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:
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:
From WSIL:
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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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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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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Chicago, IL – Yesterday, JB Pritzker and Juliana Stratton unveiled their four-point criminal justice reform plan at an event at the DuSable Museum of African American History in Chicago. Here’s what Illinoisans are seeing and reading in the news about JB’s plan to reform our criminal justice system and address gun violence:
From WMAQ:
From WBEZ:
From WEEK:
From WBBM:
From WFLD:
From the Chicago Tribune:
Democratic governor candidate J.B. Pritzker unveiled a criminal justice plan Thursday, calling for legalizing marijuana, prioritizing more community services and declaring gun violence a “public health epidemic.”Pritzker, a billionaire investor and entrepreneur, also proposed a ban on assault weapons, high-capacity ammunition magazines and “bump stocks,” which can make a semi-automatic firearm mimic the firing of an automatic weapon.Speaking to a group of community advocates at the DuSable Museum of African American History in Washington Park, Pritzker assailed Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner for “working against you” as part of the state’s historic budget impasse.
“His disinvestment has undermined your ability to move forward,” Pritzker said of Rauner. “He has stripped families and communities of the tools to build better lives and he has assaulted the hope of a brighter future.”
Pritzker said if elected, he would create an office of Criminal Justice Reform and Economic Opportunity that would be headed by his running mate, state Rep. Juliana Stratton, D-Chicago. He said “black and brown communities are significantly and disproportionately impacted by deficiencies in our criminal justice system.”
From the Chicago Sun-Times:
Democratic gubernatorial hopeful J.B. Pritzker wants to legalize marijuana as part of his crime-fighting plan, which he unveiled Thursday at the DuSable Museum of African American History.“We don’t need more studies on this,” Pritzker said. “We need to act. Let’s legalize marijuana. Let’s regulate it to make it safe. Let’s tax it. Let’s reinvest in the hardest hit communities.” […]“We need to legalize marijuana in Illinois,” Pritzker said to some applause Thursday. “Criminalization of marijuana doesn’t make our communities safe. It has disproportionately impacted brown and black communities. There are way too many people, and I mean way too many people, who have gone to prison or are currently sitting in prison for having small amounts of marijuana.”
From WEEK:
Democratic candidate for governor JB Pritzker rolled out his criminal justice reform plan in Chicago Thursday, calling for marijuana legalization and other measures.Pritzker said sentencing guidelines for low-level drug offenders should also be changed. Pritzker also called for reforming the juvenile justice system, treating gun violence as a “public health epidemic,” and reducing recidivism
From WREX:
“With vision and compassion, we can make real progress and put Illinois on course to become a model for criminal justice reform,” Pritzker said.
Illinois currently has a medical marijuana pilot program, but does not have legalized recreational cannabis.
From Vandalia Radio:
The leading Democrat in the race for Illinois governor wants to legalize marijuana and treat gun deaths as a public health crisis. Candidate J.B. Pritzker yesterday unveiled his criminal justice reform proposal. In addition to pot and guns, Pritzker’s plan would change the cash bail system and double down on efforts to get people jobs in order to keep them out of prison.
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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:
“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.”
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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Chicago, IL – Today, Congressman Mike Quigley endorsed JB Pritzker for governor at an event in Chicago. This marks JB’s third congressional endorsement after Congressman Luis Gutierrez and Congresswoman Cheri Bustos endorsed the campaign.
“Mike Quigley is one of our state and nation’s most respected congressman,” said JB Pritzker. “At every turn, he stands up for civil rights, immigrant rights, women’s rights and LGBTQ rights as President Trump tries to take them away. But while Mike Quigley is in Washington taking on Donald Trump and making his voice heard, we have a governor in Illinois who remains silent as Trump attacks our people. With Mike by my side, I’m confident that we can take down Donald Trump’s partner in Illinois, and get our state back on track.”
“JB Pritzker has the values we need in the governor’s office, the experience to turn this state around, and the track record to prove to me that he will do it,” said Congressman Mike Quigley. “When one branch of our government fails, others need to step up and protect us, promote our economic interests, and preserve the gains we have made as a society. But Bruce Rauner has been an absolute failure when it comes to this momentous responsibility. Democrats in Illinois have a special responsibility to the people of Illinois to put forward a candidate who will not only defeat Rauner, but restore Illinois. That person is JB Pritzker.”
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Highlights Damage Done by Bruce Rauner’s Budget Crisis
Chicago, IL – Today, JB Pritzker toured the El Valor Development and Training Center on the Southwest Side of Chicago. JB highlighted the ongoing damage done by Bruce Rauner’s 736-day manufactured budget crisis, and saw firsthand how social service agencies and the families they serve are struggling under Rauner’s failed leadership.
El Valor is a multi-cultural organization that provides a wide range of social services in Chicago including early childhood programs, parental and community engagement, and services for adults with disabilities. Bruce Rauner’s budget crisis slashed funding for El Valor, damaging their ability to provide critical services to children and working families in the community.
“El Valor is critical to giving children and working families in all of our communities the tools they need to build better lives,” said JB Pritzker. “We must do everything we can to support their essential work, but Bruce Rauner’s ongoing damage continues to harm social service agencies’ ability to serve Illinois families. It’s time for a governor who will fight for Illinois families and take bold action to move our state forward.”
Chicago, IL – After the Illinois House overrode Rauner’s veto of the No Salary History bill, JB Pritzker released the following statement:
“Illinois women deserve equal pay for equal work, but in 2017, Illinois has a governor who disagrees with that fundamental right,” said JB Pritzker. “Bruce Rauner vetoed the No Salary History bill, blocking critical legislation that would help prevent wage inequality in our state, and proving that he has no interest in standing with Illinois women. I’m grateful that the Illinois House overrode Rauner’s veto, and I urge the Senate to do the same. Now more than ever, we need leaders in Springfield who stand with Illinois women, and that’s the leader I’ll be as governor.”
Chicago, IL – While Bruce Rauner launches his re-election campaign from his motorcycle, state lawmakers are poised to address six bills of critical importance for working families in a two-week veto session:
“For three years, Bruce Rauner has unleashed unparalleled damage across our state, decimating Illinois’ economy and social service infrastructure,” said JB Pritzker. “While Rauner is campaigning on a record that doesn’t exist, the General Assembly will attempt to undo his mess and move our state forward.”
Chicago, IL – Complete with a 63% disapproval rating, Bruce Rauner is riding in on a motorcycle like the sham savior nobody asked for to announce his re-election campaign. But before he gets to ask Illinoisans for another four years, here are five questions Bruce Rauner needs to answer:
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Chicago, IL – Today, Bruce Rauner vetoed SB 1905, a law preventing local governments from enforcing right-to-work laws. In response, JB Pritzker issued the following statement:
“Just this week, we saw Bruce Rauner celebrate an assault on workers’ rights as the Supreme Court decided to hear Janus vs. AFSCME, and now he’s continuing these attacks on the state level,” said JB Pritzker. “The hardworking men and women of the labor movement deserve a partner in Springfield who will defend their right to collectively bargain, not one who wages war on it. When I’m governor, the labor movement will always have a seat at the table as we fight for working families, protect workers’ rights, and work to raise the wage floor. I urge the General Assembly to override this failed governor’s veto.”
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Chicago, IL – This morning, JB Pritzker and Juliana Stratton hosted a Latino Leadership Breakfast with dozens of business, community, elected, and union leaders on the West side of Chicago.
Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, Chicago Federation of Labor President Jorge Ramirez, and Alderman Joe Moreno were among the leaders to attend the breakfast. JB spoke about his commitment to expanding early childhood education, promoting job growth, standing up for immigrant communities, and fostering diversity in government.
“Illinois’ 2.1 million Latino residents are an integral part of our state’s social, economic, and cultural vibrancy,” said JB Pritzker. “The success of Latino communities and families grows our economy and makes Illinois a stronger state. As governor, I will fight to create jobs in all of our communities, invest in quality education, and defend immigrant families from Donald Trump’s attacks. Our Latino communities deserve a voice in Springfield and I will ensure our government reflects the diversity of our great state.”
Chicago, IL – Today, Bruce Rauner finally announced he will sign HB 40 after facing overwhelming pressure from JB and women’s rights advocates across the state. In response, JB Pritzker issued the following statement:
“Since the beginning of this campaign, I have demanded that Bruce Rauner sign HB 40,” said JB Pritzker. “My campaign delivered thousands of postcards encouraging the governor to sign HB 40, held a phone bank in support of the bill, and stood with HB 40’s co-sponsors at several events calling on this failed governor to do his job for Illinois women.
“Let’s be clear: Bruce Rauner threatened to veto HB 40 and only got around to doing the right thing after an organized advertising and grassroots campaign. Today’s announcement does not change the fact that Bruce Rauner’s only sense of morality is whatever panders best to voters. Illinois women deserve a relentless advocate in the fight to protect their rights – and that’s exactly what I’ll be as governor.”
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Chicago, IL – Comptroller Susana Mendoza endorsed JB Pritzker for governor yesterday. This marks JB’s second endorsement by a statewide elected official in the Democratic primary for governor. The announcement was made at a grassroots campaign event at IBEW Local 193 in Springfield before the pair stopped in Chicago.
Here’s what Illinoisans are reading and seeing in the news about Susana Mendoza’s endorsement:
From WMAQ:
From WLS:
From WAND:
From WMBD:
From WYZZ:
From WRSP:
From WCIA:
From WHBF:
From KLJB:
From WGN:
From State Journal Register:
Comptroller Susana Mendoza Wednesday endorsed J.B. Pritzker for governor, becoming the second statewide Democratic official to endorse Pritzker.
During an announcement in Springfield, Mendoza said that as comptroller she’s seen firsthand the damage caused by the nearly two-year budget impasse, something she said was caused by Gov. Bruce Rauner’s “refusal to govern.”
“I decided to make an endorsement for governor because I understand what is at stake,” she said.
Mendoza said she gave fair consideration to all of the candidates in the crowded Democratic field running for governor, seven candidates including Pritzker. She said Pritzker is a “fierce progressive fighter” who will bring jobs to the state.
“Over the course of this last year, I’ve had the opportunity to listen to all of the candidates for governor,” Mendoza said. “I’ve studied their platforms. One clear leader has emerged. This is no close second.”
From WJBC:
Pritzker said he loves having Mendoza on his side, especially after seeing the video where Mendoza repeatedly confronts an ex-con hit and run driver.
“She chases him down, she corners him, she calls the police, she pulls out her phone and she looks at him and says ‘Hey buddy, I’ve got it on video, say cheese,’ ” Pritzker said. “That’s our Susana and she is fearless.”
Mendoza said Pritzker can help undo the damage left behind by the state’s two-year long budget drought that ended this summer.
“It’s fair to say that J.B. wants to make sure we have JOBs,” Mendoza quipped.
From Fox Illinois:
“I have a high degree of confidence that this governor actually wants to work for the people of the state of Illinois and that’s what I want to see for whoever our governor is,” Mendoza said.
She said she carefully vetted every candidate, but felt Pritzker was the one for the people.
She also said she believes Pritzker will bring positive change.
From WMAY:
Another top Democrat is getting on board with J.B. Pritzker’s bid to become the party’s nominee for governor. Comptroller Susana Mendoza appeared with Pritzker in Springfield to endorse his candidacy.
Mendoza is perhaps the most outspoken statewide Democratic official and a frequent critic of Governor Bruce Rauner.
From Politico Illinois:
Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza is to endorse gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker today, holding two availabilities: one in Springfield in the morning then one in the afternoon in Chicago. Mendoza, a firecracker constitutional officer, hasn’t shied away from head-to-head battles with other pols, including Bruce Rauner.
From WAND:
“We need a governor who will fight for the people of Illinois, not against the people of Illinois. JB’s that champion. We need a governor who will look out for all of Illinois, for all Illinoisans. Who will join me in lending a strong voice to the voiceless, and who will help to unify our state.” said Comptroller Mendoza.
“Comptroller Susana Mendoza is a force. She is strong, she is fearless, and she is a vital voice for the people of Illinois. There is no one who has done more to hold this governor accountable than Susana Mendoza. Since day one, she has traveled this state, meeting families hurt by this governor and working towards solutions. Think about how much Susana could accomplish if instead of spending her time defending families from the governor of Illinois, she had a governor as a partner in Springfield who would stand up for working families. Now it won’t be easy to defeat Bruce Rauner and his right-wing allies in 2018. But we’ve got Susana Mendoza on our team, we’re going to win. Together, we’re going to defeat Bruce Rauner for good.” said JB Pritzker.
From WCIA:
Comptroller Susana Mendoza chose to support JB Pritzker during a gathering in Springfield Wednesday. The support means he’s ahead of the other candidates.
This is his second endorsement by a statewide officeholder after Secretary of State Jesse White endorsed his campaign last month.
From Northern Public Radio:
The comptroller made the announcement in Springfield at the headquarters of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 193. The State Journal Register reports Mendoza claimed she’d seen the damage firsthand from the nearly two-year state budget impasse. She also claimed it was caused by incumbent Gov. Bruce Rauner’s “inability to govern.”
“I decided to make an endorsement for governor because I understand what is at stake,” she said.
“There is no one who has done more to hold this governor responsible than Susana Mendoza,” Pritzker said. “Those who underestimate Susana, do so at their own risk.”
Her endorsement follows that of Secretary of State Jesse White and a variety of labor unions.
From Chicago Tribune:
In becoming the second statewide elected official to back Pritzker after Secretary of State Jesse White, Mendoza said she was “truly sincere” in deciding the billionaire entrepreneur was the best candidate in the Democratic field.
Joining Pritzker at an event outside the James R. Thompson Center, Mendoza said he was “someone who I have the full faith and confidence can lead us in the right direction and do the job better than anybody else at this time.”
The first-term Democratic comptroller touted Pritzker’s support for a graduated income tax, dovetailing with the governor candidate’s latest TV ad in which he criticizes the state’s current flat tax system as “unfair” and vows changes to make the “wealthy pay more.”
Mendoza said Pritzker is “going to fight for those very same progressive values that he’s helped elect other people to champion.”
From WTAX:
Mendoza is a no-holds-barred fighter in going after Republican incumbent Gov. Bruce Rauner. Citing her sponsorship of the impeachment of then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich, also a Democrat, she tried to dispel any notion she’d be Pritzker’s yes-man.
“I don’t work for (the governor). I work for the people of the state of Illinois,” Mendoza told reporters after the announcement Wednesday in Springfield, “and I’m going to be a check and balance on whoever the governor is. I just have a high degree of confidence that (Pritzker) actually wants to work for the people of the state of Illinois. And that’s what I want to see in whoever our governor is.”
From DeWitt Daily News:
Democratic Gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker has a tenacious ally in his corner.
Comptroller Susana Mendoza announced her endorsement Wednesday morning at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 193 Headquarters in Springfield.
Pritzker loves having Mendoza on his side, especially after seeing the video where Mendoza repeatedly confronts an ex con hit and run driver.
Mendoza says Pritzker can help undo the damage left behind by the state’s two year long budget drought that ended this summer.
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Springfield, IL — Today, Comptroller Susana Mendoza endorsed JB Pritzker and Juliana Stratton at a grassroots campaign event at IBEW Local 193 in Springfield. This marks JB’s second endorsement by a statewide officeholder after Secretary of State Jesse White endorsed the campaign in August.
“Comptroller Susana Mendoza is a force. She is strong, she is fearless, and she is a vital voice for the people of Illinois,” said JB Pritzker. “There is no one who has done more to hold this governor accountable than Susana Mendoza. Since day one, she has traveled this state, meeting families hurt by this governor and working towards solutions. Think about how much Susana could accomplish if instead of spending her time defending families from the governor of Illinois, she had a governor as a partner in Springfield who would stand up for working families. Now it won’t be easy to defeat Bruce Rauner and his right-wing allies in 2018. But we’ve got Susana Mendoza on our team, we’re going to win. Together, we’re going to defeat Bruce Rauner for good.”
“As your state Comptroller, I have seen firsthand the division and destruction Bruce Rauner has caused this state. Over the past three years, we’ve seen the longest budget impasse in the country’s history, our bill backlog triple to $16 billion, eight credit downgrades, and social service providers decimated,” said Comptroller Susana Mendoza. “We need a governor who looks out for all Illinoisans, who will join me in lending a voice to the voiceless, and unify our fractured state. That is why I’m proud to endorse JB Pritzker and Juliana Stratton for governor and lieutenant governor. I believe JB and Juliana have a vision that will put an end to Rauner’s crisis and move our state forward.”
Tallula, IL — Today, JB Pritzker made stops in central Illinois, speaking with Democrats in Macomb, Lincoln, and Tallula. At the events, he discussed his statewide, grassroots campaign and his priorities for creating jobs throughout the state.
JB began the day at a lunch with McDonough County Democrats:
Chicago, IL — JB Pritzker released the following statement after HB 40 was delivered to Bruce Rauner’s desk.
“HB 40 is now on Bruce Rauner’s desk, but women and families in our state still don’t know if their governor will sign this critical legislation,” said JB Pritzker. “Illinoisans shouldn’t have to force Bruce Rauner’s hand to stand up for their basic rights. Even though he promised to veto HB 40, I urge the governor to sign the bill without delay, and if he won’t, then HB 40 will be the first bill I sign into law as governor. It is time to send an unwavering advocate for women to Springfield – not someone who campaigns as one and then turns his back after getting elected.”
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Chicago, IL — The opposition to Graham-Cassidy is surging with doctors, hospitals, insurers, and patients all against the devastating “healthcare” bill. But Bruce Rauner has yet to stand with bipartisan governors and take action against this devastating bill.
The Washington Post reports that “nearly the entire American health-care community” is against the bill, including the following organizations, which the Post acknowledges as an “almost certainly incomplete” list.
“The entire medical field and Illinois families across this state are against Graham-Cassidy, but Bruce Rauner is still failing to stand up for Illinoisans,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “This bill strips healthcare from a million Illinoisans and takes billions of federal dollars away from our state and Bruce Rauner is no where to be found on this devastating legislation.”
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Chicago, IL — Yesterday, the National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD) came out in fierce opposition to the Graham-Cassidy bill as Bruce Rauner continued his silence. NAMD is a bipartisan group that represents Medicaid directors in all 50 states.
The latest letter comes after overwhelming reports detailing the devastation that will be caused by the GOP efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Almost all assessments find that Illinois’ working families will face slashed Medicaid funding and a potential loss of protections for pre-existing conditions, putting coverage for millions in danger.
“The experts agree: this healthcare bill will be a disaster for Illinois working families, and once again Bruce Rauner is nowhere to be found,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “It’s time this failed governor stood with experts from across the country and spoke out against this heartless assault on healthcare for Illinoisans.”
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Chicago, IL — Today, Glenn Poshard announced his endorsement of JB Pritzker for governor. Poshard has spent over three decades in public service in Southern Illinois, serving as a member of the State Senate, Congress, founder of the Poshard Foundation for Abused Children, and President of Southern Illinois University.
“I am so proud to have the endorsement of a distinguished leader like Glenn Poshard,” said JB Pritzker. “He has served his community in so many different ways and changed the state for the better with his commitment to public service. As an elected official, an advocate for children, and an educator, Glenn Poshard has always fought for what’s right. I’m humbled to have him as a partner in this campaign and as we continue building our grassroots, statewide movement.”
“I was really impressed with JB Pritzker. Not only his background and experience in job creation himself, but what he would like to do with the state of Illinois and how he would like to do it,” said Glenn Poshard. “He stands up for working men and women. That’s one of his greatest attributes. Union wages and benefits built the middle class of America, and that’s what JB Pritzker understands more than anybody else in this race. He embraces the great principles of our party including equalizing educational opportunities for all of our children and protecting the most vulnerable among us and that’s important to me. He has both the head and the heart of a really good leader in government.”
Chicago, IL — As Bruce Rauner cowardly avoids speaking out about the latest devastating GOP assault on healthcare, studies for the damage the Graham-Cassidy bill will have on Illinois are appalling.
The latest report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities details the destruction that will be caused by the effort to “repeal and replace” the Affordable Care Act, including deep cuts to per person spending on healthcare and a Medicaid funding cliff in 2027. Illinois funds will be slashed by over $9.2 billion dollars by 2027, devastating working families across the state that have come to rely on the program. Overall, the study concludes that Graham-Cassidy “would likely be even more damaging than a straight repeal.”
“Healthcare for millions of Illinoisans is at risk and once again Bruce Rauner refuses to stand up for the people of this state,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “It’s time for Rauner to finally do what other GOP governors have done and speak out against this heartless attack to take away healthcare from people across the country.”
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Chicago, IL — Today, the JB Pritzker campaign released a new TV ad, “Stand Up.” The ad comes as Bruce Rauner refuses to support HB 40, a bill that would protect a woman’s right to choose in Illinois if Roe v. Wade were overturned at the federal level.
“Stand Up” highlights Rauner’s cowardly refusal to stand up for Illinois women and JB’s commitment to making HB 40 the first bill he would sign as governor. Two weeks ago, JB and HB 40 co-sponsors Senator Heather Steans and Representative Sara Feigenholtz delivered 4,000 postcards from women across the state in support of HB 40 to Governor Rauner’s office as a part of his ongoing effort to support Illinois women and fight for reproductive rights.
“Illinois women deserve a governor who will protect their healthcare, not one that will stand by as those fundamental rights are under threat,” said JB Pritzker. “As governor, I will be a steadfast supporter of a woman’s right to choose, and HB 40 will be the first bill I’ll sign in office. Every day, I’ll show up and fight for issues that matter to Illinois women and families, just like I have been doing my whole life. With Donald Trump in the White House and Bruce Rauner failing to lead, we need fierce leadership in Springfield – and that’s exactly what I’ll provide as governor.”
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Chicago, IL — Yesterday, as a bipartisan group of governors condemned the latest effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act, Bruce Rauner offered nothing but a half-hearted critique of the callous Graham-Cassidy bill.
The failed governor’s refusal to stand up for the Illinoisans who will be harmed by the law comes on the heels of reports laying out the law’s devastating effects. The latest estimate shows Illinois losing $18 billion in federal funding by 2027, with even steeper cuts projected afterwards. The report also warns of protections for pre-existing conditions being scrapped, devastating Illinoisans currently protected under the ACA.
“If Bruce Rauner was ever going to grow a spine and stand up for Illinoisans then now is the time to do it,” said Pritzker spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “This is a moment when bipartisan governors across the country are standing up to Donald Trump and speaking out against this devastating healthcare bill, but Rauner is asleep at the wheel.”
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Beardstown, IL — This weekend, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 431 endorsed JB Pritzker and Juliana Stratton at an event in Beardstown. UFCW Local 431 represents thousands of workers in the Quad Cities and across a wide range of industries including meat packing and processing and rendering plants. With the announcement, UFCW Local 431 becomes the 20th union to endorse JB for governor.
“I am honored to have the endorsement of UFCW Local 431 and as governor, I will work tirelessly to fight for the working families they represent,” said JB Pritzker. “Together, we will grow the economy, fight for the right to organize, and stand up for immigrant families. Now more than ever, we must stand united to defend our shared values. That’s why I’m humbled to have the hardworking members of UFCW Local 431 standing with me in the fight ahead.”
“UFCW Local 431 is proud to stand with JB Pritzker and Juliana Stratton in the fight for Illinois working families,” said UFCW Local 431 President Jerry Messer. “JB and Juliana will protect immigrant rights, ensure the right to collectively bargain, and fight for better workplace safety protections for us all. I know they will be partners in government, who listen to working families in our state and put Springfield back on our side.”
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Chicago, IL — Today, the JB for Governor campaign released a new digital ad, “Been There,” highlighting JB’s lifelong commitment to standing up for progressive values and his resistance to Donald Trump.
The digital ad shows JB at the March for Women’s Lives in 1992 and the Chicago Pride Parade in 1993. It also highlights his recent resistance to Donald Trump, including protesting Trump’s efforts to strip healthcare from millions, standing up for DREAMers, and marching in the Women’s March on Springfield.
“Donald Trump is unfit to be president, and Illinois needs a governor who will stand up to his bigoted and hateful agenda,” said JB Pritzker. “I’ve spent my life standing up for progressive, Democratic values and no other candidate for governor has worked harder to resist Donald Trump in Illinois. Now more than ever, it’s time for our state to unite and make sure we’re a firewall against this president’s reckless agenda.”
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Today, JB Pritzker opened a new JB for Governor campaign office in Joliet. This is the sixth office opening across the state as the campaign continues to build a statewide, grassroots operation. While speaking at the opening, JB highlighted his priorities for creating jobs, investing in quality education, and expanding healthcare for Illinois families.
Today, JB Pritzker made a trip to Central Illinois with two stops in Beardstown. During his trip, he discussed his plans to invest in infrastructure, fight for quality education, and expand healthcare coverage in Illinois.
His first stop was at UFCW Local 431 where he met with Cass County Democrats and union members:
He then stopped at the African Days Picnic:
Chicago, IL — Yesterday, JB Pritzker opened the second JB for Governor campaign office on the South Side of Chicago. This is the fifth office opening as the campaign continues to build a statewide, grassroots operation. While speaking at the opening, JB highlighted his priorities for creating jobs, investing in quality education, and expanding healthcare for Illinois families.
Harrisburg, IL — Just a few days after the statewide “Think Big” Bus Tour, JB Pritzker headed to Harrisburg for a dinner with the Saline County Democrats. While there, he discussed his priorities for creating jobs throughout the state.
From WSIL:
Democrats in Saline County gathered in Harrisburg Saturday night to meet three democratic candidates for governor. […]
“Whether you’re a Republican or a Democrat, I think everybody believes about this state that we need the state to be one of the best in the nation. In fact, I believe it,” Pritzker said.
Chicago, IL — As Bruce Rauner is set to hold a women’s health roundtable today, JB was joined by HB 40 Co-Sponsors Senator Heather Steans and Representative Sara Feigenholtz yesterday to make a special delivery to Governor Rauner’s office: 4,000 postcards in support of HB 40. Illinoisans across the state signed the postcards urging Rauner to sign the critical legislation that protects women’s reproductive rights and stands up to Donald Trump.
“I will never be silent in the fight to protect women’s healthcare and stand up to Donald Trump’s attacks. That’s why I’m proud to have delivered 4,000 postcards to Governor Rauner from Illinoisans across this state who support HB 40,” said JB Pritzker. “While Bruce Rauner has failed to stand up for Illinois women, I’ll be a governor who champions women’s rights and resists Donald Trump every day in Springfield.”
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Chicago, IL – Yesterday, after Donald Trump announced his cruel decision to end DACA, Bruce Rauner minced words, taking hours before releasing a cowardly non-statement, saying that Congress should “deal with these challenges.”
But fellow Republican governors from across the nation immediately stood up for DREAMers with Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval saying outright, “I support DACA” and Vermont Governor Phil Scott stating, “It’s unfortunate the President has chosen to end the Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.” Ohio Governor John Kasich gave the strongest defense calling DACA a “simple moral issue” and saying that DREAMers had a home in Ohio. So why won’t Bruce Rauner stand up for immigrant families in his state?
“While Republican governors move beyond politics to take a principled stand, Bruce Rauner is abandoning DREAMers and cowering to Donald Trump,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “There are 42,000 DREAMers under attack in Illinois as Bruce Rauner hides behind a empty statement and fails to lead.”
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Chicago, IL — Yesterday, JB Pritzker held a press conference with Chicago leaders and DREAMer Jay Meza blasting Donald Trump for his heartless decision to rescind the DACA program. While Bruce Rauner remained silent for hours, JB Pritzker acted immediately, sending a letter to leaders in Congress and asking them to defend DACA and the 42,000 DREAMers in Illinois.
Here’s what Illinoisans are seeing and reading in the news about JB’s actions on DACA:
From CBS 2 Chicago:
From NBC 5 Chicago:
From WCIA:
From KFVS:
From CBS 2 Chicago: JB Pritzker, City Alderman Condemn President Trump’s Order To End DACA:
Democratic contender for Governor JB Pritzker along with several aldermen called the media together on Tuesday to condemn President Trump’s order to end DACA.
After the politicians spoke, WBBM’s Steve Miller talked to a so-called “Dreamer,” one of 800,000 young people in this country whose future is in jeopardy.
“The last memory I remember of Mexico was a blue gate. And that was our fence,” said 23-year-old Jay Meza, who came here when he was three.
“That’s the only thing I remember. Everything else is here in Chicago.”
From WLS-AM: Pritzker and other Dems denounce DACA decision:
There’s an avalanche of denunciation.
Listen to JB Pritzker, the billionaire Democratic candidate for governor who stated, “Donald Trump is a racist! He exploits division and the promotes hate! He has no regard for the values that are trampled upon and the lives that are destroyed along the way. It’s up to all of us to stop him.”
From the Belleville News Democrat: Here’s how Illinois politicians are reacting to Trump’s DACA decision:
J.B. Pritzker, candidate for Illinois governor, in a letter to U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer and U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, both Democrats: “These young people trusted this government. Came out of the shadows. Submitted paperwork and underwent an extensive vetting process. In exchange, they were granted temporary relief from deportation and a work permit. Now they’re in school, working better jobs, earning higher wages, and contributing to their local economies… Stand with DREAMers across this nation and pass the BRIDGE Act. Pass comprehensive immigration reform. Put undocumented immigrants on a pathway to citizenship.”
From the Chicago Sun-Times: Reaction to Trump ending DACA for Dreamers:
J. B. Pritzker: “Donald Trump ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program today is a disgrace to everything that we stand for – both as a state and as a nation.
“He broke a promise he made to young immigrants across the nation — that they “shouldn’t be very worried” and that he would “take care of everybody”.
“Right now, the futures of nearly 800,000 young people have been put in jeopardy by Trump’s unnecessary assault on DACA. These young people trusted this government. Came out-of-the-shadows. Submitted paperwork and underwent an extensive vetting process. In exchange, they were granted temporary relief from deportation and a work permit. Now they’re in school, working better jobs, earning higher wages, and contributing to their local economies.
“DACA recipients in Illinois contribute greatly to their communities. Illinois has the fourth-largest population of DACA recipients in the country and the highest share in the Midwest, with more than 42,000 people. In total, Trump’s actions will rob Illinois of nearly $2.3 billion in GDP each year.
“That’s why the time for action is now. Share this to resist Trump’s anti-immigration policies and stand with DREAMers across the nation.
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Chicago, IL – In 2009, JB stood with Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel and opened the doors to a museum that honors the memory of those killed in the Holocaust and turns powerful lessons of history into positive actions today. It was the culmination of years of work by JB and survivors to make the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center a reality.
Thanks to that hard work, now over 60,000 Illinois kids and teachers come to the museum each year to learn how to fight bigotry and hate. The founding principle of the museum is “Remember the Past, Transform the Future” – an important creed for Americans less than a month after white supremacists descended on Charlottesville.
But in a story out today, the Chicago Tribune tries to reduce the work of JB and Holocaust survivors to a groundless political attack. The story comes as the paper’s pick for governor, Bruce Rauner, has had a horrendous summer and continues to implode. Just yesterday it was reported that Rauner’s former general counsel is the subject of a government ethics complaint.
“JB has nothing but pride for his work with survivors to build the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center,” said Pritzker campaign communications director Galia Slayen. “At a time when the phrase ‘Never Forget’ has never felt more relevant, it’s disappointing that the Tribune would try to reduce this museum to be a part of their political agenda.”
Here is more information on JB’s work to help build the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center:
1999: JB first became involved in efforts to build the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center when he was approached by two Holocaust survivors around 1999 who sought his help and laid out their vision for the institution.
December 2002: JB Pritzker’s foundation donated over $1.2 million to the Illinois Holocaust Museum’s construction and operating endowment.
IN THE YEARS LEADING UP TO THE GROUNDBREAKING, JB’S FOUNDATION DONATED HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS MORE TO SUPPORT THE MUSEUM’S EFFORTS
October 2003: The Pritzker Family Foundation donated $20,000 to the Illinois Holocaust Museum for their operating budget.
December 2003: The Pritzker Family Foundation donated $200,000 to the Illinois Holocaust Museum for their construction and operating endowment.
July 2004: The Pritzker Family Foundation donated $25,000 to the Illinois Holocaust Museum for their operating budget.
October 2004: The Pritzker Family Foundation donated $20,000 to the Illinois Holocaust Museum for its annual dinner.
December 2004: The Pritzker Family Foundation donated $200,000 to the Illinois Holocaust Museum for its operations & endowment budget.
January 2005: The Pritzker Family Foundation donated $35,000 to the Illinois Holocaust Museum for their operating budget.
November 2005: The Pritzker Family Foundation donated $60,000 to the Illinois Holocaust Museum for its annual dinner.
November 2005: The Pritzker Family Foundation donated $50,000 to the Illinois Holocaust Museum for its annual dinner.
December 2005: The Pritzker Family Foundation donated $200,000 to the Illinois Holocaust Museum for its operations & endowment budget.
JB WAS PRESENT AT THE GROUNDBREAKING FOR THE MUSEUM IN 2006 & HELPED RAISE MILLIONS NEEDED TO START CONSTRUCTION
June 2006: JB Pritzker was present at the groundbreaking for the Illinois Holocaust Museum.
2006: As Campaign Chair for the new museum, JB Pritzker announced they had raised nearly half of their $35 million campaign goal, which included both building the Holocaust Museum Center and endowment opportunities.
AFTER THE GROUNDBREAKING, JB PRITZKER CONTINUED TO FUNDRAISE FOR THE HOLOCAUST MUSEUM, INCLUDING HEADING UP THE MUSEUM’S ANNUAL FUNDRAISING DINNER
2006-2009: JB Pritzker’s foundation also donated an additional $2.4 million to the Illinois Holocaust Museum for the annual dinner, construction endowment & more.
2009: It was reported that “as campaign chair for IHMEC, has helped raise nearly $40 million of the $45 million needed for the new museum” … “He brought the group from having essentially nothing in the bank to where it is today, several tens of millions of dollars later.”
The Illinois Holocaust Museum Opened In April 2009.
AFTER THE HOLOCAUST MUSEUM OPENED, JB PRITZKER SPENT MILLIONS MORE ON FUNDRAISING EVENTS & LECTURE SERIES TO HELP IT SUCCEED
2009-2015: JB Pritzker’s foundation donated over $2.6 million to the Illinois Holocaust Museum for the opening ceremony, the annual dinner, the Chicago Poker Challenge fundraiser and for the Voices of Conscience lecture series.
March 2016: JB’s foundation donated another $5 million to support an innovative way to tell survivors’ stories.
2017: In total, JB’s foundation has contributed over $12 million to the Illinois Holocaust Museum.
THE HOLOCAUST MUSEUM JB PRITZKER HELPED BUILD IS AN AWARD-WINNING, INNOVATIVE MUSEUM THAT EDUCATES AROUND 50,000 SCHOOLCHILDREN EACH YEAR
HEADLINE: “Illinois Holocaust Museum Wins National Award” [Chicago Tribune, 5/26/17]
The Illinois Holocaust Museum Was Awarded The National Medal For Museum And Library Service, The Nation’s Highest Honor For Museums And Libraries. “The Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Skokie has been named one of 10 recipients of the 2017 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, according to the organization that distributes the award. The award was announced May 15, in a joint news release between the museum and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The accolade is regarded as ‘the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries for service to the community,’ according to the release.” [Chicago Tribune, 5/26/17]
The Illinois Holocaust Museum Had 104,000 Visitors In 2016, Approximately Half Of Those Were Field Trips From Schools. “From 2013 to 2016, the Illinois Holocaust Museum had 392,000 visitors, compared with 336,000 from 2009 to 2012. Attendance in 2016 was 104,000, a 6 percent increase over 2015. Field trips from schools account for about half the visitors; Illinois law mandates Holocaust education for public elementary and high school students.” [Crain’s Chicago Business, 1/21/17]
Since It Opened In 2009, More Than 2,000 CPD Recruits Have Attended An Ethics Training At The Illinois Holocaust Museum. “It’s a frigid afternoon in the middle of December, and more than 100 Chicago police cadets are exploring the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Skokie… Since 2009, more than 2,000 aspiring Chicago police officers have attended this police ethics training program, the Law Enforcement and Democracy Initiative. The eight-hour course focuses on how German police participated in the dehumanization, systematic oppression, and mass murder of Jewish people, which instructors and police officials say holds powerful lessons that recruits can use on the streets in Chicago.” [Chicago Magazine, 1/31/17]
HEADLINE: “Holocaust Horrors Help Teach Ethics To CPD Recruits” [Beth Steinberg, Chicago Sun-Times, 12/18/16]
THE ILLINOIS HOLOCAUST MUSEUM HAS BEEN PRAISED BY BOTH DEMOCRATS & REPUBLICANS
Daniel Biss On The Illinois Holocaust Museum: “To See What This Institution Has Become – For The Community, For The State, For The Educational Infrastructure For The State Is Really, Really Incredibly Meaningful To Me.” “State Sen. Daniel Biss (D-9) said that the museum, located in his district, has great personal meaning for him. His parents survived the Holocaust, he said, and his cousins — survivors and long-time Skokie residents — have volunteered at the Holocaust Museum ever since it was housed in a small storefront on Main Street. ‘To see what this institution has become — for the community, for the state, for the educational infrastructure for the state is really, really incredibly meaningful to me,’ he said.” [Skokie Review, 10/28/15]
State Rep. Laura Fine Called The Illinois Holocaust Museum “A Gem In My District.” “‘This is the gem in my district,’ echoed State Rep. Laura Fine (D-17). ‘It has so much meaning to everybody here and we need to make sure it has (that meaning) for everyone around the state.’ Fine relayed a recent experience visiting Auschwitz with her husband and seeing Israeli students draped in Israeli flags and singing. ‘This is a group of students saying this could never happen again and the only reason it can’t is because we can’t forget that it happened in the first place,’ she said.” [Skokie Review, 10/28/15]
House Republican Leader Durkin Praised The Illinois Holocaust Museum And Noted It Was Important To Teach Young People The Importance Of Standing Up To Prejudice. “Jim Durkin (R-82), the House Republican leader in Springfield, also made a case for the importance of the museum— not just to remember the past, he said, but to address the present and future as well. ‘After the Holocaust, the world has experienced repeated genocide since the end of World War II including the tragedies of Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia,’ he said. ‘The Holocaust illustrates the consequences of prejudice, racism and stereotypes.’ Recent events, he said, ‘show us how important it is…to teach young people the importance of standing up in the face of hatred, prejudice and speaking out.’” [Skokie Review, 10/28/15]
Laura Bush Said The Illinois Holocaust Museum “Has A Great Role To Play In Holocaust Education.” “The former first lady’s interest in the Holocaust. Her father’s infantry division liberated Nordhausen; he sent photos to her mother, writing ‘tear it up’ on the back of a photo showing rows upon rows of bodies. The Illinois museum ‘has a great role to play in Holocaust education,’ [Laura] Bush said.” [Crain’s Chicago Business, 3/9/17]
President Bill Clinton Attended The Opening Of The Illinois Holocaust Museum And Said It Was Important To Have A Holocaust Museum There Because It Was “In The Heartland Of The Country.” “The Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center opened its doors to a new chapter on Sunday, as an estimated 12,000 people attended the opening ceremony… ‘We don’t want the only people learning to be in Washington, New York and Los Angeles,’ former President Bill Clinton said to the crowds gathered under tents. ‘I think it is important that this place of remembrance and learning is here, not only because of what happened in Skokie three decades ago but because it is in the heartland of the country.’” [NBC Chicago,7/14/09]
Sen. Silverstein: “We’re So Proud To Have The World-Class Illinois Holocaust Museum In Skokie” [@SenSilverstein, Twitter, 5/16/17]
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Hampton, IL — On the final day of his 22-stop, statewide Think Big bus tour, JB Pritzker made stops in Rockford and Hampton celebrating Labor Day. On his final two stops, he discussed his statewide, grassroots campaign and his priorities for creating jobs throughout the state.
On the first stop of the day, JB marched in the Rockford Labor Day parade with local union members:
From WREX:
WREX: JB Pritzker marches in Rockford Labor Day Parade
Illinois gubernatorial candidate JB Pritzker marched in Rockford’s Labor Day parade today.
Pritzker is one of nearly a dozen democrats vying for the state’s top seat. He says many of the labor unions support him and that’s one reason he decided to come to Rockford’s parade.
“Well Rockford is a place of working families i mean this place was built on the hard work of not only labor unions but people who all across this region that have worked hard to build up Rockford. Now it’s time we had a governor that’s on their side.”
He then celebrated the end of the Think Big Bus Tour at the Rock Island Democrats Salute to Labor Picnic at the Illiniwek Campgrounds:
From WQAD:
Illiniwek Campgrounds was the last stop for gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker on his six-day tour through southern and central Illinois, which focused on ways to create job growth down state.
“We’ve got a 5 point jobs creation plan and we’ve talked about it across the state and listened. What we’ve heard is we really need to focus on infrastructure in this state,” says Pritzker.
From the Dispatch Argus:
Jim Bivens, of Milan, arrived early with his family to set up lawn chairs in front of the stage.
Proudly wearing a “JB for Governor” sticker, Mr. Bivens already has chosen Mr. Pritzker as his gubernatorial pick.
“I’m very interested in what he’s going to do if we could get him elected governor,” Mr. Bivens said. “What sticks out for me is he wants to feed the children in school. He wants to make sure all the kids have a good breakfast. It’s important to me that he’s taking care of everybody, not just the rich or the poor.”
Arriving with running mate Juliana Stratton in a sleek, slogan-wrapped touring bus, Mr. Pritzker ended his five-day statewide Think Big bus tour in Hampton.
“We need to put Springfield back on the side of working families in this state,” he said. “For too long, we’ve had a governor who has created crisis after crisis, which is affecting working families.”
Mr. Pritzker said Gov. Rauner wants to lower wages and get rid of labor unions — a message popular with many in the crowd who were proudly wearing union T-shirts.
“We need somebody who is going to stand up for our labor unions, for our workers, and for our working families,” Mr. Pritzker said. “We’re not attracting jobs to the state. We had a half percent of job growth last year. It’s not enough to create any new jobs for people.”
From the Quad City Times:
Quad-City Democrats got a chance to get a closeup look at most of their party’s gubernatorial hopefuls Monday, as four candidates for the nomination showed up for the 50th annual Salute to Labor picnic at Illiniwek Forest Preserve. […]
[Pritzker was] telling the crowd he had plans for improving education, job creation and health care, as well as helping agriculture and manufacturing. He also appealed to the party faithful by calling President Donald Trump “a racist and a xenophobe,” a claim he’s made before.
Chicago, IL – Today, at a press conference in front of the Thompson Center, JB Pritzker denounced Donald Trump’s decision to end DACA and Bruce Rauner’s failure to stand up for Illinois’ immigrant families. JB was introduced by DREAMer Jay Meza, and was joined by Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia, Pastor Emma Lozano, and Aldermen Gilbert Villegas, Milly Santiago, Danny Solis, Raymond Lopez, and George Cardenas.
“Earlier today, I sent a letter to Senator Schumer and Leader Pelosi, urging them to act,” said JB Pritzker. “I urged them to pass the bipartisan BRIDGE Act to protect DREAMers. I encouraged them to move forward with comprehensive immigration reform. And I said it is time to put undocumented immigrants, DREAMers, and their parents on a pathway to citizenship.
“I’m going to keep fighting. I won’t be silent like Bruce Rauner. I will stand with our DREAMers and fight for their right to every opportunity our country offers. I will keep holding Bruce Rauner accountable for failing to lead in Illinois. And I will stand with those resisting across our state and fight Donald Trump’s border wall. Our values are under threat. The lives of young people across our state and our country hang in the balance. It is time for all of us to come together and resist.”
PHOTOS FOR MEDIA USE ONLY
Chicago, IL — In the wake of Donald Trump’s unconscionable decision to end the DACA program and put 800,000 young immigrants in jeopardy, JB Pritzker released two radio ads slamming Trump’s decision and sent a letter to congressional leadership urging them to take action to protect DREAMers.
The radio ads will air in both English and Spanish. Listen to the radio ad here:
The following letter was sent to Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi. Read the full letter here:
“Donald Trump’s reckless decision to end DACA is an affront to American values and makes it clear that he lacks even an ounce of moral leadership,” said JB Pritzker. “We are a nation of immigrants, and I’m proud that Illinois is home to the fourth most DREAMers of any state in this country. It’s time Bruce Rauner came out of his cowardly silence and stood up to Donald Trump and for DREAMers.”
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Gurnee, IL — JB Pritzker and Juliana Stratton wrapped up day five of their six-day, statewide Think Big Bus tour today. As they travel the state on the bus tour over the Labor Day holiday, JB and Juliana are building support from every corner of Illinois.
Here’s what John Penn, Vice President of Midwest Laborers’ International Union, told Northern Public Radio:
“If our membership wants a 30 percent cut in wages, then vote for Rauner. If you want to keep your wages and increase your wages, vote for Pritzker — I think it’s a pretty good message,” he said. Penn was referring to J.B. Pritzker. The Democrat won the Midwest Laborers’ endorsement last week.
Here’s what Mike Carrigan, the president of the state AFL-CIO, said in a Herald & Review op-ed:
Next year is an election year, but we must start working now to make sure Rauner’s mess is cleaned up. In early June, the Illinois AFL-CIO Executive Board endorsed JB Pritzker for governor. Pritzker is a problem-solver and proven leader. He’s a doer not a talker. He has taken a leading role in technology innovation and advocacy for early childhood education. He and his well-qualified running mate, Juliana Stratton are traveling the state listening to everyday Illinoisans. That’s how you solve problems – by first listening and then figuring out a way to get it done. Pritzker gets it.
JB and Juliana made three stops throughout the day, including appearances in Warrenville, Robbins, and Gurnee. Along the way, they discussed their statewide, grassroots campaign and their priorities for creating jobs throughout the state.
JB and Juliana began the day greeting union workers in Warrenville at IBEW Local 701:
Later, they marched with supporters in the Robbins Labor Day Parade:
Read the parade coverage from the Daily Southtown HERE.
Then JB and Juliana made a campaign stop in Gurnee with State Senator Terry Link and the Lake County Federation of Teachers Local 504:
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Chicago, IL – JB Pritzker released the following statement to celebrate Labor Day, the strides the labor movement has made for the middle class, and to reaffirm his commitment to fighting for working families as governor.
“The labor movement has been at the forefront of protecting and expanding workers’ rights, and as governor, I’ll fight alongside Illinois’ hardworking men and women to protect those rights,” said JB Pritzker. “I’ve spent this Labor Day weekend touring the state to hear from union members and stand in solidarity as we celebrate the progress we’ve made and gear up for the fight ahead.
“Illinois needs a governor who will raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour, fight for the right to organize, and defend working families from right to work — not one who wages war on the labor movement and vetoes a raise for two million Illinoisans like Bruce Rauner. When I’m governor, the labor movement will always have a partner in Springfield who will make sure more workers can join unions so that we can raise the wage floor and boost purchasing power for working families. Together, with the support of the state AFL-CIO and 19 individual unions in this campaign, we will defeat Bruce Rauner and make sure working families always have a seat at the table.”
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Chicago, IL — JB Pritzker and Juliana Stratton continued their six-day, 22-stop Think Big bus tour with five stops throughout Chicago. Along the way, they discussed their statewide, grassroots campaign and promoted their priorities for creating jobs throughout the state.
The day began with JB and Juliana marching with supporters on the Southeast Side Labor Day parade:
From ABC 7 Chicago:
They then met with union members at the Friends of Labor festival in Steelworkers Park:
JB and Juliana opened a new JB for Governor office on the West Side of Chicago with local elected officials. They highlighted their statewide grassroots campaign and priorities for creating jobs.
From Village Free Press:
During the opening of a campaign office in the Chicago’s Austin community on Saturday, Illinois gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker — who’s widely considered to be the frontrunner in the Democratic primary race — explained what he said is the key to lower property taxes in Maywood.
“Low-income communities are burdened with the highest rates of property taxes in the state and that’s unfair, and it’s because the system overall is unfair. The biggest challenge is that the state of Illinois only puts up about a quarter of the money for school funding all across the state. A quarter of the money. So roughly three-quarters of that comes from local property taxes. A little, tiny bit comes from the federal government.
Pritzker also summarized numerous aspects of his campaign platform, detailing his plans for childhood education and healthcare, among other areas. Below are excerpts from his Saturday stump speech.
On the state’s budget crisis: There are people who have suffered because Bruce Rauner, for 736 days, wouldn’t pass a budget; wouldn’t even introduce a budget. You know what’s happened to social services in our state. Agencies have closed, mental health facilities have closed — the things that I’ve cared about my whole life are under siege.
On education: We need equity in education. That means starting with our youngest kids. Every single child should have access to universal preschool. We need quality childcare for every child. Eighty-five percent of brain development occurs before [children] show up at kindergarten. This state needs to help those kids and parents. […]
On small businesses: Two-thirds of all the jobs in this state get created by small businesses. We have to invest in small businesses in this state. We need the state to stand up with a small business loan fund and a micro fund.
Urban agriculture: I believe part of that will be legalizing marijuana and taxing it. What matters most is safety. It’s readily available but it’s not safe. We need to make it safe.
They then headed to the Taste of Polonia, a Polish heritage festival on the Northwest side of the city:
For the final stop of the day, JB spoke at the Chinese American Citizens Alliance Spirit of America Awards Gala:
