

“I am so proud to stand with JB Pritzker in the fight for Illinois’ working families and the fight for equality,” said Assistant Majority Leader Greg Harris. “His whole life, JB has stood up again and again for what’s right and fought for LGBTQ rights, women’s rights, civil rights, and immigrant and refugee rights. But JB also understands there is a lot more work to do. When JB is governor, the LGBTQ community will have a tireless advocate in Springfield who will stand up to Donald Trump’s hateful attacks, build coalitions, fight for affordable, accessible healthcare for every Illinois family, and fight hate in our workplaces and schools. For years, JB Pritzker has shown he will fight for these values. I know he will be a champion for them as governor and am proud to support his campaign.”

 

PHOTOS FOR MEDIA USE ONLY

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Chicago, IL – Following reports that Obamacare enrollment in Illinois has surged nearly 40 percent over last year, outpacing the national increase of 33 percent, JB Pritzker released the following statement:

“Illinoisans are enrolling in ObamaCare at rates well above the national average, and I’m thrilled that over 95,000 Illinoisans have signed up for healthcare coverage so far,” said JB Pritzker. “This is a declaration that Illinoisans will not be deterred by Bruce Rauner and Donald Trump in our fight for affordable healthcare. With Trump actively sabotaging healthcare enrollment nationwide and Bruce Rauner refusing speak out about Trump cutting the enrollment period in half and slashing advertising by 90 percent, we know we have to keep up the fight. Illinoisans deserve a governor who will defend this state against Trump’s attacks and help Illinoisans get covered. That’s what I’ve done in this campaign and it’s the kind of leadership you’ll see from me as governor.”

Read about JB’s advertising campaign to promote healthcare.gov HERE.

 

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Chicago, IL – As questions remain unanswered about Bruce Rauner’s secret and historically costly Medicaid deal, JB Pritzker released the following statement.

“Bruce Rauner pushed through the largest procurement in state history without any input by the public or scrutiny by the media, and now costs have skyrocketed by tens of billions of dollars overnight,” said JB Pritzker. “This failed governor has given taxpayers no reason to trust him after going out of his way to shroud this deal in secrecy. Illinois families are now on the hook for another $23 billion and they deserve answers from this failed governor. Whether he is trying to mislead or is just plain incompetent, Bruce Rauner needs to come clean to Illinoisans about the damage he’s done.”

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Pritzker Campaign Collects 35,000 Signatures from Illinoisans Across the State

 

Springfield, IL — Today, after collecting almost 35,000 signatures from voters in 90 counties across the state, JB Pritzker and Juliana Stratton formally filed petitions to run for governor and lieutenant governor of Illinois.

The campaign enters its next phase with a grassroots, statewide operation that includes opening 15 field offices and counting, endorsements from the statewide AFL-CIO, over 20 individual unions, and statewide leaders like Secretary of State Jesse White, Comptroller Susana Mendoza, and Illinois Treasurer Mike Frerichs.

“I am proud to file my petitions to be the next governor of Illinois and humbled that we collected nearly 35,000 signatures from every region across the state,” said JB Pritzker. “Since announcing in April, our campaign has built a grassroots movement, earned support from leaders and working families across the state, and released detailed policy plans to get this state back on track. After three years of Bruce Rauner creating crisis after crisis, it’s clear that his damage is done. Working families are ready for a governor who listens and fights every day to put Springfield back on their side. That’s exactly the type of leader I will be and I’m excited as we take this next step together.”

“I am honored to join JB Pritzker in filing petitions to be the next lieutenant governor of Illinois,” said State Representative Juliana Stratton. “Since joining the campaign in August, I’ve been humbled by the outpouring of support from working families throughout the state as we build our grassroots movement. Together, I’m confident JB and I can beat Bruce Rauner and put this state back on track by expanding healthcare, investing in quality education, and creating jobs. I am thrilled to take the next step as we work to put Springfield back on the side of working families.”

 

PHOTOS FOR MEDIA USE ONLY

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Chicago, IL – Today, JB Pritzker with the support of State Representative Deb Conroy unveiled his plan to combat Illinois’ opioid crisis as governor. With Illinois experiencing an over 44 percent increase in drug-related overdoses from 2013 to 2016, JB’s plan is a multi-faceted approach to reduce the rate of addiction through education, remove barriers to treatment, and encourage treatment instead of incarceration.

The key components of JB’s plan to combat the opioid crisis in Illinois include:

• Focus on Youth Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Prevention and Education.

• Reduce the Risks of Prescription Opioids.

• Remove Barriers to Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery.

• Work with the Criminal Justice System to Prioritize Treatment Over Incarceration.

• Ensure Health Insurance Companies Cover Addiction Treatment Fairly.

• Leverage Federal Funding Opportunities to Fight the Opioid Epidemic Locally.

 

Read the full plan HERE.

“The opioid crisis in Illinois is ending too many lives and devastating too many families,” said JB Pritzker. “While this crisis is only getting worse, Bruce Rauner is once again failing to lead. From vetoing the Heroin Crisis Act to proposing funding cuts for addiction treatment, Rauner has failed as Illinois’ opioid crisis spirals out of control. It’s time for a governor ready to lead and I know that by working together and investing in prevention and treatment, we can combat the opioid epidemic in Illinois and create real, lasting change. We can and we will break the cycle of addiction today and for future generations.”

“Opioids have ravaged our communities and taken far too many lives, and it’s time Illinois had a governor ready to take concrete action to combat this epidemic,” said State Representative Deb Conroy. “While Bruce Rauner has turned a blind eye to this growing crisis, I was proud to work with JB Pritzker on this plan that will make a real difference for Illinoisans struggling with addiction. JB’s plan centers around mental health and makes both the prevention and treatment of addiction top priorities. We cannot ignore this epidemic, and it is clear that JB cares and has a plan to tackle the opioid crisis head on.”

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Chicago, IL – Today, JB Pritzker released the following statement after a new report from the New York Times detailed how government agencies in 19 states, including Illinois, can revoke professional licenses from residents who fall behind on student loan payments. This includes firefighters, nurses, teachers, lawyers, massage therapists, barbers, psychologists, and real estate brokers.

“The disturbing practice of revoking professional licenses of residents who fall behind on student loans must come to an end,” said JB Pritzker. “State agencies stripping Illinoisans of their licenses is morally repulsive and runs counter to our obligation to help families thrive. It’s time to put our government back on the side of working families, and that means fighting to protect their futures. As governor, I will bring an end to this practice.”

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Maywood, IL – Today, JB Pritzker opened a new JB for Governor office in Maywood. This is the fifteenth office opened throughout the state as the campaign continues to build a grassroots, statewide field operation. While speaking at the opening, JB discussed his priorities for putting Springfield back on the side of working families by investing in quality education, defending the right to organize and collectively bargain, and protecting immigrant families.

 

PHOTOS FOR MEDIA USE ONLY

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Chicago, IL – Illinois State Treasurer Mike Frerichs endorsed JB Pritzker for governor yesterday. This marks JB’s third endorsement by a statewide elected official in the Democratic primary for governor following the endorsements of Comptroller Susana Mendoza and Secretary of State Jesse White. The announcement was made at Illini Union at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Here’s what Illinoisans are reading and seeing in the news about Mike Frerichs’ endorsement:

From WAND:

WATCH:

 

From Champaign News-Gazette:

“As the state’s chief investment officer, I’m confident that J.B. Pritzker will restore fiscal responsibility in Illinois and I’m so proud to endorse his campaign today,” Frerichs said at announcement at the Illini Union in Urbana. “I’ve seen firsthand how Bruce Rauner has wrecked our state finances, putting Illinois through a historic budget impasse and pushing colleges and universities to the brink.

“We must bring Illinois out of financial ruin and I know J.B. is ready to get our state back on track. J.B. has real plans to stand with our entrepreneurs and college students, grow our economy, and create jobs across the state. I look forward to standing with him to invest in our communities and chart a new path forward for Illinois.”

Frerichs is the third statewide officeholder to endorse Pritzker, the others being Comptroller Susana Mendoza and Secretary of State Jesse White.

 

From Chicago Tribune:

Democratic governor candidate J.B. Pritzker completed an endorsement sweep of statewide elected officials with whom he’s hoping to share the ticket when he picked up the backing of state Treasurer Michael Frerichs.

“There is no one standing taller for Illinois families than Treasurer Mike Frerichs,” Pritzker said at an event at the University of Illinois, noting the campaign slogan of the 6-foot-8 first-term state treasurer from Champaign.

“I think it’s time Mike had a partner in the governor’s office, fighting right beside him. Together, we’re going to make Illinois a place people respect and a place where innovation happens. When I’m governor, we’re going to help small businesses thrive,” he said in a statement.

 

From Peoria Public Radio:

At a news conference at the University of Illinois Urbana campus, Frerichs praised Pritzker for his commitment to education — something he says he finds lacking in Governor Bruce Rauner.

“We have seen Governor Rauner let this state decay through indifference or callousness and it is time for a change”, said Frerichs. “And that change is the ticket of JB Pritkzer and Julianna Stratton.”

Pritzker says he wants to work with Democrats up and down the ticket to make Illinois an attractive place for people and businesses.

“When I’m governor, we’re going to help small businesses and startup businesses, by providing capitol and technical assistance and mentorship”, said Pritzker, “because those are the things that small and startup businesses need to succeed.”

 

From WMAY:

Score another endorsement for Democratic governor candidate J.B. Pritzker. The billionaire businessman has picked up the backing of another statewide officeholder, state Treasurer Mike Frerichs.

Frerichs says incumbent Governor Bruce Rauner has wrecked the state’s finances through an unprecedented two-year budget impasse… and contends Pritzker will be able to pull the state back from the brink.

 

From DeWitt Daily News:

Democratic gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker locks up another key endorsement in the race for Governor.

State Treasurer Michael Frerichs endorsed him this (Wednesday) morning at the University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign. The location was no accident.

On the other end of the educational spectrum, Frerichs is saluting Pritzker for his support of early childhood education.

Pritzker previously locked up the endorsements of Secretary of State Jesse White and Comptroller Susana Mendoza.

 

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Champaign, IL — Today, State Representative Juliana Stratton opened a new JB for Governor office in Champaign. This is the fourteenth office opened throughout the state as the campaign continues to build a grassroots, statewide field operation. While speaking at the opening, Juliana discussed her and JB’s plans to put Springfield back on the side of working families by investing in quality education, creating jobs, and expanding healthcare for Illinois families.

PHOTOS FOR MEDIA USE ONLY

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Urbana, IL – Today, Illinois State Treasurer Mike Frerichs endorsed JB Pritzker for governor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s Illini Union. This marks JB’s third endorsement by a statewide officeholder after Comptroller Susana Mendoza and Secretary of State Jesse White endorsed the campaign.

“There is no one standing taller for Illinois families than Treasurer Mike Frerichs,” said JB Pritzker. “Mike works hard every day to put his office on the side of working families. While Bruce Rauner racks up state debt, Mike is fighting for the investments that will help reduce the debt. And while Bruce Rauner lets businesses leave our state and wastes opportunities, Mike is finding ways to encourage investment in our economy and looking to the future. I think it’s time Mike had a partner in the governor’s office, fighting right beside him. Together, we’re going to make Illinois a place people respect and a place where innovation happens. When I’m governor, we’re going to help small businesses thrive.”

“As the state’s chief investment officer, I’m confident that JB Pritzker will restore fiscal responsibility in Illinois and I’m so proud to endorse his campaign today,” said Illinois State Treasurer Mike Frerichs. “I’ve seen firsthand how Bruce Rauner has wrecked our state finances, putting Illinois through a historic budget impasse and pushing colleges and universities to the brink. We must bring Illinois out of financial ruin and I know JB is ready to get our state back on track. JB has real plans to stand with our entrepreneurs and college students, grow our economy, and create jobs across the state. I look forward to standing with him to invest in our communities and chart a new path forward for Illinois.”

 

PHOTOS FOR MEDIA USE ONLY

 

 

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Chicago, IL – After Senate Republicans said they would alter their tax bill to include a repeal of Obamacare’s individual mandate, JB Pritzker released the following statement.

“By tacking on a provision that jeopardizes healthcare across the country, Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans found the one way they could make their tax plan more devastating for working families,” said JB Pritzker. “No matter how destructive, unpopular, and how many times they lose, Republicans refuse to rest in their attempts to dismantle healthcare. Unfortunately for them, we will not rest either. I will always fight to protect healthcare for Illinois families and unlike Bruce Rauner, I will stand up to Donald Trump’s attacks every day in Springfield.”

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Rauner Once Again Fails to Speak Out for What’s Right on Roy Moore

 

Chicago, IL – Yesterday, Governor Scott Walker of Wisconsin joined Governor John Kasich of Ohio and countless Republican leaders in calling for disgraced candidate Roy Moore to drop out of the Alabama Senate race, but Bruce Rauner continues to say nothing.

Five women have now bravely come forward alleging Moore pursued sexual relations while they were underage, with a woman yesterday alleging Moore sexually assaulted her when she was 16. Nearly the entire Republican party has spoken out, but Bruce Rauner remains characteristically silent.

“This is another clear case of right and wrong, but maybe we shouldn’t be surprised by Bruce Rauner’s silence,” said Pritzker communications director Galia Slayen. “Whether it’s Rauner refusing to speak out about Donald Trump trying to sabotage Obamacare, failing to immediately denounce the anti-Semitism, racism, and violence in Charlottesville, or even acknowledging a racist cartoon printed by his supporters, time and again Bruce Rauner has chosen political expediency instead of standing up to his party and speaking out for what’s right.”

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Chicago, IL – Today, the Northwestern Illinois Building Trades (NWIBT) endorsed JB Pritzker for Governor. NWIBT represents over 15,000 workers in the building trades throughout Northwestern Illinois. JB and Juliana were endorsed with a unanimous vote of the member locals.

“The Northwestern Illinois Building Trades are proud to stand with JB Pritzker and Juliana Stratton,” said Northwestern Illinois Building Trades President Alan Golden. “JB and Juliana stand for working people in Illinois, and they are fighting for every community in our state. Their tireless commitment to growing jobs, protecting the prevailing wage, and fighting for collective bargaining rights best reflect the priorities and values of our membership. We hope Illinois can come together in solidarity with their campaign and make sure JB and Juliana beat Bruce Rauner and win in 2018.”

“I am so proud to receive the endorsement of the Northwestern Illinois Building Trades and the hardworking Illinois families they represent,” said JB Pritzker. “Together, we will grow the economy, guarantee the right to collectively bargain, and fight for project labor agreements in Illinois. Now more than ever, we must stand up for our shared values and the working families under assault by Bruce Rauner’s special interest agenda. I’m humbled to have the endorsement of NWIBT, and the working families it represents will always have a seat at the table when I’m governor.”

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South Holland, IL — Today, State Representative Juliana Stratton opened a new JB for Governor office in South Holland. This is the thirteenth office opened throughout the state as the campaign continues to build a grassroots, statewide field operation. While speaking at the opening, Juliana discussed her and JB’s plans to put Springfield back on the side of working families by growing the economy, expanding healthcare, and supporting Illinois veterans and their families.

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Buffalo Grove, IL — Today, JB Pritzker honored veterans with stops at two events in Aurora and Buffalo Grove. Along the way, JB discussed his plans to support Illinois veterans and their families. Read the full plan here.

 

The first stop was at the Aurora Veterans Day Parade:

 

JB then joined State Representative Carol Sente in Buffalo Grove for a Veterans Day celebration:

 

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Chicago, IL – Ahead of Veterans Day, JB Pritzker outlined his plan to fight for Illinois veterans and their families as governor. JB’s four-point plan details how the state can support our veterans with housing, employment, healthcare, education, and additional services they may need. As governor, JB will:

• Increase opportunities for education and employment for veterans and their families

• Ensure Illinois veterans of all ages have safe, stable, and affordable housing options

• Improve healthcare options for veterans across the state

• Better manage and coordinate veteran’s services

 

Read the full plan HERE.

“As the son and grandson of Navy veterans, I have a very personal commitment to uphold the sacred obligation to those who risk their lives so that we can live in a free and democratic society,” said JB Pritzker. “When we support our veterans, we are building stronger families and communities across our state. Supporting Illinois veterans means increasing opportunities for their families to build better lives and that will be a priority for me as governor.”

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Chicago, IL – Yesterday, school funding reform champion and central Illinois state Senator Andy Manar endorsed JB Pritzker for governor. Here’s what Illinoisans are reading and seeing in the news about the endorsement:

From KLJB:

WATCH:

 

From WSIL:

WATCH:

 

From WMAY: Manar Endorses Gubernatorial Hopeful J.B. Pritzker:

J.B. Pritzker is lining up more support as he tries to crowd out the competition for the Democratic nomination for governor.

At a news conference in Springfield, Pritzker got the endorsement of state Senator Andy Manar.

Manar, who authored the school funding reform plan that was finally passed last summer says Pritzker will be a champion for education and will stand up for areas of Downstate Illinois that Manar says have been ignored by Republican incumbent Governor Bruce Rauner.

From WSOY: Pritzker Receives Senator Andy Manar’s Support for Governor:

Gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker has received an endorsement from fellow Democrat, State Senator Andy Manar.

Pritzker announced the support on Wednesday morning at the AFL-CIO Headquarters in Springfield. He said he was delighted to have Manar’s support based on Manar’s advocacy for education. “ I’m excited for Senator Manar’s support because he’s one of the most respected people in Springfield and he’s been an education leader during his entire tenure. That’s something that will be a priority issue in a Pritzker administration.”

Manar said Pritzker’s candidacy offers more than just a chance for a Democratic Governor. “You have to have a candidate to rebuild the party in places that Democrats haven’t won elections in recent election cycles. The first thing you need is a candidate who cares. You need someone that shows up. You need someone who supports grassroots organizations.” Manar was linked to the Governor’s race at one point, but opted to focus on his legislative priorities instead.

From Politico Illinois Playbook: State Sen. Andy Manar backs Pritzker:

State Sen. Andy Manar BACKS PRITZKER – Manar held a joint news conference to announce his endorsement: “It’s time for a leader with a track record of helping regular families and a clear vision to get Illinois headed in the right direction,” Manar said in a statement. … “in an issue close to my heart, he has helped our school children, creating new early childhood education opportunities and helping expand the state’s school breakfast program to over 175,000 students in at-risk districts in rural and urban areas. I look forward to working with him to build a stronger future in Illinois for our children and generations to come.”

From Capitol Fax: Manar forcefully endorses Pritzker:

Sen. Andy Manar sent this out to his e-mail list today, and I thought you might like to see it…

Illinois needs a new direction, the people of the 48th Senate district need a new direction, Downstate Illinois needs a new direction.

And right now more than ever, Illinois needs a steady hand at the wheel, someone that can reform state government and build the trust and leadership that are required to make state government work for working people. And I believe JB Pritzker is the right man for this job and I wholeheartedly endorse his candidacy for Governor.

JB Pritzker is committed to building the downstate economy in places that have been forgotten by Bruce Rauner. Bruce Rauner pays nothing but lip service to middle-class families living in Downstate Illinois while his economic policies are punishing their pocketbooks. Bruce Rauner takes Downstate voters for granted as evidenced by his attire. I know that JB Pritzker is committed to creating jobs in small towns and rural counties. In Gillespie, I watched JB listen to a constituent that has struggled to find employment. JB will remember him when decisions have to be made. I’ve heard him listen to workers in Decatur and commit to protecting their right to collectively bargain. He is committed to building the Downstate economy and he has laid out very specific plans to do so.

Speaking of building, JB Pritzker is committed to building the democratic party in Downstate Illinois. Why is that important? Because his strategy for governing I believe will be reflective of the statewide strategy that he has set into motion in his campaign from day one. He will be a Governor for all of the State and won’t be a governor that uses the office to divide the state to advance a political agenda. That is something that I welcome and that’s a very big reason why I’m standing here today. He is committed to all 102 counties in the State of Illinois.

JB Pritzker is a listener. And for me that would be a welcome change in the Governor’s office—someone that actually listens, someone that seeks to understand, someone that wakes up every day to work with others to set into motion positive change, someone that builds consensus, someone that can bring Illinois together—that’s what we need today in our State.

And finally, perhaps the issue that he and I have discussed the most is the importance of continuing our public investment in public education, FIRST in the least funded schools in Illinois. I’ve pushed JB, I’ve pushed him hard in our conversations not because I’m pushy but because I didn’t spend five years of my life fighting for reform only to watch it be pushed aside or dismantled a year or two from now. JB views the issue of equity in public education the same way that I do. And I’ve come to appreciate that it is a deeply held opinion that he has. We share many common interests, but there is no greater common interest than our shared desire to give every child in Illinois an equal shot at life and that starts by attacking poverty in the public-school classroom. Yes, it took five years to successfully indict the system that stacked the deck against children living in poverty. Yes, that system today has now been erased. Yes, a whole lot of folks are taking credit for things that they opposed for years. But what I’m most interested in is this: Governor JB Pritzker will be a partner to me to make sure we stay true to our promise of educational equity for all kids in the smallest of towns, in the toughest of neighborhoods, JB Prtizker will be fighting that fight with me when he’s in the Governor’s office.

We’ve got so many challenges in the State of Illinois. JB and I are ready to unite Illinois and finally move our state forward.

JB Pritzker is going to fix Illinois. And I’m going help him win this election and get the job done.

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Springfield, IL — Today, JB Pritzker and Juliana Stratton opened a new JB for Governor office in Springfield. This is the twelfth office opened throughout the state as the campaign continues to build a grassroots, statewide field operation.

While speaking to supporters at the opening, JB and Juliana discussed their priorities to put Springfield back on the side of working families by investing in quality education, creating jobs, and expanding healthcare for Illinois families. Both Comptroller Susana Mendoza and State Senator Andy Manar attended the office opening in support of the campaign.

PHOTOS FOR MEDIA USE ONLY

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Chicago, IL – After the Senate voted 52-3 to override Bruce Rauner’s veto of the Debt Transparency Act, JB Pritzker released the following statement:

“With our bill backlog reaching another record-high, I’m relieved that the General Assembly overwhelmingly voted to override Bruce Rauner’s veto of the Debt Transparency Act,” said JB Pritzker. “This override is a sign that bipartisan members of the General Assembly are ready to bring transparency to the damage this failed governor has done to our state. I applaud Comptroller Susana Mendoza for standing up for taxpayers and being a true fiscal watchdog as Bruce Rauner drives our state’s finances into the ground. I look forward to standing with Susana as governor to get our fiscal house in order and bring stability back to Illinois.”

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Chicago, IL – Today, State Senator Andy Manar announced his endorsement of JB Pritzker for governor at an event in Springfield. Senator Manar has represented the 48th senate district since 2013. The endorsement comes as support for JB Pritzker has grown throughout the state, with endorsements coming from Comptroller Susana Mendoza, Secretary of State Jesse White, the Illinois AFL-CIO, and over 20 individual unions.

“I’m running for governor, because it’s time Andy Manar had a partner in Springfield,” said JB Pritzker. “Together, we can do even more to make sure every child in Illinois gets the quality education they deserve. Improving the school funding formula was a historic step forward, but our work can’t stop there. It’s time to build a better future for our state and our economy. I want Illinois to be a place where innovation happens, where things get built, where families and communities thrive. It’s time to put Springfield back on the side of working families, and I’m so proud to have Andy Manar, a real champion, standing with me.”

“It’s time for a leader with a track record of helping regular families and a clear vision to get Illinois headed in the right direction,” said State Senator Andy Manar. “I believe JB Pritzker is that leader, and I’m proud to endorse him for governor. JB has built a small business incubator that has created thousands of jobs. He’s helped push badly-needed criminal justice reforms, and in an issue close to my heart, he has helped our school children, creating new early childhood education opportunities and helping expand the state’s school breakfast program to over 175,000 students in at-risk districts in rural and urban areas. I look forward to working with him to build a stronger future in Illinois for our children and generations to come.”

 

PHOTOS FOR MEDIA USE ONLY

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JB Continues Promoting Healthcare.gov Statewide

 

Chicago, IL – Despite Donald Trump and Bruce Rauner’s attempts to sabotage the ACA, health insurance enrollment is surging. Signups are at record-breaking levels even though Trump cut the enrollment period by half, slashed advertising by 90 percent, and Bruce Rauner has remained silent seven days into the shortened enrollment period.

Meanwhile, JB Pritzker continues his statewide radio and digital advertising campaign to promote healthcare.gov, which inspired a Florida gubernatorial candidate to launch a similar campaign.

“While record-breaking ACA signups are encouraging, Trump is still trying to dismantle our healthcare system in Illinois – and our governor is nowhere to be found,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “It’s time we had a governor who helps Illinoisans get covered, not one who stays on the sidelines while Trump continues his heartless attacks.”

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Illinoisans Can Enroll in ACA Plans from November 1 through December 15

 

Chicago, IL – Even with Donald Trump slashing the enrollment period for ACA plans by half, Bruce Rauner still hasn’t said a word about open enrollment beginning six days ago.

While Rauner is silent, Trump has recommitted to dismantling the law that brought the uninsured rate to its lowest point in history. In the meantime, JB Pritzker continues to promote healthcare.gov so Illinoisans know how to get health insurance during the shortened enrollment period.

“Donald Trump is sabotaging the ACA by slashing the enrollment period and gutting advertising, and Bruce Rauner is his partner in crime,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “Illinois needs a governor working to expand healthcare, not one who cowers while affordable care is on the line for working families across the state.”

 

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Gurnee, IL – Today, State Representative Juliana Stratton opened a new JB for Governor campaign office in Gurnee. This is the eleventh office opened throughout the state as the campaign continues to build a grassroots, statewide field operation.

While speaking to supporters at the opening, Juliana discussed her and JB’s priorities to put Springfield back on the side of working families by investing in quality education, creating jobs, and expanding healthcare for Illinois families. Juliana was joined by State Representative Sam Yingling, who announced his endorsement of JB and Juliana at the event.

 

PHOTOS FOR MEDIA USE ONLY

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Campaign Releases Four-Point Plan to Reform Criminal Justice System and Address Gun Violence

 

Chicago, IL – Today, JB Pritkzer and Juliana Stratton outlined their plan for criminal justice reform at a speech and panel discussion at the DuSable Museum of African-American History. They were joined by Roseland Ceasefire Project Executive Director Bob Jackson, Director of NEIU’s Master of Social Work Program Dr. Troy Harden, Father Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina Church, and Enlace Chicago Executive Director Katya Nuques. Read the full plan here.

The proposal lays out what JB will do as governor to end mass incarceration, give communities the support they need to thrive, address gun violence and build a true system of justice through four key policies:

1. Legalize marijuana and modernize sentencing practices, especially for low level drug offenses.
2. Reduce recidivism by removing economic barriers to employment, affordable housing, human services, and family reunification.
3. Reform our juvenile justice system and end the criminalization of children.
4. Treat gun violence like a public health epidemic and make police more accountable to the communities they serve.

“With vision and compassion, we can make real progress and put Illinois on course to become a model for criminal justice reform,” said JB Pritzker. “I intend to reverse the damage Bruce Rauner has done to community organizations and social service agencies that work to strengthen the communities they serve. I’ll fight every day to bring economic opportunity to every corner of our state.

“But most importantly, I think we need a governor who listens. There are organizations and advocates in this room who have devoted their lives to these problems. There are communities, especially communities of color, impacted every day by the deficiencies in our criminal justice system. There are families whose lives have been forever altered by gun violence. There are no solutions without their input. There is no path forward until those affected voices in our communities are brought to the table. Only then can we move forward together.”

“So many of our communities are not heard. Many have been ignored and suffered decades of disinvestment,” said State Representative Juliana Stratton. “We don’t need more band aids – we need real solutions. I’m proud to be on this ticket with someone ready to provide real solutions. I’m proud to be running with someone who recognizes the strengths in our communities and wants to be a partner in the path forward.”

 

 PHOTOS FOR MEDIA USE ONLY

 

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Chicago, IL – While Donald Trump sabotages the Affordable Care Act and Bruce Rauner refuses to speak out, JB Pritzker is running radio and digital ads across the state to promote healthcare.gov. Here’s what Illinoisans are seeing and reading in the news about JB’s efforts to promote Obamacare enrollment:

 

From WSIL:

 

From WBEZ:

 

From Politico:

Obamacare advocates have stressed the affordability of health plans for the roughly 80 percent of those in the market that qualify for federal subsidies. They’re also hoping to seize on enthusiasm generated by the ongoing campaign to defend Obamacare against the GOP’s repeal and replace plans — an effort that has pushed the law’s public approval rating to new highs and that navigators say is prompting an unprecedented level of volunteer interest in helping to drive sign-ups.

Illinois gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker’s campaign is spending $1 million to run radio and digital ads promoting open enrollment throughout the state. Get America Covered is also helming a six-figure nationwide digital campaign.

 

From the Chicago Sun-Times:

Obamacare health insurance enrollment kicks off on Wednesday, and in the wake of President Donald Trump draining almost all funding to promote sign-ups, two Democrats and a Republican are stepping up to fill that void.

Democratic governor candidate JB Pritzker is paying about $1 million to run radio and digital ads to run all across Illinois.

Pritzker’s ads, paid for by his gubernatorial campaign, start on Wednesday and will run through the enrollment period, which ends Dec. 15. The site to enroll is www.healthcare.gov.

Pritzker, locked in a Democratic primary, is making the ad buy as Democrats at the local and national levels are trying to fill in the gaps caused by Trump’s attempts to dismantle former President Barack Obama’s signature Affordable Health Care Act. […]

Billionaire Pritzker is self-funding his campaign and spokeswoman Galia Slayen said the $1 million for the ads will come out of Pritzker’s campaign fund. Slayen said it is likely that Pritzker is the only candidate paying for ads to promote Obamacare enrollment.

Health care insurance is an issue that is likely to animate the Democrat base vote and potentially attract cross-over voters, a political reason GOP Gov. Bruce Rauner, who has been mostly silent about Trump’s attempts to end Obamacare, has decided to use state resources to let people know about enrollment options that start on Wednesday. Department of Insurance Director Jennifer Hammer is holding a news conference in Chicago Wednesday to discuss enrollment efforts for the state marketplace site, Get Covered Illinois.

In one spot, Pritzker says,”There are hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans currently benefiting from Obamacare, but one of Donald Trump’s strategies to kill the program is to make it harder to sign up. This year, he’s cut the period to enroll in Obamacare by half and cut advertising to tell people about it by 90 percent. We can’t let Donald Trump win.

“If you’re interested in signing up, the enrollment period is from November 1 to December 15. For more information, go to http://www.healthcare.gov. That’s www.healthcare.gov. Again, this is JB Pritzker. The truth is, there’s a lot that can be done in Illinois to fight against what’s going on in Washington, but Bruce Rauner’s doing nothing. As your governor, I’ll stand up to Donald Trump and always fight for Illinois.”

 

From WSIL:

Most Americans did not hear as much about open enrollment this year, because the Trump administration cut the open enrollment advertisement budget by 90 percent, citing declining enrollment figures.

Democrats like J.B. Pritzker, who is running for governor of Illinois, called the cut a deliberate attempt to sabotage Obamacare.

“One of the ways Trump is trying to kill Obamacare is by eliminating advertising telling people how to sign up,” Pritzker said in a new campaign video.

Illinoisans Can Enroll in ACA Plans from November 1 Through December 15

Chicago, IL – The enrollment period for Affordable Care Act plans is now open, but Bruce Rauner refuses to speak out on Donald Trump sabotaging our healthcare system.

In an attempt to undermine the ACA, Trump cut the enrollment period by half and slashed advertising by 90 percent. While bipartisan governors have vocally opposed callous attacks on the ACA, Rauner has been silent on Trump’s drastic moves to jeopardize coverage for millions.

“Healthcare as we know it is under assault by Donald Trump and Bruce Rauner has failed to stand up for Illinois families,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “This is sabotage, pure and simple, and Rauner’s silence leaves working families to pay the price.”

Chicago Sun-Times: Gov hopeful Pritzker spends   $1 million on Obamacare enrollment ads

 

By Lynn Sweet

Chicago, IL – While Donald Trump sabotages the Affordable Care Act and Bruce Rauner refuses to speak out, JB Pritzker is running radio and digital ads across the state to promote healthcare.gov. Read more in the Chicago Sun-Times here:

Obamacare health insurance enrollment kicks off on Wednesday, and in the wake of President Donald Trump draining almost all funding to promote sign-ups, two Democrats and a Republican are stepping up to fill that void.

Democratic governor candidate JB Pritzker is paying about $1 million to run radio and digital ads to run all across Illinois.

Pritzker’s ads start on Wednesday and will run through the enrollment period, which ends Dec. 15. The site to enroll is www.healthcare.gov.

Pritzker, locked in a Democratic primary, is making the ad buy as Democrats at the local and national levels are trying to fill in the gaps caused by Trump’s attempts to dismantle former President Barack Obama’s signature Affordable Health Care Act. […]

Billionaire Pritzker is self-funding his campaign and spokeswoman Galia Slayen said the $1 million for the ads will come out of Pritzker’s campaign fund. Slayen said it is likely that Pritzker is the only candidate paying for ads to promote Obamacare enrollment. […]

In one spot, Pritzker says, “There are hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans currently benefiting from Obamacare, but one of Donald Trump’s strategies to kill the program is to make it harder to sign up. This year, he’s cut the period to enroll in Obamacare by half and cut advertising to tell people about it by 90 percent. We can’t let Donald Trump win.

“If you’re interested in signing up, the enrollment period is from November 1 to December 15. For more information, go to http://www.healthcare.gov. That’s www.healthcare.gov. Again, this is JB Pritzker. The truth is, there’s a lot that can be done in Illinois to fight against what’s going on in Washington, but Bruce Rauner’s doing nothing. As your governor, I’ll stand up to Donald Trump and always fight for Illinois.”

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