Wednesday, March 14, 2018

 

Disbursements From Offshore Trusts Directed to Charity

 

Throughout this campaign, JB has been transparent about his finances and today’s article only confirms what he has always said. First, generations ago there were trusts set up offshore by JB’s family and JB does not manage or oversee them. Second, as the Tribune details, any distributions made from those trusts are directed to charity and JB has never received a personal disbursement from any trust located offshore. Finally, JB’s statement of economic interest lists assets held not only by JB personally, but also by trusts and the Pritzker Family Foundation.

 

REALITY CHECK:

• JB Pritzker is a beneficiary of trusts that were set up decades ago. JB does not manage or oversee them.

• JB directs any distributions that have been made from those trusts, including $50 million in the past three years, to charity.

• From 2014 to 2016, JB’s trusts paid $24.95 million in Illinois taxes and $128.97 million in federal taxes.

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Wednesday, March 14, 2018

 

Norridge, IL – Today, JB Pritzker joined students at Ridgewood High School in the national school walkout to honor the victims of the Parkland massacre and demand immediate action to stop gun violence.

“Senseless gun violence is ripping apart too many families across our state and country, and we must have the courage to take immediate action,” said JB Pritzker. “The teenagers in Parkland who saw their classmates gunned down in their high school bravely stood up and demanded action from leaders across the country, but Bruce Rauner let them down. He decided to play politics and veto a common sense bill that could help reduce gun violence. Illinois deserves a leader who will take charge and provide real solutions to address this public health epidemic. I was proud to stand with our students today and I look forward to standing with them in this fight as governor.”

 

PHOTOS FOR MEDIA USE ONLY

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Wednesday, March 14, 2018

 

“JB Pritzker has Provided Leadership and Vision”

 

Chicago, IL – Yesterday, Shaw Media and the dozens of local newspapers they operate across Illinois endorsed JB Pritzker for governor. Here’s what they had to say about JB getting big things done for Illinois families:

 

Shaw Media: Editorial: Among Democrats, Pritzker is best option

J.B. Pritzker has provided leadership and vision on projects that have been success stories for Illinois.

He has led the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, which he supported financially and led as chairman of the board, has advanced the cause of fighting bigotry and keeping alive the memories of people who lost their lives to an infamous genocide.

His work with the Pritzker Children’s Initiative has provided millions to help disadvantaged children across the country with support and access to early childhood learning programs.

Pritzker’s leading role in the establishment of the 1871 business incubator in Chicago’s Merchandise Mart has created thousands of jobs and helped to boost Chicago’s “Silicon Prairie” economy. It’s among the best incubators in the world.

These are the kind of results we would like to see spread to the state at large. Pritzker worked toward these ends and helped to get results, and so we endorse his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for governor.

 

Read the full endorsement HERE.

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Wednesday, March 14, 2018

 

Kennedy Touts Corporate Experience That Hurt Working Families

 

Chicago, IL – Chris Kennedy touts his experience on corporate boards, but a closer look reveals his “experience” actually entails cashing in while hiking executive pay at a company that sent jobs overseas.

In September, Kennedy sold nearly 30,000 shares of Interface stock the same day he contributed $250,000 to his campaign. While Kennedy received over $1.18 million from his time on Interface’s board, he repeatedly voted to hike executive pay while the company laid off workers, shuttered plants, and sent jobs overseas. Kennedy also served on the board of a second company, Knoll Inc., where he voted to hike executive pay despite the objections of shareholders.

“While he touts his experience on corporate boards, Chris Kennedy cashed in after hiking executive pay for a company that shuttered plants and sent jobs overseas,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “From the University of Illinois to for-profit businesses, Kennedy has put compensation for top executives and his own bottom line above students and working families.”

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Tuesday, March 13, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – JB Pritzker released the following statement after Bruce Rauner announced his plans to veto the Gun Dealer Licensing Bill one week before his primary election:

“With daily gun violence ravaging our communities and tragic mass shootings plaguing our country, Bruce Rauner has decided to veto a commonsense bill that will keep children and families safe from gun violence,” said JB Pritzker. “High schoolers are leading a nationwide movement and parents in our state are demanding change, but Bruce Rauner has provided nothing but empty rhetoric and absent leadership. This is a governor who is telling children across the state that he cares more about winning his primary than doing his job to protect them. Illinoisans deserve a governor who will treat gun violence like a public health epidemic and take charge to stop these countless tragedies, and that’s the governor I’ll be.”

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Tuesday, March 13, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – As a candidate for governor, Chris Kennedy is attacking Dan Biss for his unconstitutional pension theft bill, but when he was the chair of the University of Illinois’ board of trustees, Kennedy supported that same legislation.

In a 2014 clip, Kennedy said “pension reform was needed,” in context of Biss’ recently-passed bill in Springfield. Pension benefits for 467,000 state workers, including teachers and nurses, would have been cut under the unconstitutional bill that Dan Biss wrote and Chris Kennedy supported.

WATCH:

“Chris Kennedy was all in for a pension bill that slashed retirement for hundreds of thousands of working families,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “But now that Kennedy is running for office, he can’t pretend to be a friend to working families when it’s clear where he stood when it really mattered.”

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Tuesday, March 13, 2018

 

New Ads with Durbin, White, Mendoza, Frerichs, Gutiérrez, Bustos, Manar, and Burnett Jr. to Air in Markets Across the State

 

Chicago, IL – Today, the JB for Governor campaign released eight new radio ads that will air in media markets across Illinois. The ads feature U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, Secretary of State Jesse White, Comptroller Susana Mendoza, Illinois State Treasurer Mike Frerichs, Congressman Luis Gutiérrez, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos, State Senator Andy Manar, and Alderman Walter Burnett Jr. sharing why they believe JB is the best candidate to bring Democrats together, take on Bruce Rauner in November, and move Illinois forward.

LISTEN: “Dick Durbin”

LISTEN: “Jesse White”

LISTEN: “Susana Mendoza”

LISTEN: “Mike Frerichs”

LISTEN: “Luis Gutiérrez”

LISTEN: “Cheri Bustos”

LISTEN: “Andy Manar”

LISTEN: “Walter Burnett Jr.”

“I’m thrilled to have the support of leaders from every corner of Illinois,” said JB Pritzker. “There’s only a week left in this primary campaign, and we are working hard to reach voters in every community across the state. With our statewide, grassroots campaign we’re going to win this primary, beat Bruce Rauner, and put Springfield back on the side of working families.”

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Monday, March 12, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – Today, JB Pritzker made two stops in the Chicagoland area to rally union members and volunteers. At the events, JB emphasized the importance of getting out the vote in the final stretch of the primary and highlighted his statewide, grassroots campaign to put Springfield back on the side of working families.

At his first stop of the day, JB spoke with union members at the Southland Friends of Labor Annual Breakfast:

JB then wrapped up the day at the JB for Governor Northwest Side Organizing Office where he spoke to volunteers about getting out the vote in the final eight days of the campaign:

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Monday, March 12, 2018

 

Kennedy Refuses to Admit His Support for Taxing Retirement Income

 

Chicago, IL – Yesterday, Chris Kennedy took his campaign to a new low, with disgusting attacks on JB Pritzker’s family. When asked about his support for taxing retirement income in a WGN interview Kennedy said, “Our parents, particularly my mother, you know she taught us this lesson, it’s better to win than to lose, but she also made it clear, it’s better to lose than to cheat. I think that’s a lesson the Kennedy family learned that apparently they don’t teach in the Pritzker family.” 

Kennedy’s attack leaves out the fact that he does in fact support taxing retirement income. Kennedy laid out how he would implement the tax at a meet in greet last year and Kennedy was recently asked if a retirement tax could be part of a progressive income tax system and said, “I think it could.”

“Even in the nastiest of political campaigns, things like family should be off limits,” said Pritzker campaign manager Anne Caprara. “Trying to imply that Chris Kennedy’s family is more virtuous than JB’s family is out of line, and lying about his own record on supporting a tax on retirement income is disingenuous. This is a low-blow from a candidate on the wrong side of this issue and desperate to resurrect his flailing campaign.”

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Monday, March 12, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – Dan Biss says he’s running on his record, but earlier this month, he skipped two important floor votes in Springfield.

Despite being a chief co-sponsor, Dan Biss wasn’t in Springfield to vote for the bill that put legalizing marijuana on the ballot. That same day, Biss failed to show up to vote for a bill that increased protections for working families that had the backing of several unions.

“Earlier this month, Dan Biss skipped votes putting marijuana legalization on the ballot and a bill that protects workers,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “Biss would rather talk about his record on the campaign trail than show up and get things done for working families.”

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Sunday, March 11, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – Today, JB Pritzker attended the South Side Irish Parade open house and breakfast and then marched in the parade. At the events, JB highlighted the importance of getting out the vote in the final nine days of the election and the need for Democrats to come together to defeat Bruce Rauner in November.

JB began the day speaking with voters at a pre-parade breakfast and open house:

He then marched in the parade with the workers of IBEW Local 134:

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Saturday, March 10, 2018

 

Joliet, IL – Today, JB Pritzker visited with voters and small business owners in the Chicagoland area. During his stops, JB highlighted Bruce Rauner’s failed leadership, his plans to support small businesses, and the importance of getting out the vote on March 20.

This morning, JB was joined by U.S. Senator Dick Durbin for a meeting with small business owners at Englewood Accelerator in Chicago:

In the afternoon, JB visited and rallied voters at the Aurora Township Democrats Office ahead of the March 20th primary:

JB finished the day at the Will County Progressives Office in Joliet, stressing the role grassroots organizing will play in defeating Bruce Rauner in November:

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Saturday, March 10, 2018

 

Marion, IL – Yesterday, JB Pritzker traveled to Waukegan and Marion to speak with voters in the final two weeks of the campaign. At the stops, JB highlighted his plans to put Springfield back on the side of working families and the critical importance of getting out the vote.

JB began the day speaking with voters in Waukegan:

He then attended a Get Out the Vote rally at IUOE Local 318 in Marion:

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Friday, March 9, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – Chris Kennedy didn’t only skirt capital gains tax on the sale of the Merchandise Mart, he openly bragged about it when he closed the deal.

In 1998, Chris Kennedy boasted, “It’s a very attractive capital gains situation right now for a lot of folks.” Forbes describes how it happened: “Thanks to a carefully crafted deal with Vornado Realty, the Kennedy family deferred – or possibly avoided completely – capital gains tax on nearly half the value of the sale.”

“Chris Kennedy proudly skirted taxes when he sold the Merchandise Mart and bragged about it to the press,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “From circumventing affordable housing requirements at Wolf Point to avoiding capital gains tax, Kennedy has consistently put his own bottom line ahead of Illinois’ working families.”

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Thursday, March 8, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – Today, JB Pritzker and State Representative Juliana Stratton hosted International Women’s Day breakfasts in both Chicago and Springfield. At the events, they highlighted their plans to fight for equal pay for equal work, stand up for women’s rights and women’s healthcare, and the importance of getting out the vote on March 20th.

“I’m so honored to celebrate International Women’s Day where we recognize the incredible achievements of women across the world,” said JB Pritzker. “I’ve been standing up for women’s rights my whole life and I’ll continue to do that as governor. My administration will be representative of the diversity of this state and will focus on fighting for economic, social, and political equality. Women will always have a seat at the table as we press for progress and build a better future for our state.”

“Today, across the state, nation, and world, women are uniting,” said State Representative Juliana Stratton. “We are celebrating our power and endless potential. We are claiming our seat at the table and contributing our voices to the decisions and policymaking that affect our families and our communities. There are 12 days until the primary election. We can either sit back and let the chips fall where they may, or we can dare to use our collective voice and our diverse perspectives to demand we be the architects of our future.”

PHOTOS FOR MEDIA USE ONLY

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Wednesday, March 7, 2018

 

Springfield, IL – Today, JB Pritzker returned to central Illinois with stops in Danville, Urbana, and Springfield to speak with voters and volunteers and join the workers of GEO Local 6300 on the picket line. At the stops, JB highlighted the critical importance of getting out the vote in the last 13 days of the election and the need to stand up for working families and workers’ rights.

At the first stop, JB was joined by Illinois State Treasurer Mike Frerichs and State Senator Scott Bennett for a meet and greet with Vermilion County Democrats:

JB and Treasurer Frerichs then joined Illinois Federation of Teachers President Dan Montgomery and the workers of GEO Local 6300 on the picket line at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign:

JB finished the day speaking with volunteers and getting out the vote at a JB for Governor phone bank:

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Wednesday, March 7, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – From the signature issues of his campaign to petty jabs at fellow Democrats, Chris Kennedy can’t seem to get his facts straight. Let’s take a look:

• Buying Guns On Amazon: On Thursday, Kennedy falsely claimed that Amazon sold guns.

• Insulting Cairo Students: Over the past few weeks, Kennedy has hurled insults at Cairo students that have no basis in fact, and despite being fact checked and corrected in real time, he tripled down on his attacks.

• Making Up Campaign Donations: Kennedy said that JB Pritzker donated to Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker. Yet another bold face lie.

• Misunderstanding Property Taxes: Kennedy has repeatedly gotten the facts wrong on a signature issue of his campaign. Early in his campaign, Kennedy was caught botching the facts about the property tax appeals process, and nine months later, he was still making the same mistake and was even corrected by Dan Biss.

“Chris Kennedy has a fraught relationship with the truth, confusing his facts or just flat out lying on the campaign trail,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “From misunderstanding the property tax system to making false attacks on companies, competitors and even students, Kennedy has displayed a willingness to hurl rhetoric with little regard for the truth.”

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Tuesday, March 6, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – Yesterday, JB Pritzker hosted a roundtable discussion with Congressman Luis Gutiérrez, Latino community leaders, and DACA recipients to highlight Donald Trump’s continued attacks on DACA and immigrant communities. At the roundtable, the participants emphasized the importance of elevating immigrant voices, the need for a governor who will protect immigrants, and policies to protect and aid immigrant communities.

“Illinois must be a welcoming state where everyone is treated with dignity and respect so that all of our families have the opportunity to thrive,” said JB Pritzker. “But we have a governor who refuses to stand up to our racist, bigoted president and refuses to fight for immigrants in Illinois. We can’t afford to remain silent. We have to lift up the voices in our immigrant communities, stand together to protect DACA recipients and Dreamers, and fight to provide education, healthcare, and economic opportunities to our state’s immigrants. When I’m governor, immigrant families will have a steadfast ally and advocate in Springfield as we fight to make this state a firewall against Donald Trump.”

 

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Martes 6 de marzo, 2018

 

JB Pritzker Organizó una Mesa Redonda sobre DACA junto al Congresista Gutierrez, Activistas y Líderes de la Comunidad

 

Chicago, IL — Ayer JB Pritzker, en mesa redonda junto al Congresista Luis Gutierrez, se reunió con líderes de la comunidad Latina y jóvenes con el estatus de DACA, para destacar los continuos ataques de Donald Trump contra la comunidad inmigrante. Durante la mesa redonda, los participantes enfatizaron la importancia de elevar las voces de los inmigrantes, la necesidad de contar con un gobernador y políticas que protejan a estas comunidades de inmigrantes.

“Illinois debe convertirse en un estado donde todos sean tratados con dignidad y respeto para que todas las familias puedan prosperar,” dijo JB Pritzker. “Pero tenemos un gobernador que rechaza enfrentar a nuestro presidente racista e intolerante en defensa de los inmigrantes de Illinois. No podemos quedarnos en silencio. Hemos elevado nuestras voces en nuestras comunidades inmigrantes, y estamos unidos para proteger a los jóvenes con el estatus de DACA y Dreamers, para luchar por el acceso a una  educación, el cuidado de la salud y oportunidades económicas para los inmigrantes de nuestro estado. Cuando sea gobernador, las familias inmigrantes tendrán un firme aliado y un defensor en Springfield, mientras luchamos para que Illinois sea un muro de protección contra Donald Trump.”

 

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PHOTOS FOR MEDIA USE ONLY

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Tuesday, March 6, 2018

 

“I Don’t Know That There’s Much We Can Do About the Trump Administration”

 

Chicago, IL – Time and again, Chris Kennedy proves that he is either unwilling or unable to stand up to Donald Trump if he’s elected governor, which is unsurprising given his applause of Bruce Rauner.

When asked how he’d prevent Trump from cutting student aid on Thursday, Kennedy said, “I don’t know that there’s much we can do about the Trump administration.” Kennedy’s defeatist answer echoes another weak response from December when he failed to name a fix for Trump’s tax plan, instead saying “sometimes the best thing to do is nothing.”

“Illinois needs a governor willing and able to stand up to Donald Trump, and Chris Kennedy has shown he won’t be the fighter our state deserves,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “While Chris Kennedy squirms and Bruce Rauner cowers, JB Pritzker will lead the charge to resist Donald Trump and protect Illinois communities.”

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Monday, March 5, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – At a roundtable on the West Side of Chicago, JB Pritzker unveiled his economic inclusion plan and was endorsed by House Deputy Majority Leader Art Turner, House Assistant Majority Leader Jehan Gordon-Booth and Representatives Marcus Evans Jr., Christian Mitchell, and LaToya Greenwood.

The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus members helped shape JB’s plan to foster economic inclusion. The plan focuses on twelve areas of opportunity to create economic growth and jobs by expanding opportunities for minority entrepreneurs and small business owners across the state. Read the full plan HERE.

“Communities across Illinois have been left out and left behind when it comes to economic prosperity and job growth,” said JB Pritzker. “Bruce Rauner’s fiscal mismanagement has stunted job creation, destabilized local economies, and eroded the financial security of working families. We need to undo the damage done by Bruce Rauner and foster economic inclusion especially in black and brown communities. As governor, I look forward to working with leaders like State Representatives Art Turner, Jehan Gordon-Booth, Marcus Evans Jr., Christian Mitchell, and LaToya Greenwood to bring real opportunity to every community in Illinois and I’m proud to have their support in this campaign.”

“Illinois needs a leader who is dedicated to helping our community move beyond just jobs to create true wealth and prosperity, and I’m confident JB is that leader,” said Deputy Majority Leader Art Turner. “He has a comprehensive plan to make the procurement process more inclusive. He will also support minority-owned businesses and get them the capital they need to thrive. JB cares about these issues and is presenting real solutions to move us forward.”

“JB has spent time in black communities all over Illinois,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jehan Gordon-Booth. “JB is someone who truly listens. He has heard the concerns expressed by black families and has brought us to the table to create real plans that will build economic opportunity for everyone.”

“As a job creator, JB understands how important it is to support our Black, Latino and women entrepreneurs,” said State Representative Marcus Evans Jr. “His economic empowerment plan will give small businesses the tools they need to thrive by establishing business incubators and expanding access to capital for Black, Latino and women entrepreneurs throughout Illinois. JB is the only candidate in this race with the leadership experience and vision necessary to create real, lasting economic success in our communities.”

“I’ve gotten to know JB over these past few months, and he truly has a heart for our community,” said State Representative Christian Mitchell. “JB is the only candidate for governor with a real plan to create opportunities for employment and business ownership for black workers and entrepreneurs. The time for lip service is over. We need a governor who is committed to our community, and I know that’s JB Pritzker.”

“As a legislator, I’ve fought tirelessly to increase economic opportunity in black communities by expanding youth employment,” said State Representative LaToya Greenwood. “With JB in Springfield, I know I’ll have a partner who is committed to investing in our young people and getting our state back on track.”

PHOTOS FOR MEDIA USE ONLY

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Monday, March 5, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – In response to the Gun Dealer Licensing Act being passed by the General Assembly and sent to Bruce Rauner, JB Pritzker released the following statement calling on the governor to immediately sign the bill:

“The Gun Dealer Licensing Act is critical legislation that will help prevent gun trafficking and keep families safe. Bruce Rauner should immediately sign it,” said JB Pritzker. “Communities and families across this state have been devastated by gun violence and instead of playing politics, Bruce Rauner should keep his word and take immediate action. This critical legislation will help keep guns out of the hands of those who shouldn’t have them and I call on Bruce Rauner to immediately sign the Gun Dealer Licensing Act and help keep our communities safe.”

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Monday, March 5, 2018

 

“The Kids Who Graduate are Going to Have a Hard Time Making it in this Economy”

 

Chicago, IL – Instead of apologizing for badmouthing Cairo students and making false claims, Chris Kennedy tripled down on his attacks on public school teachers and students.

Despite being reminded that SAT scores are not a recognized as a metric for college readiness, Kennedy defended his repeated attacks yesterday, claiming “the information I took was right off of a state of Illinois website, and that’s how we’re measuring ourselves.” He then continued slinging insults at hardworking students, saying “the kids who graduate are going to have a hard time making it in this economy.” Cairo students are defending themselves and taking the high road, with one high school senior telling a local TV station, “If he doesn’t think I can make it, I got to prove him wrong.”

WATCH:

“Chris Kennedy insults hardworking students left and right, and won’t back down from his baseless attacks even after he is confronted with the facts,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “Students and teachers in Cairo have already stood up to correct Kennedy, but he refuses to learn his lesson.”

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TRANSCRIPT

Maxwell: You pointed out recently that in Cairo, down in Southern Illinois, that zero percent of the students there were ready for college according to their SAT scores. That’s correct, but they don’t use that score for college readiness in the state of Illinois currently. Are you running dangerously close to- in the past we’ve seen this issue where you’re calling for more state funding for schools, but also some of the teachers and students there took offense that maybe you were saying they weren’t doing their jobs.

Kennedy: The information I took was right off of a state of Illinois website, and that’s how we’re measuring ourselves.

Maxwell: Can you clarify that comment?

Kennedy: I don’t believe that the tests measure potential or academic success. As the chairman of the University of Illinois, I sat, I sit on a board associated with the University of Chicago. I sit on the board associated with Kellogg, the school of business at Northwestern. I spent 12 years on the board of the Chicago, or the Catholic Theological Union. And so I know test scores are not determinant, but what they are evidence of is massive underfunding of our schools where if you’re in a town without a lot of property taxes, your school is so underfunded that the kids who graduate are going to have a hard time making it in this economy.

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Monday, March 5, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – Yesterday, JB Pritzker spoke with church goers, volunteers, and union members at seven stops in Chicago, Joliet, and Countryside. Along the way, JB was endorsed by three elected officials, and spoke with voters about his plans to put Springfield back on the side of working families by creating jobs in every community across Illinois, expanding affordable, quality healthcare for all, and investing in education for every student.

JB started his morning at Apostolic Church of God:

He then spoke with congregants at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church:

Afterwards, JB visited Sweet Holy Spirit Church:

And wrapped up his church visits at King of Glory Tabernacle Church:

JB then traveled to Joliet for a canvass kick-off at the JB for Governor Joliet organizing office:

JB then spoke with Will County residents at a meet and greet at Carpenters Local 174. At the event, JB was endorsed by State Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant:

“I’m so proud to have the endorsement of Senator Bertino-Tarrant,” said JB Pritzker. “We’re in the final stages of this primary campaign, and it is critical that Democrats come together to beat Bruce Rauner and put Springfield back on the side of working families. With the support of everyone standing with me today, and working families throughout the state, I’m confident we can move Illinois forward and create jobs, expand healthcare, and invest in education so everybody in Illinois has an opportunity to thrive.”

“As chairwoman of the Senate Education Committee, I know JB is the leader we need to advocate for our public education system,” said State Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant. “JB will prioritize our investment in public education to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed, no matter where he or she lives. I’m proud to support JB, a champion for our children. I look forward to our educators and students having a true ally as our next governor.”

State Representatives Natalie Manley and Larry Walsh Jr. joined Senator Bertino-Tarrant in announcing their support for JB for governor:

“JB has been a staunch advocate for women’s rights his entire life, and I know he’ll continue to fight for women in Springfield,” said State Representative Natalie Manley. “JB played a critical role advocating for HB40, has built a campaign that elevates and empowers women, and will do the same in his administration. I know with JB, women will have a fighter in the governor’s office who stands with us on the issues that matter.”

“JB is the only candidate in this race that will continue to build the economic prosperity in Will County,” said State Representative Larry Walsh Jr. “With JB in Springfield, I know I will have a partner who will fight to create jobs and support small business owners and entrepreneurs in every community. This is a critical time for our state and JB Pritzker is the right candidate to get Illinois back on track.”

For the last stop of the day, JB went to IUOE Local 150 in Countryside for a GOTV rally with union members:

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Saturday, March 3, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – Today, JB Pritzker and State Representative Juliana Stratton cast their early vote ballots at the Chicago early voting super site.

“I’m proud to be running a statewide, grassroots campaign to put Springfield back on the side of working families,” said JB Pritzker. “We’re at a critical time for our state, and it’s more important now than ever that Illinoisans get out to vote and make their voices heard. Together, with the support of U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, Comptroller Susana Mendoza, Illinois State Treasurer Mike Frerichs, Secretary of State Jesse White, and working families across this state, I’m confident we can bring Democrats together to take on Bruce Rauner in November and move our state forward.”

“I’m so thrilled to join JB in this campaign as we fight for Illinois’ working families,” said State Representative Juliana Stratton. “Together in Springfield, I’m confident that we can create jobs in communities throughout the state, expand affordable, quality healthcare for everyone, and invest in education for every child, no matter their income, skin color, or zip code. As we head into the final 17 days of this primary election, I look forward to winning on March 20th so we can unite the Democratic Party and beat Bruce Rauner in November.”

PHOTOS FOR MEDIA USE ONLY

 

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Friday, March 2, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – At the fifth Democratic gubernatorial primary debate in Chicago tonight, JB Pritzker demonstrated that he is the only candidate prepared to hold Bruce Rauner accountable for his record of creating crisis for Illinois’ working families. JB showed he is the only candidate with the vision and leadership to get Illinois back on track while highlighting his plans to create jobs, invest in education, and pass a progressive income tax in Illinois.

“Every voter watching tonight clearly saw that JB Pritzker is the only candidate ready to hold Bruce Rauner accountable for his failed leadership,” said Pritzker campaign manager Anne Caprara. “JB made the case that Bruce Rauner has fiscally mismanaged state government and launched attack after attack on working families. Unlike Rauner, JB has real plans to put Springfield back on the side of working families and reverse the disinvestment in Illinois communities. It’s time for Democrats to come together to move Illinois forward and JB is the leader ready to unite this party and this state.”

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Friday, March 2, 2018

 

JB Pritzker has played a critical role in creating an environment for companies like Amazon to consider Illinois as a potential home. At 1871, JB created thousands of technology jobs while helping turn Chicago into one of the top technology hubs in the world. As governor, JB will fight for Amazon HQ2 while ensuring any incentives used to attract the company are a good investment for Illinois taxpayers.

 

REALITY CHECK

• JB is the only candidate who has created thousands of jobs in Illinois.
• For nearly two decades, JB has played a leading role in turning Chicago into one of the nation’s top technology hubs.
• JB believes we should work to bring Amazon to Illinois while ensuring they follow through on their job creation commitments.

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Friday, March 2, 2018

 

Chris Kennedy is against the legalization of marijuana, despite the fact that it could bring in $350 to $700 million annually in much needed revenue. Kennedy said it’s “dangerous” to legalize recreational marijuana, calling it a “public health hazard.” However, studies show legal marijuana can actually help combat opioid addiction, and is less harmful than tobacco or alcohol. If Kennedy’s preference for decriminalizing marijuana instead of legalizing was all that was implemented, it could mean fines and jail time that would disproportionately impact communities of color.

 

REALITY CHECK:

• Chris Kennedy called legalizing marijuana “dangerous” and a “public health hazard.”
• While Chris Kennedy supports decriminalization, this alone could still mean fines or jail times that disproportionately impact communities of color.
• A variety of studies have found that marijuana can be legalized safely, including a University of British Columbia study that found, “using marijuana could help some alcoholics and people addicted to opioids kick their habits.”

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Friday, March 2, 2018

 

JB Pritzker introduced a plan to create jobs and grow the economy in every corner of the state. JB’s plan will invest in infrastructure, provide capital and support for small businesses, and lift up our community colleges and public universities as engines of economic growth. The plan also provides support to longstanding pillars of Illinois’ economy like agriculture and manufacturing.

 

REALITY CHECK:

• JB introduced a five-point jobs plan to revitalize the Illinois economy and get the state back on track.
• As governor, JB will prioritize a comprehensive 21st Century Capital Bill and create jobs statewide by employing Illinoisans on new construction projects.
• JB will expand access to capital, rebuild Small Business Development Centers, and guarantee truth in lending for small business borrowers.
• JB will empower community colleges as hubs of economic growth, workforce training, and innovation, support university-based start-ups, and expand youth apprenticeship programs.
• JB will make sure that upgrades to our state’s infrastructure take into account farm to market transportation and will work to implement policies that help our agriculture communities thrive.
• JB will support policies that enable research and innovation to allow Illinois to continue growing its manufacturing businesses.

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Friday, March 2, 2018

 

While Dan Biss campaigns on a LaSalle Street tax, his record tells a different story. In the General Assembly, Biss voted for millions in tax breaks for financial exchanges like the ones he assails with the LaSalle Street tax. Explaining his vote, Biss noted that it is because an exchange is a “fundamentally extremely mobile business” that could easily pick up and move out of the state. That hasn’t changed, but it appears that Biss’ stance on the issue has.  

 

REALITY CHECK: 

• In 2012, Dan Biss voted for a bill with $216 million in tax breaks for businesses, with $85 million going directly to tax breaks for financial exchanges.

• Defending his vote, Biss said he supported the tax breaks for a “fundamentally extremely mobile business” like a financial exchange to keep the tax-generating business from leaving the state.

• Financial exchanges are still “fundamentally extremely mobile,” so when and why did Dan Biss change his mind?

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Friday, March 2, 2018

 

Instead of focusing on how to prevent sexual harassment, Chris Kennedy has been playing politics with the issue. On Monday, his campaign released a plan it claimed would help combat the problem of sexual harassment in political campaigns, which would require employees to receive sexual harassment training from a third party. Two days later, the Kennedy campaign admitted it had failed to hold such a training for its own staff. With just weeks left in the primary, it is unclear when Kennedy plans on meeting his own requirement and holding a sexual harassment training.

 

REALITY CHECK:

• On Monday, Chris Kennedy’s campaign released a sexual harassment prevention plan that required “all employees [to] receive sexual harassment training by a third party provider.”
• Two days later, Kennedy’s campaign then admitted that it had not held any sexual harassment training for its own staff.

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Friday, March 2, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – While candidate Chris Kennedy recently said that collective bargaining was “a central tenant of the American Dream,” he has a long history of opposing the labor movement.

In 2013, Chris Kennedy said a tenured faculty union was a “threat to the greatness of the University of Illinois.” While faculty at the UIC and UIUC unionized, Kennedy and his Board of Trustees were part of lawsuits to challenge the bargaining units. And back in 1998, Kennedy praised efforts to cut overtime pay, calling them “hugely significant.”

LISTEN:

“Chris Kennedy has disparaged unions and workers seeking collective bargaining, undercutting the ability of working families to come together and fight for a better future,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “Suing to challenge bargaining units and calling it a ‘threat to greatness’ shows Kennedy has never truly recognized the value of the labor movement in our workplaces, despite his rhetoric on the campaign trail.”

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Friday, March 2, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – With 18 days before the primary election and get out the vote operations in full swing statewide, the JB Pritzker campaign released a new digital ad, “Are You Ready for the Fight?”

The new ad features JB going door-to-door making his case directly to voters and rallying supporters at one of the campaign’s many field offices across the state. JB also highlights Bruce Rauner’s failures as governor and his readiness to take him on in November.

WATCH: “Are You Ready for the Fight?”

“I’m excited about the energy this campaign is building across the state and the passion among Democrats to unite and defeat Bruce Rauner,” said JB Pritzker. “Illinoisans know that this failed governor has created crisis after crisis and decimated our state’s economy, and they’re ready to fight. Together, we’re going to put Springfield back on the side of working families and move our state forward.”

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Friday, March 2, 2018

 

“The Advantage Goes to Pritzker”

 

Chicago, IL – At the fourth Democratic gubernatorial debate, JB Pritzker laid out his detailed plans to bring real change to Illinois while holding his opponents accountable for rhetoric that doesn’t match their records and taking Bruce Rauner to task for his damage to Illinois. Here’s what Illinoisans are reading and seeing in the news about the WBEZ/Politico/IOP debate:

From WGN:

From WMAQ:

From WBBM:

From Chicago Sun-Times:

State Sen. Daniel Biss – who promises to be the “Middle Class Governor” in ads running throughout the state — endured a “The Price is Right” question Thursday night at a gubernatorial forum in Chicago.

And he didn’t quite pass the test.

Biss, D-Evanston, was asked by WBEZ reporter Dave McKinney what the full price of a monthly CTA pass is during a lightning round of questions to test the six Democratic candidates on their knowledge of prices regular voters pay in everyday expenditures.

“This campaign has been framed as a battle for the heart of middle and low-income voters, and since that’s the case, we’re going to do a simple test to see how connected each of you is to average Illinoisans,” McKinney said.

Biss’s response?

“A monthly CTA pass. Now, let’s see. My Metra pass now comes pretty close to $50 a month. So A monthly CTA pass I would guess is probably around $35.”

The actual cost is $105, according to the CTA’s website.

From NBC 5 Chicago:

With JB Pritzker leading in the polls, the others were looking for that breakout moment.

Pritzker was ready with attacks Thursday night’s debate as well.

So, who won Thursday night? Kennedy’s performance was more focused but no knock out punch. Pritzker still has the advantage. […]

Pritzker questioned Kennedy’s leadership as chairman of the the University of Illinois board of directors.

“Well it’s kind of ironic that Mr. Kennedy is raising the issue of universities,” Pritzker said. “He raised tuition five times when he was the chairman of the University of Illinois.”

From WGN:

At a gubernatorial forum for Democratic candidates Thursday at the University of Chicago Institute of Politics, Daniel Biss and Chris Kennedy came out swinging, looking to mix it up with JB Pritzker, but Pritzker also showed up ready to fight.

Right out of the gate, JB Pritzker and Chris Kennedy, both wealthy businessmen, fought over who’s created the most jobs. Later, Pritzker attacked Kennedy for voting to raise tuition as Chair of the Board at the University of Illinois. […]

Pritzker also attacked State Senator Daniel Biss, saying he hasn’t stood up enough for the middle class. […]

This week, Pritzker is highlighting late endorsements from Chicago newspapers, unions and suburban mayors. 

From CBS 2 Chicago:

This week has also been the biggest drive for new gun laws Springfield has seen in years. The candidates offered their solution to gun violence in Chicago: […]

“I want to ban bump stocks, I want to ban assault weapons, I want to ban high capacity magazines,” Pritzker. […]

Candidates were also asked about the cost of everyday items to test how relatable they were. Sen. Biss said the cost of a monthly CTA pass was $35 when, in reality, it’s $105.

From Capitol Fax:

* As of yesterday at noon, Chris Kennedy’s campaign said that it had not yet conducted sexual harassment training for its campaign workers. As you know, Kennedy made a big media splash with his own proposal to combat sexual harassment in Illinois politics. That plan requires “sexual harassment training by a third party provider.”

Yesterday at noon, a Kennedy spokesperson claimed the campaign is “bringing in an outside expert to lead sexual harassment training for our campaign staff.”

At tonight’s WBEZ debate, Kennedy said “everyone has to go through sexual harassment training in our campaign.” Click here for a video clip.

* From the Pritzker campaign’s live debate reality check e-mails…

REALITY CHECK: Chris Kennedy Lies About His Campaign’s Sexual Harassment Training

Tonight, Chris Kennedy claimed that his campaign staff have received sexual harassment training, but just yesterday the Kennedy campaign admitted it had failed to hold such a training. The Kennedy campaign needs to tell voters the truth.

From Chicago Maroon:

Pritzker attacked Kennedy for his proposal, citing Kennedy’s previous actions as Chair of the Board of Trustees at the University of Illinois, which resulted in increased tuition and forced many students to seek education out of state. […]

Pritzker…said he firmly believed that the state can negotiate in areas like federal aid. “States fought the federal government when it came to saving Obamacare, and we can fight it to save student aid programs too,” Pritzker said. 

In an interview with reporters after the debate, the candidates largely criticized their opponents’ views and past actions, but also voiced their other plans if they are elected. Pritzker promised to unite Illinois residents and to get them more involved in the state’s affairs.  

“Many ventures like 1871 [a digital startup incubator that Pritzker helped found], which helped build Chicago’s digital startup community, came from getting people’s ideas together, and as a governor I will get people from all walks together and build upon their ideas,” Pritzker said during the conference. 

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Thursday, March 1, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – At the fourth Democratic gubernatorial primary debate in Chicago, JB Pritzker highlighted his bold vision and detailed plans to bring real change to Illinois. JB focused on how he will provide leadership this state hasn’t seen in years and get big things done while holding his opponents accountable for rhetoric that doesn’t match their records.

JB’s Plans to Reduce Gun Violence and Invest In Education

Chris Kennedy’s Tuition Hikes and Praise of Bruce Rauner

Dan Biss’ Flip-Flops on LaSalle St. Tax and Pension Theft

“JB Pritzker has big ideas and detailed plans to move Illinois forward and he made that clear in tonight’s debate,” said Pritzker campaign manager Anne Caprara. “From investing in quality education to creating jobs and addressing gun violence in our communities, JB will beat Bruce Rauner, take charge, and bring real change to Illinois. While other candidates are running on rhetoric that doesn’t match their records, JB has spent his life getting big things done and that’s exactly the kind of leadership he’ll bring to Springfield.”

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Thursday, March 1, 2018

 

JB Pritzker has a four-point plan to reform our criminal justice system and give all Illinoisans a chance to reach their full potential. JB’s plan focuses on legalizing marijuana and modernizing sentencing practices, reducing recidivism rates, reforming the juvenile justice system, and treating gun violence like a public health epidemic. With these reforms, JB will help build a criminal justice system that delivers justice to victims, rehabilitates individuals, and builds safer communities after decades of systemic disinvestment.

 

REALITY CHECK:

• JB’s plan will legalize marijuana in a safe way and modernize sentencing laws to reverse the foundational causes of mass incarceration that disproportionately impact communities of color.
• To reduce the recidivism rate, JB will prioritize rehabilitation and re-entry services for incarcerated people and create economic opportunities in all of our communities.
• JB will promote rehabilitative alternatives to prosecution and incarceration in our juvenile justice system with a focus on restorative justice.
• JB will address gun violence as a public health epidemic and hold police more accountable to the communities they serve.

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Thursday, March 1, 2018

 

Despite now claiming to oppose Mike Madigan, both Dan Biss and Chris Kennedy have taken a much different approach when it suited their own ambitions. During his time in state government, Dan Biss accepted contributions from Madigan, voted for him to be Speaker, and even ran his Super PAC. While exploring runs for office, Kennedy has consistently courted Madigan’s support, asking for his help and trying to get Mike Madigan’s blessing before running for governor.

 

REALITY CHECK:

• Dan Biss is the only candidate on stage who voted for Mike Madigan to be Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, while accepting nearly $250,000 from the Democratic Party chaired by Madigan, and over $14,000 from Madigan’s account
• Biss also ran Mike Madigan’s Super PAC, Leading Illinois for Tomorrow (LIFT), filling its coffers with millions from Madigan and top allies.
• Chris Kennedy repeatedly asked for Madigan’s help while considering running for office. After deciding not to run for Congress in 1999, Kennedy announced his decision in a letter addressed directly to the Speaker.
• Back in July 2016, Kennedy met with Madigan as he was considering a bid for governor.

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Thursday, March 1, 2018

 

Gun violence is a public health epidemic, taking far too many lives and impacting too many communities. JB has real plans to fight gun violence by preventing gun trafficking, keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals, and outlawing accessories like bump stocks. JB will also address the underlying causes of gun violence by working to expand economic opportunity to communities that have suffered from systemic disinvestment and increase funding for social services so people don’t turn to violence.

 

REALITY CHECK:

• JB supports the Gun Dealer Licensing Bill and red flag laws to keep guns out of the hands of people who wish to do harm.
• JB will work to ban bump stocks and assault weapons, to stop people from doing too much harm, much too quickly.
• To address the root causes of gun violence, JB will expand economic opportunity to communities that have suffered decades of systemic disinvestment and increase funding for human services.

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