Chicago, IL — Yesterday, after Donald Trump and Senate Republicans again failed to pass Trumpcare, Mitch McConnell announced that the GOP would move to repeal Obamacare first and then come up with a plan to replace it within two years. In response, JB Pritzker released the following statement:

“If we’ve learned anything from the past few months, it’s that Donald Trump and Republicans don’t have the slightest clue how to make healthcare better in this country,” said JB Pritzker. “Proposing a repeal of Obamacare without any semblance of a plan to replace it is unconscionable. This will cost 32 million Americans their health insurance and lead to skyrocketing premiums across the board.

“It’s the height of irresponsible governing that has a direct impact on Illinois, but Bruce Rauner has been silent. Our cowardly governor won’t even say Donald Trump’s name, let alone take a principled stand for Illinois families against this devastating legislation. Our state should be a firewall against Donald Trump’s devastating agenda, but we are instead being led by a group of people as ruthless and incompetent as the Trump administration.”

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Chicago, IL — Today, Bruce Rauner announced plans to amendatory veto SB1 when it reaches his desk. In response, JB Pritzker issued the following statement:

“After holding this state hostage to force his special interest agenda on Illinois for the last two and a half years, Bruce Rauner has reached a new low as he tries to pit school-children and communities against each other to further divide this state,” said JB Pritzker. “Instead of press stunts and shortsighted attacks, Bruce Rauner should stop treating children and families like political pawns and sign SB1.

“Rauner agrees with 90 percent of the bill, but still refuses to do what’s right for our students. It’s another broken promise from a governor who talks about reform, but can’t deliver and has now surrounded himself with a team of radicals who will do further damage to this state. Students in Illinois deserve a quality education and Rauner won’t let that happen because it’s not politically expedient for him.”

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Pritzker Tours Social Service Agencies on “Damage is Done” Tour

Chicago, IL — This week, JB Pritzker launched a “Damage is Done” tour to highlight the ongoing damage of Bruce Rauner’s 736-day manufactured budget crisis. While a bipartisan group of legislators may have passed a budget over Rauner’s objections, communities across Illinois continue to be devastated by the two-plus years of failed leadership.

Yesterday, JB visited the Tazewell Community Area Project, an organization that provides essential services for at-risk children in the area.

From WHOI:

From WYZZ:

From WMBD:

From Peoria Public Radio

“Unlike the governor, Pritzker has a decades-long philanthropic resume that includes expanding early childhood education and growing the school breakfast program. ‘I think that having a leader in this state who demonstrates that they genuinely care about the wellbeing of people, whether they are middle class families, people striving to get to the middle class or people who have fallen into the safety net. That I think will restore faith in our state.’”

From the Peoria Journal-Star

“‘This election isn’t about money, it’s about values. It’s about what you stand for,’ the Chicagoan said, citing social justice, economic justice and preserving the safety net among those values he’d fight for. Ditto for economic improvements, promising to roll out a downstate revitalization plan during his campaign to create jobs and raise wages.”

‘There’s no competition for labor. So the result is that every community you go to that’s outside of a metropolitan area is dependent on a government institution for jobs, and we need more than that,’ Pritzker said. ‘We need to strengthen our government institutions, but we also need to create prosperity in the communities by helping people start businesses, build businesses, make sure capital is available for small businesses to grow, and to big businesses that have economic development projects across central and southern Illinois.’”

“‘Responding to audience questions, he painted the past two years in state government as a failure to work together collaboratively. This isn’t a one-party state. … If I get elected governor, I will work with Republicans and Democrats,’ he promised.”

From 1470 WMBD:
 
“JB Pritzker sounded off on the state. The democratic candidate for governor visited the Tazewell Community Area Project, blasting the state for not supporting the needy youth. ‘The caring and decent people who live here in Tazewell County are stepping up for the children of Tazewell County, but the state of Illinois is not,’ Pritzker said.”

On Wednesday, JB visited Lutheran Social Services, the largest social service agency in Illinois. They have been particularly devastated by Bruce Rauner’s budget crisis, forced to lay off 750 workers and shut down 30 programs last year.

Tuesday, JB discussed the devastation Rauner’s budget crisis has forced on underserved communities in Chicago when he visited the Hamdard Center for Health and Human Services. Hamdard provides essential healthcare services to women and their families, with a focus on serving South Asian and Middle Eastern communities.

Monday, JB launched the “Damage is Done” tour with a visit to Family Focus Lawndale. Family Focus provides essential services to Illinois children and families, and was on the verge of laying off 100 staff members due to Bruce Rauner’s budget crisis.

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Chicago, IL — United Steelworkers District 7 has endorsed JB Pritzker for Governor. The United Steelworkers are North America’s largest industrial union and a powerful voice for working families in Illinois. USW District 7 represents over 70,000 active and retired steelworkers.

“I’m honored to receive the endorsement of the United Steelworkers and the thousands of hardworking Illinoisans they represent,” said JB Pritzker. “When I’m governor, the labor movement will once again have a seat at the table as we work to protect collective bargaining rights, defend the right to organize, and ensure safe working conditions. With Bruce Rauner filling his administration with anti-union extremists and continuing his attacks on working families, this election could not be more consequential. I’m humbled to have the Steelworkers standing with me in the fight ahead and will always stand with the labor movement as governor.”

“The United Steelworkers District 7 is proud to endorse JB Pritzker for Governor,” said USW 7 District Director Michael Millsap. “JB believes in the rights of workers to organize and collectively bargain and will partner with the labor movement to prioritize manufacturing and fight unfair trade deals that hurt Illinois workers. JB is also the strongest candidate to take on and defeat Bruce Rauner in 2018. There is too much at stake for working families in Illinois to sit on the sidelines in this election. The United Steelworkers of District 7 will be working hard to elect JB Pritzker the next Governor of Illinois.”

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Chicago, IL — As schools across the state continue to struggle from Bruce Rauner’s 736-day budget crisis, another crisis may be around the corner. Illinois schools may not open in the fall if Rauner doesn’t sign SB 1. Previously, Rauner has promised to veto the bill, even though he supports 90% of the education funding legislation.

With an influx of new radical staff coming directly from the Illinois Policy Institute, it’s worth taking a look at where the right-wing propaganda machine stands on this bill.

A March 2017 post on their website declares, “evidence-based education funding doesn’t work.” After the bill passed, they posted another article urging Rauner to veto the bill and perpetuating the myth that it is a Chicago bailout.

Rauner and the new far-right members of his administration staunchly opposing SB 1 — legislation that will allow schools to open in the fall — leaves the state on the verge of a new crisis. So what is Rauner’s plan to avert a statewide school shutdown? The latest report from the Daily Herald suggests he has no idea.

“Students and teachers across the state are hanging in the balance while Bruce Rauner threatens to veto an education funding bill that he 90% agrees with,” said JB Pritzker. “With Rauner pulling in new hires from the radical right, it’s clear he has no interest in changing course and attempting compromise. Bruce Rauner and his team of extremists are gearing up for the next crisis and planning to hold Illinois students hostage until they get their way.”

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Chicago, IL — Today, JB Pritzker continued his “Damage is Done” tour with a visit to the Hamdard Center for Health and Human Services. JB highlighted Bruce Rauner’s 736-day manufactured budget crisis, the ways in which social service agencies and Illinois families continue to suffer, and the years of work ahead to clean up Rauner’s mess.

The Hamdard Center for Health and Human Services is a non-profit agency that provides critical support to victims of domestic violence and their families. They focus on underserved South Asian and Middle Eastern communities, providing comprehensive services to families.

“For 25 years, the committed staff at the Hamdard Center for Health and Human Services has worked tirelessly to provide critical services to Illinois families,” said JB Pritzker. “From women’s health care, to vital counseling to domestic violence victims, and substance abuse treatment programs, this organization does so much to support our community. But under Bruce Rauner’s failed leadership, they aren’t receiving much needed support and stability from their state government. Illinois families deserve a leader in Springfield who stands with organizations like the Hamdard Center and ensures our vulnerable communities have access to the services they need to thrive. Bruce Rauner has failed to be that leader for Illinois and it’s clear the damage is done.”

New Rauner Hire Perpetuates Extreme Ideology, Comes After Four Bipartisan Veto Overrides

Chicago, IL — Bruce Rauner isn’t shaking up Springfield, but he is shaking up his own administration following four bipartisan veto overrides and a complete failure to accomplish any of his legislative goals during his time in office. Rauner knows the damage is done. Someone had to pay the price for Rauner’s failed leadership, and once again, it wasn’t going to be Bruce Rauner himself.

Richard Goldberg was ousted from the Rauner administration and will be transitioning back to consulting. Rauner’s new chief of staff, Kristina Rasmussen, previously ran the Illinois Policy Institute and will be perpetuating the governor’s extreme ideology.

“The Illinois Policy Institute proposes fantasy budgets that seek to decimate Illinois working families, so this is a perfect choice for Bruce Rauner,” said Pritzker campaign manager Anne Caprara. “Last week, after 736 days of crisis, Bruce Rauner’s own party rebuked his special interest agenda. This week, Rauner is doubling down with a new chief of staff who has proposed dramatic cuts to education, raiding local government funds, and decimating unions. This is a failed governor entirely incapable of learning from his many mistakes, seeking compromise, and getting anything done. His new chief of staff will be a partner in his continued damage to Illinois.”

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Chicago, IL — Yesterday, JB Pritzker wrapped up his weeklong tour of central and southern Illinois. Along the way, JB toured social service agencies impacted by Rauner’s crisis, met with community leaders, and celebrated the Fourth of July weekend at parades in Evergreen Park and Champaign.

On Monday, JB kicked off his tour at the Evergreen Park Independence Day Parade:

The Fourth of July started off with breakfast, courtesy of the Rantoul Rotary Club:

And the day wrapped up at a cook out with the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois where he discussed his vision for Illinois.

From WCCU:

State’s Attorney Julia Rietz was in attendance, along with the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois. Pritzker talked about the state budget saying he would take the state in a different direction.

“Well, we’ve got to make sure we’ve got a progressive income tax in this state so that people could afford to pay a higher rate due,” Pritzker said. “And people in the middle class, striving to get to the middle class don’t get burdened by higher taxes.”

WATCH:

On the third day of his swing through the state, JB learned more about the Center for Youth and Family Solutions in Champaign:

He then met with Coles County Democrats over coffee:

From The Daily Eastern News:

Supporters of the Coles County Democrats packed Jackson Avenue Coffee Wednesday afternoon to hear from with the businessman and venture capitalist, who announced his bid for governor April 6.

Sitting shoulder to shoulder in the cramped venue, tucked in the back of the shop, people listened, cheered and applauded as Pritzker discussed his intentions why he wants the position.

“I think this is about bringing people together to solve problems,” he said. “I’m an independent thinker, an independent leader, so there’s nobody in Springfield to tell me what to believe or what I’m going to fight for.”

And spoke about why he was visiting Danville.

From VCF:

Illinois gubernatorial candidate J. B. Pritzker says he is enjoying traveling around the state and meeting with residents. During a stop in Danville Wednesday Pritzker said he is ‘’trying to understand what are the major concerns across the state – particularly here in Vermilion County. You know, I know that we need to create jobs. Jobs is an enormous challenge across the state. No jobs were created – .5-percent job growth last year in this state – so it’s the job of the next governor to focus on economic growth and jobs.’’

Pritzker stopped by the Vermilion County Democratic headquarters in DanvilleWednesday. As he met with local members and leaders of the party he talked about the issues…including the budget hassles in Springfield.  Pritzker favors having a progressive income tax.  ‘’I think the people who make more money should pay a higher rate than people who make less. So if you make $300,000 a year you should pay a higher rate than somebody making $30,000 a year.  And that’s a problem in Illinois that’s been persistent,’’ added Pritzker.

And the Danville Commercial News:

Introducing himself, Pritzker spoke about his family, his businesses, his past involvement with the Illinois Human Rights Commission and his thoughts on the Illinois legislature’s recent actions on getting a state budget approved. Questions asked by those in attendance included topics such as the current opioid epidemic, local job losses and job training programs, state income and property tax reform and whether Illinois should legalize recreational cannabis use.

To wrap up the trip, JB toured Senior Services of Effingham County:

And rallied supporters in Olney, Mt. Vernon, and Marion:

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How Bruce Rauner’s Manufactured 736-Day Crisis Unleashed Long Term Damage on Illinois

Chicago, IL — Today, after 736 days, a bipartisan compromise budget passed into law. With the state on the cusp of junk status, Rauner continued to cling to his crisis with a desperate and reckless veto. But Republican and Democratic members of the General Assembly overrode the failed governor. Illinois now has a budget, but the damage is done and Bruce Rauner’s manufactured crisis will have long term ramifications for Illinois families.

In response to the override vote, JB Pritzker released the following statement:  

“Bruce Rauner manufactured a 736-day crisis to force his special interest agenda on our state. Today, Democratic and Republican members of the state legislature came together to say enough is enough, but Bruce Rauner’s damage is already done,” said JB Pritzker. “Rauner led the state to $14.7 billion in unpaid bills, interest on state debt continues to skyrocket, and local governments across the state have been forced to raise taxes to compensate for a lack of state funds. Social services agencies closed, impacting countless families across Illinois, students fled to go to college in other states, and we lost opportunities for job creation. The suffering of Illinois families can’t just be erased. It will take years to clean up the mess of this failed governor’s creating and it’s clear that getting our state back on track can only happen with a new governor next November.”

Let’s take a look at Bruce Rauner’s damage to Illinois:

• $14.7 billion dollars in unpaid bills piled up without a spending plan in place.
• $2 billion dollars is owed to Medicaid doctors and hospitals.
• 130,000 students’ MAP grants were jeopardized.
• 37,508 residents fled the state amid historic fiscal uncertainly.
• 20,000 workers’ paychecks were put in limbo after IDOT halted road construction.
• 22 local health departments were forced to reduce services.
• 5 state universities were downgraded to junk bond status.
• Countless social service agencies have drastically cut programs or closed altogether.

While passing a state budget marks an important first step in bringing our state back to fiscal sanity, Bruce Rauner’s damage is done. The wreckage from this over 700-day crisis will take years to address. This is what it looks like when a governor fails and it’s time Bruce Rauner was held accountable for the damage he’s inflicted on the people of Illinois.

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Governor Trump Ramps Up Hypocrisy, Attacks, and Violent Rhetoric

Chicago, IL — The Trump administration has been marked by bald-faced lies, attacks on the press, inciting violence, and unrepentant hypocrisy. Bruce Rauner has not only failed to condemn this destruction of our norms and civility, he’s now adopted many of the same techniques as Donald Trump.

A particularly egregious example came in Rauner’s press conference yesterday. While Rauner used to campaign on the importance of the state having a good credit rating, now, as he finishes his push towards Illinois receiving junk status, he has completely changed his tune. Rauner’s attacks on members of his party for holding him accountable, and violent rhetoric, comparing the bipartisan budget he vetoed to a “two-by-four smacked across the forehead” are simply unacceptable. With Rauner on the precipice of watching his special interest agenda fall apart, the failed governor is getting desperate – Trump style.

“With no real accomplishments and a record of creating devastation, Bruce Rauner is desperately resorting to the Donald Trump playbook of preying on people’s fear and anger,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “This is the lowest form of politics and entirely unbecoming of our state’s highest office. It is evidence of a governor who has failed on every level. Bruce Rauner can continue hiding behind Trumpist tactics of inciting violence and gas-lighting the public, but it won’t change the fact that he has unleashed long term damage on Illinois.”

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Chicago, IL — JB Pritzker released the following statement following the passage of a bipartisan state budget by the Illinois General Assembly:

“For nearly three years, Bruce Rauner has driven our state into crisis and inflicted pain on tens of thousands of Illinoisans,” said JB Pritzker. “Now, as Republicans and Democrats come together to declare enough is enough and finally pass a budget, for Bruce Rauner, not even the threat of a complete meltdown can get him to do his job.

“Bruce Rauner has no intention of letting this crisis end. As he has for 734 days, Rauner will continue using school children, college students, seniors and people with disabilities as pawns in his game to drive this state to bankruptcy and junk status. Rauner is a one track mind with a single goal of ramming through a special interest agenda that leaves most Illinoisans behind.

“Democrats and Republicans in the General Assembly did their job. And while the damage caused by Bruce Rauner can never be undone, for the sake of our children and families, I hope Governor Rauner will step up and sign the bipartisan budget plan that’s being delivered to his desk.”

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Chicago, IL — Today, a U.S. judge ordered Illinois to pay Medicaid providers an additional $586 million a month to ensure health care continues for millions of Illinoisans. In response, JB Pritzker released the following statement:

“We are at the point where the courts are having to do Bruce Rauner’s job for him to ensure 3 million Illinoisans are still able to receive health care,” said JB Pritzker. “With over $14 billion in unpaid bills, Illinois is broke and essential services are at risk. Whether Illinois can continue to provide health care or educate our children is entirely unclear under Bruce Rauner’s failed leadership. This is unprecedented, the people Bruce Rauner is supposed to represent are suffering, and the damage this will do to our state will take years to remedy. Illinois must pass a budget and then come together to clean up Bruce Rauner’s mess.”

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Chicago, IL — Today, JB Pritzker hosted a grassroots phone bank at the campaign’s south side office to resist TrumpCare and call on Bruce Rauner to take action. JB and volunteers called Bruce Rauner and members of the Illinois Congressional delegation to encourage them to stand up for the millions of Illinoisans who could lose their health care if the bill passes. Volunteers also called Illinoisans across the state to mobilize them to reach out to Rauner and their representatives and voice opposition to TrumpCare.

“Today, I stood with passionate Illinoisans who are ready to resist TrumpCare and hold Bruce Rauner accountable,” said JB Pritzker. “This legislation could devastate millions of working families, women, and seniors and together, we are standing firm against the bill. But Bruce Rauner refuses to stand with Illinoisans. Rauner is silent as the health care of the people he is supposed to represent is under assault. The governor could be one of our strongest voices in this fight, but Rauner is failing to protect working families and stand up to Donald Trump. We will keep holding Rauner accountable until he takes action.”

PHOTOS FOR MEDIA USE ONLY

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Chicago, IL – Today, JB Pritzker released the following post on Medium to highlight the devastating impact TrumpCare would have on Illinois and Bruce Rauner’s inaction:

The basic right to quality and affordable health care is under assault by Donald Trump and Republicans in Washington. It started in the U.S. House with attempts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and now, the U.S. Senate is following suit with a bill that is just as mean-spirited.

Let’s be clear: this bill cannot become law. We must come together and fight against this attempt to dismantle the progress made by the ACA.

We know the numbers. Nearly 5.5 million Illinoisans with pre-existing conditions could lose access to life saving health care. 650,000 Illinoisans on Medicaid will be automatically stripped of their coverage by 2021. Premiums are expected to skyrocket. This bill could cost the state $40 billion dollars over the next 10 years. How does Bruce Rauner plan on having Illinois pay for that? Nationally, 22 million people will lose their health insurance.

But this isn’t just about numbers. This is about people’s lives. This is about parents unable to afford health care that could save their sick children. This is about families deciding between health insurance or putting food on the table. This is about low-income women with no health care provider to turn to once this bill guts Planned Parenthood. This is the worst possible statement about who we are and what we value.

While the future of health care in Illinois is debated in Washington, our state is missing what should be our most powerful voice. Governor Bruce Rauner isn’t offering any resistance to this bill and no path forward if it passes. He hasn’t reached out to Illinois lawmakers. He hasn’t commented on what will happen to Illinoisans on Medicaid. He hasn’t done much of anything.

This is made all the more troubling by the fact that the GOP plan gives more power to governors to shape health care. Rauner needs to tell Illinoisans what essential health benefits he intends to keep covering in Illinois. Does he think emergency services, maternity care, mental health and other services people rely on are essential?

Bruce Rauner’s silence is deafening.

There is no middle ground here for Bruce Rauner. Either he stands with Illinois families and defends their right to health care or he stands with Donald Trump and his effort to tear apart the progress we’ve made. This bill is too devastating, the stakes are too high, too much is at risk for Rauner’s inaction. Bruce Rauner needs to lead, and until he does we must fight to hold him accountable.

Make your voice heard. Call Bruce Rauner. Call your representatives in Washington. Fight with everything you have to stop this bill from becoming a law. Bruce Rauner won’t use his voice. Let’s stand together and use ours.

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Chicago, IL — Today, the JB for Governor campaign placed a full-page ad in The Chicago Defender highlighting Donald Trump and Bruce Rauner’s commitment to jeopardizing health care for millions of Illinoisans.

Following a delay in the TrumpCare vote, news broke that nine Republican Senators now oppose the bill. This is in addition to the three GOP governors that have already spoken out. The delayed vote gives Bruce Rauner even more time to do what’s right and act decisively to protect Illinoisans.

While it’s clear that Donald Trump and Senator McConnell remain committed to stripping 22 million Americans of their health insurance, now is Bruce Rauner’s chance to stand up and fight.

To keep the pressure on Rauner, voters will see this full-page ad with their daily news:

“Donald Trump and Republicans are trying to strip health care from 22 million people and Bruce Rauner is standing behind their morally bankrupt plan,” said Pritzker campaign communications director Galia Slayen. “With the bill’s delay, Rauner has no excuses. It is time for him to do what’s right and defend the millions of working Illinoisans whose health care is at risk. This state desperately needs a leader in Springfield and we will continue to hold Bruce Rauner accountable until he does his job and fights for Illinois families.”

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Chicago, IL — Today, the JB for Governor campaign launched a new statewide mailer highlighting Bruce Rauner’s abdication of responsibility when it comes to protecting Illinoisans’ health care.

While five GOP senators and three GOP governors are actively working to stop TrumpCare because of its devastating impact on their states, Bruce Rauner has stayed silent and hasn’t lifted a finger to shield Illinoisans from this assault on their wellbeing.

Devastating is a mild description of the far-reaching damage that TrumpCare would have on Illinois:

• 5.5 million Illinoisans would lose protections for pre-existing conditions
• Millions of Illinoisans’ heath insurance coverage would be jeopardized
• Over 600,000 working Illinoisans would lose their Medicaid 

But instead of doing his job and standing up for the people of Illinois, Bruce Rauner is standing by and doing nothing.

“Bruce Rauner should be fighting tooth and nail against this devastating bill — like five GOP senators and three GOP governors have been — but instead, he’s doing nothing,” said JB Pritzker. “TrumpCare is a disaster for our state. Millions of Illinoisans’ coverage could be jeopardized and over 600,000 working Illinoisans could lose their Medicaid. So I ask Bruce Rauner: What are you doing to stand up for the people of Illinois?”

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Chicago, IL — Today, the Congressional Budget Office announced that 22 million more Americans would be uninsured by the Senate health care bill. In response, JB Pritzker released the following statement:

“Donald Trump and Senate Republicans are attempting to jam through one of the most devastating pieces of legislation in recent memory,” said JB Pritzker. “This bill will strip 22 million Americans of their health coverage and reduce Medicaid funding by over $700 billion over 10 years, and raise premiums on our most vulnerable populations.

“This cruel legislation directly impacts Illinois families, but Bruce Rauner continues to stand by in silence, failing to articulate how he will protect Illinoisan’s health care. With bipartisan leaders across the country coming forward to criticize the bill, Rauner has no excuse for continuing to stand with Donald Trump instead of Illinois families. It is time for Rauner to come forward and take action and respond to this mean-spirited bill. Illinoisans are counting on him to find the courage to do what’s right.”

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Chicago, IL – Today, 726 days into Bruce Rauner’s manufactured crisis, the Pritzker campaign released new robo calls targeting state Senate districts across the state. The calls aim to expose what Bruce Rauner’s budget compromise actually is: a sham. It’s a plan written solely by Republicans behind closed doors and that’s not compromise. While lawmakers are in Springfield today, Bruce Rauner will be in Iowa, doing nothing to help end this crisis he created.

The robo calls are part of the multimedia Crisis Creatin’ Rauner campaign, holding Bruce Rauner accountable for this crisis of his own making and the families, schools, and social service agencies that continue to pay the price.

The statewide robo calls will target SD 23, SD 29, SD 30, SD 48, SD 56, SD 57, SD 25, SD 36, SD 50, SD 59.

Listen to the robo calls here.

“Bruce Rauner kicked off special session with a sham unity address that called on legislators to support a partisan budget written behind closed doors,” said Pritzker campaign communications director Galia Slayen. “While Bruce Rauner travels to other states and pretends to want compromise, Illinois families, schools, and social service agencies are suffering under his failed leadership. 726 days and counting without a state budget, and Bruce Rauner and Republicans are leading Illinois off of a fiscal cliff – it’s time they’re held accountable for their political games and disingenuous efforts to end the budget crisis. Bruce Rauner needs to focus on doing his job for Illinois families.”

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Bruce Rauner Has No Plan for Health Care Bill Jeopardizing Coverage For Millions of Illinoisans

Chicago, IL –  Today, the JB for Governor campaign launched new digital ads holding Bruce Rauner accountable for his failure to respond to the GOP health care bill. The ad campaign will run banner ads on local online publications throughout the state.

The bill introduced by Senate Republicans will be nothing short of devastating for Illinois families. It jeopardizes health care coverage for millions of Illinoisans, automatically terminates Medicaid coverage for 650,000 low-income Illinoisans by 2021, and could cost the state $40 billion over 10 years. Premiums could skyrocket across the board, with seniors bearing the brunt of the increased costs.

Despite the devastating impact this will have on our families, Bruce Rauner has yet to produce a plan to mitigate its impacts on the people he is supposed to represent. The new digital ads aim to hold Bruce Rauner accountable for failing to protect Illinoisans from this damaging legislation.

“This health care legislation will jeopardize coverage for millions of Illinoisans, financially devastate our families, and cost people their lives. There is no excuse for Bruce Rauner failing to produce a plan,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “This is a time for courage and leadership in Springfield to guide our state through the crisis this legislation will deliver to our doorstep. Instead Bruce Rauner is telling Illinoisans they will have to go it alone as Donald Trump’s agenda devastates our state. Rauner’s silence is cowardly and his failure to act will do long term damage to Illinois families.”

Chicago, IL — As we enter day 725 without a budget, the bill backlog tops $15 billion and the state is about to be downgraded to junk status, Bruce Rauner told the Chicago Sun-Times that he’s “energized” and is “happy” about his hard work leading our state to financial ruin. In response, JB Pritzker released the following statement:

“The fact that Bruce Rauner can talk about his own happiness as our economy spirals down the drain and Illinois stumbles towards junk status is appalling,” said JB Pritzker. “Rauner’s comments are an absurd insult to the millions of families struggling under his failed leadership. This is confirmation of what we’ve known all along: Bruce Rauner manufactured this crisis to force his agenda on our state and he does not care how many Illinoisans pay the price.”

The State Journal-Register sums up Bruce Rauner’s devastating comments:

State Journal-Register: Bernard Schoenburg: Rauner talks of being happy, energized during impasse

By Bernard Schoenburg

In the midst of a two-year budget impasse, Gov. Bruce Rauner has again said how happy he is every morning.

Republican Rauner told Chicago Sun-Times columnist Michael Sneed that when he’s out and about, and people who identify themselves as Democrats tell him to stay the course, “it’s really wonderful.”

“That energizes me, and I know it sounds strange, but my wife tells me she hasn’t seen me this happy in 20 years,” Rauner continued. “I feel totally honored and humbled to get the opportunity to improve the future of 13 million people.”

He went on to tell a story about learning the value of persistence by taking hours to catch a bullfrog at his grandfather’s farm in Wisconsin.

…

Kent Redfield, professor emeritus of political science at the University of Illinois Springfield, said it’s hard to be “pitching compromise and bipartisanship on the one hand,” which Rauner claimed to be doing when asking for unity in the special session, “and then doing attacks ads and mail pieces” at the same time.

Being in campaign mode, Redfield said, “makes the normal give-and-take of government very difficult. … If you want it all (governmentally) and you want to get maximum partisan advantage, that really almost precludes doing what you … want to accomplish.”

…

Meanwhile, one obvious source of Democratic messages — including anti-Rauner ads — is the campaign of J.B. Pritzker of Chicago, who is worth more than $3 billion and, like Rauner, is advertising early. He’s one of several candidates in the March Democratic primary for governor.

“What’s happening in Springfield is offensive to our values and to who we are as a state, and Bruce Rauner blames everyone but himself,” Pritzker says in one ad. The budget impasse, he adds, is “creating real damage to people,” with “thousands of women and children seeking refuge from violence … finding shelters either closed or with less availability than they once had. … Home care for seniors is in jeopardy. … And with Donald Tump in the White House, now, more than ever, we need leadership in our state that’s committed to fighting for the people of Illinois.”

Read the full story HERE.

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Chicago, IL – Today, Republicans in the U.S. Senate announced their new plan to dismantle the Affordable Care Act following weeks of closed door meetings, shutting out Democrats, the media, and the American people. In response, JB Pritzker released the following statement:

“The Senate GOP’s plan for health care will dismantle the basic right to quality and affordable health care in the United States,” said JB Pritzker. “This mean-spirited bill that Republicans leaders are attempting to jam through Congress is nothing short of an attack on low-income women and millions of families across the country. In Illinois, the impact will be particularly devastating, with hundreds of thousands potentially losing their Medicaid coverage and thousands of jobs at risk. But while Republicans in Congress prepare to unleash devastation on our state, Bruce Rauner remains silent. There is too much at stake for Bruce Rauner’s cowardice. I’m calling on Bruce Rauner to do his job and stand up and fight for the people of this state.”

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Chicago, IL – Yesterday, Illinoisans rallied in Chicago and Springfield to protest the GOP health care bill and demand Rauner take a stand. The failed governor remained silent.

Rauner’s failure to speak out stands in stark contrast to members of his own party who are putting partisan politics aside to take a principled stand:

• Republican Governors John Kasich, Charles Baker, and Brian Sandoval all blasted the health plan in a letter to Senate leaders.

• Republican Senator Marco Rubio warned against cooking something up behind closed doors and rushing it for a vote.

• Even Donald Trump called the House GOP health care plan “mean,” after hosting a celebratory press conference when the bill first passed.

Bruce Rauner, on the other hand, has gone out of his way to avoid taking any stand at all on the legislation. Last night, Rauner abruptly canceled a fundraiser with the Illinois GOP to dodge appearing with attendees who support the bill.

“Illinoisans across the state are demanding Bruce Rauner take a principled stand on legislation that will directly impact their lives, but Rauner is once again a no show,” said JB Pritzker. “The facts are clear, if the GOP health care bill passes Illinoisans will lose jobs, their premiums will go up, and seniors will be completely devastated. This bill is a direct attack on the people Bruce Rauner is supposed to represent. He does not get to remain silent.”

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Chicago, IL – In response to Bruce Rauner’s sham “unity” address scheduled for tomorrow evening, JB Pritzker released the following statement.

“720 days into a manufactured budget crisis of his own creating, Bruce Rauner either doesn’t have the slightest clue what unity is or just doesn’t care,” said JB Pritzker. “Unity is not introducing a ‘compromise’ budget produced in secret by Republicans and entirely lacking in any actual compromise. Unity is not Bruce Rauner planning to veto school funding reform legislation that he 90% agrees with. Unity and leadership are more than words. Bruce Rauner can’t just say the word ‘unity’ when his actions as governor have only served his own self-interest and devastated Illinois families along the way. Leadership is having the courage and ability to bring people together, compromise and negotiate, and get results. Rauner has proven time and again that he is not a leader and tomorrow’s speech will do nothing to change that.”

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Failed Governor Pulls Out of High Dollar GOP Fundraiser Following Backlash

Chicago, IL – Just hours before a GOP fundraiser, Bruce Rauner abruptly canceled his appearance. Rauner was billed as a “special guest” for the event and his attendance was announced weeks earlier.

Rauner’s team cited the special legislative session as the reason behind his withdrawal from the event, but the special legislative session was scheduled last week and conveniently doesn’t start until Wednesday.

It seems that Rauner was scared off by the backlash of a failed governor attending a high-dollar cocktail fundraiser 719 days into a budget crisis of his own making, and days before important health care votes in Congress. With the planned protest outside and the fact that Rauner refuses to take a stand on the GOP health care bill that many attendees support, it is not exactly a recipe for a great evening for Rauner.

“The Illinois GOP is getting a taste of what working families across the state have been dealing with for years. When it comes to following through on commitments, Bruce Rauner will be a no show every time,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “Bruce Rauner is in it for himself and when the going gets tough, Rauner gets going in the other direction. Throw in some cowardice, special interest politics, and failed leadership and you get a Rauner cocktail of destruction and devastation in Illinois.”

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Chicago, IL – Today, Congressman Luis Gutierrez (IL-4) endorsed JB Pritzker for governor at Lincoln United Methodist Church in Pilsen.

“For over 30 years, Congressman Gutierrez has been a fierce advocate and fighter for our immigrant communities and the most vulnerable in Illinois. I am honored to receive his endorsement and humbled to have him standing with me in this campaign,” said JB Pritzker. “As governor, I will work with Congressman Gutierrez to pass the TRUST act, ensure DREAMers can graduate and contribute to the economy, invest in quality education for all Illinoisans, and support small businesses and access to capital in the communities that need it most. Most importantly, I will partner with Congressman Gutierrez to stand up to Donald Trump and Bruce Rauner’s fear-mongering and attacks on Illinois families. Rauner refuses to stand up to Donald Trump’s hate and has decimated funding for immigrant services in Illinois. The nearly 1.8 million immigrants in Illinois deserve a governor who will fight for them and I look forward to standing with Congressman Gutierrez to be that governor.”

“I am proud to endorse JB Pritzker for governor because I know that he will bring people together and fight for what’s right in Illinois,” said Congressman Luis Gutierrez. “JB has spent his life lifting up our most vulnerable communities and fighting for Illinois families. But our current governor has failed our families and refuses to stand up to Donald Trump’s attacks. Unlike Rauner, I know that JB will be a partner and a friend to our immigrant communities in Illinois and he will never be afraid to stand up to Donald Trump. JB has the background and the values to take on Bruce Rauner and ensure that Illinois is a state that always welcomes and protects immigrants. JB will be a great governor for our state and I look forward to standing with him in the fight ahead.”

Rauner Plans To Veto Bill Even Though He Supports 90% Of It

Chicago, IL — Bruce Rauner is showing his true colors by planning to veto an education bill that he mostly supports. After talking up the issue for years and even convening his own task force, Rauner is cowardly abandoning the bill to make a political statement.

This is the epitome of failed leadership: getting 90% of the job done and still refusing to compromise. It’s clear that Bruce Rauner will never step up to the plate and lead our state. Real leadership is negotiating and compromising for the future of our state and our children — something Bruce Rauner refuses to do.

Rauner’s strategy is clear: it’s my way or the highway.

While Illinois has the least equitable school funding system in the country, Bruce Rauner is failing to solve the problem. And, under Rauner’s failed leadership, Illinois is breaking national records for not passing a budget for 713 days. Despite this fact and the incredible pain he is inflicting across the state, Rauner continues to put himself and his special interest allies above Illinois schoolchildren.

“While Bruce Rauner can try and bankrupt our state, he cannot bankrupt our people,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “Rauner almost reached a compromise, but instead of doing what’s right, he cowardly retreated the moment he didn’t get his way. That’s not how compromise works. No one should be in government unless they truly care about our state and our families. Unlike Rauner, JB invests in people and in our communities. It’s abundantly clear that Rauner will always put politics above the people of our state.”

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Thursday, June 8, 2017

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Wednesday, June 8, 2017

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Chicago, IL — Today, analysts with S&P Global Ratings indicated that without a budget, the Illinois bond rating will likely be downgraded to junk status in July. This follows news earlier today that BlackRock, the world’s largest money manager, would no longer purchase Illinois bonds.In response, JB Pritzker released the following statement:

“Bruce Rauner is stumbling from crisis to crisis as Illinois families pay the price for his failed leadership,” said JB Pritzker. “Rauner ran for office attacking the previous governor for downgrades and promising a turnaround. But all we’ve gotten under Rauner’s failed leadership is eight downgrades so far and ratings agencies essentially promising that there will be more. These agencies are confirming what so many Illinois families already know: Bruce Rauner’s manufactured budget crisis has wrecked our state’s economy. S&P, Moody’s, and Illinoisans across the state have had enough. We need a real leader in Springfield who can pass a budget and clean up Rauner’s fiscal mess.”

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Tuesday, June 6, 2017

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Chicago, IL — Today, the Illinois AFL-CIO endorsed JB Pritzker for governor. The Illinois AFL-CIO represents nearly 900,000 members across the state and is a powerful voice for Illinois working families.

“I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Illinois AFL-CIO and the working families they represent across our state,” said JB Pritzker. “As governor, the labor movement will always have a seat at the table and will be a partner in our work ahead. I will always stand up for collective bargaining rights and prevailing wage, protect retirement security and pensions, and ensure safe working conditions and pay equity for working families.

“We have our work cut out for us. Over 700 days into a historic budget crisis, Bruce Rauner continues to attack our working families instead of doing his job as governor. Our social services and public education system are on the brink of collapse, but Rauner is focused on dismantling collective bargaining rights, cutting pensions, and opposing prevailing wage. The AFL-CIO and the working families it represents deserve a real leader in Springfield who will always stand with them to get our state back on track. I look forward to being that governor for Illinois working families.”

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Sunday, June 4, 2017

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Chicago, IL – Today, JB Pritzker attended an Action for a Better Tomorrow Northbrook meet and greet and an Indivisible Northwestern Illinois meeting where he discussed his progressive values and the importance of resisting Bruce Rauner and Donald Trump’s hateful agenda. JB shared his vision for the state and rallied chapter members to work together to fight against Trump and Rauner.

“Grassroots organizations like Action for a Better Tomorrow and Indivisible Northwestern Illinois are leading the resistance against Donald Trump and Bruce Rauner and I am so proud to join them in that fight,” said JB Pritzker. “Together, we will work to lift up our most vulnerable communities, invest in the education of our students, fight to raise the minimum wage for working families, and make it clear that the Rauner-Trump hate agenda has no place in Illinois. As governor, I will ensure that passionate Illinoisans, like the families and individuals I met today, have a seat at the table as we work together to get our state back on track.”

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Monday, June 5, 2017

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Chicago, IL – Just days after Moody’s and S&P downgraded Illinois’ credit rating to a notch above junk, Comptroller Susana Mendoza says that the credit rating is so low, state rules would prevent the state from purchasing its own bonds. JB Pritzker released the following statement in response:

“Illinois now has the lowest credit rating in not only the history of our state, but the history of any state. Bruce Rauner’s failed leadership is stunning and it will take Illinois years to recover,” said JB Pritzker. “The bill backlog has more than tripled, billions in deficit spending is taking place, and borrowing gets more expensive with every downgrade. Illinois taxpayers are on the hook for Rauner’s incompetence and they can’t afford more of the same. It’s time to send a leader to Springfield who can clean up Rauner’s fiscal mess and get our state back on track.”

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Friday, June 2, 2017

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Chicago, IL – Today, JB Pritzker released the following statement condemning Donald Trump’s decision to leave the Paris Climate Agreement and urging Bruce Rauner to continue to uphold the provisions of the agreement in Illinois:

“Donald Trump’s announcement yesterday is an attack on our fundamental obligation to leave our children a better country and a better world than the one we inherited,” said JB Pritzker. “It is an affront to scientific consensus and an assault on basic reason. It is a tragedy, and the impacts of which we will feel and our children will feel for years to come. The path forward for Illinois is clear. We must stand with cities and states across the country who have come forward to say that they will continue to uphold the provisions of the Paris Climate Agreement and that’s exactly what I would do as governor.

“Bruce Rauner has proven himself unable to stand up to Donald Trump time and again, but for the safety and security of our children, I sincerely hope this time is different. Our state deserves a governor who believes in science and fights to protect our environment. I look forward to being that governor for Illinois families.”

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Friday, June 2, 2017

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Rauner’s Budget Crisis Fuels Treatment Program Cuts, Foster Care Delays, and Employee Turnover

Chicago, IL – Yesterday, JB Pritzker joined dedicated staff and leaders at Caritas Family Solutions in Belleville for a tour and roundtable discussion to highlight the direct impact of Bruce Rauner’s budget crisis on essential family services. Caritas Family Services provides a range of child welfare and family services to 4,400 families in Southern Illinois.

After over 700 days without a state budget, the high number of families needing services continues, but the capacity of social service agencies is diminishing. For Caritas Family Solutions, massive cuts to treatment services mean parents struggle to access programs that will help correct behaviors associated with abuse, trauma, drug abuse, or alcoholism. The lack of a budget is also fueling employee turnover, resulting in overworked and underpaid employees, and delays in the process for children leaving foster care and being reunited with their parents.

“Caritas Family Solutions provides essential services to our most vulnerable children and families. Their work is critical, but it is suffering at the expense of Bruce Rauner’s failed leadership,” said JB Pritzker. “Our social service agencies deserve a governor who can pass a budget and allow them to continue doing their work for Illinois families. I’m grateful to the hardworking staff at Caritas for all that they do and I am committed to working with them, and social service agencies across as the state, when I’m governor to help us get our state back on track.”

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Thursday, June 1, 2017

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Chicago, IL – Just a few hours after S&P Global Ratings downgraded Illinois bond status, Moody’s followed suit. S&P and Moody’s now both rate Illinois bonds just one level above junk bond status, the worst rating ever for a U.S. state. In response, JB Pritzker released the following statement:

“A day after Bruce Rauner once again failed to produce a budget, both S&P and Moody’s have now downgraded Illinois bonds,” said JB Pritzker. “Under Rauner’s failed leadership, Illinois’ general obligation debt is now a step away from junk, the lowest ever for a U.S state. What we’re seeing is a state economy in shambles as state debt skyrockets and Bruce Rauner stumbles past 700 days without a budget. This will have long term ramifications for the economy of our state and it will take years to clean up Rauner’s mess. We need a governor who understands how to get results in Springfield and it is clear to S&P, Moody’s, and Illinoisans across the state, that Bruce Rauner will never be up to the job.”

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Thursday, June 1, 2017

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Thursday, June 1, 2017

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New Ad Highlights Rauner’s Failure to Pass a Budget and JB’s Commitment to Fighting for What’s Right

Chicago, IL – Today, the JB Pritzker for Governor campaign released a new TV ad, “What’s Happening in Springfield.”  The ad will air in markets across the state.

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Wednesday, May 31, 2017

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Chicago, IL – Today, JB Pritzker released the following statement in response to Bruce Rauner failing to pass a budget during regular legislative session:

“For 700 days, Bruce Rauner has held Illinois hostage to force his radical and deeply misguided agenda on our state,” said JB Pritzker. “With the conclusion of regular legislative session today, it is all but certain Rauner’s manufactured crisis will continue for another year. Our economy, social service agencies, schools, and families continue to suffer untold damage at Rauner’s expense, as he works to shift blame at every turn. It is abundantly clear that Illinois will need new leadership to clean up Rauner’s mess. I stand ready to work with families across this state to bring people together, pass a budget, and get Illinois back on track.”

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Tuesday, May 30, 2017

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Chicago, IL – Today, JB Pritzker released the following statement in response to the Illinois House passing a $15 minimum wage bill:
“I’m thrilled to see the House pass a $15 minimum wage and will continue to stand with working families across our state to see this bill signed into law,” said JB Pritzker. “The fact is, working families and our most vulnerable communities continue to get left behind and raising the minimum wage to $15 moves our state in the right direction. This bill will help ensure that Illinois workers have the resources they need to support themselves and their families. While Bruce Rauner stands with special interests to oppose a minimum wage, I will always stand with Illinois’ working families in the fight to make this a reality for our state.”

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Tuesday, May 30, 2017

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JB Joins Community Leaders and Volunteers for HB 40 Phone Bank

Chicago, IL –  Today, 43^rd Ward Democratic Committeeman Lucy Moog, Alderman Michele Smith (43^rd), and Alivio Medical Center CEO Esther Corpuz endorsed JB Pritzker for Governor. Alderman Pat Dowell (3^rd) also joined the event to reinforce her support for JB. The four women leaders represent diverse communities throughout the city including Bronzeville, Lincoln Park, and Little Village.

The announcement took place at the Social Table, a woman-owned business in Lincoln Park, where community leaders and volunteers came together to phone bank in support of HB 40. JB joined the phone bank, urging Bruce Rauner to support this critical legislation that protects Illinois women and their right to choose.

“Today, I am proud to receive the endorsement of Committeeman Moog, Alderman Smith, and CEO Corpuz, because they know I will never break my promise to protect the rights of Illinois women,” said JB Pritkzer. “Together, we will fight for our shared priorities, from defending a woman’s right to choose, to equal pay for equal work and paid family leave. Illinois deserves a leader we can trust to fight for women’s health every day and I am ready to champion that fight. With our shared passion and energy, I know that together we can resist Bruce Rauner’s hurtful agenda and fight for the passage of HB 40. This critical legislation protects the right to choose for all Illinois women and it is time for Rauner to stand with our families instead of special interests.”

“I am proud to endorse JB Pritzker for governor because we’re ready for a leader who stands with us in the fight to protect women’s health and basic rights,” said Committeeman Lucy Moog. “In Springfield, JB joined thousands of women for a historic march and spoke openly and candidly about how women’s rights and healthcare access should not be up for debate. Basic rights for women are being threatened across the country, and I trust that JB will always stand with us as the next governor of Illinois.”

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Friday, May 26, 2017

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Chicago, IL – Today, the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois announced their endorsement of JB Pritzker for Governor at a press conference in Peoria. The endorsement comes after careful consideration of every candidate in the race and their commitment to fighting for Illinois working families.

The Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois represents 15,000 fire fighters and 221 local chapters across the state. They are Illinois’ first responders, keeping our state safe from harm.

“I am so proud to receive the endorsement of the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois and their 15,000 hard working members across our state,” said JB Pritzker. “Our fire fighters put their lives on the line every day to keep our families and our state safe, but they have been let down by their governor. Bruce Rauner has failed to pass a budget for 695 days and his special interest agenda is a direct attack against working families. Our fire fighters deserve a governor who stands with them and I will always work to protect the right to organize, fight for safe working conditions, and ensure our children have access to high quality education. It is an honor to have our state’s heroes standing with me in this campaign and I will always stand with them as governor.”

“JB Pritzker has the competence and the compassion to be the governor Illinois working families need and we are so proud to endorse his campaign,” said Pat Devaney, President of the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois. “JB is committed to lifting up Illinois working families and making sure our economy works for everyone. He has a record of creating opportunity and fighting for quality education for all Illinoisans. This is a stark contrast to the willful neglect of Bruce Rauner, who has failed to pass a budget and shows contempt for Illinois working families. Illinois needs a governor who is ready to fix Rauner’s mess and we are proud to support JB Pritzker to lead our state.”

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Thursday, May 25, 2017

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Bowman Praises JB’s Work on Early Childhood Education, Says He Will Be Outstanding Leader For Illinois

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Wednesday, May 17, 2017

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Chicago, IL –  Today, JB Pritzker released the following statement calling for the U.S. Congress to begin impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump.

“Today, I am calling for the U.S. House of Representatives to begin the impeachment process based on credible reports that President Donald Trump has obstructed justice in the investigation of the Russian hacking of our democracy,” said JB Pritzker.  “I understand that calling for impeachment is not something done lightly, but it is an action that I believe is necessary to protect our country’s national security and preserve our democracy.

“With the revelation, backed up by his own Tweets, that President Donald Trump may have disclosed highly classified intelligence to our Russian adversaries and compromised our allies’ ability and desire to share the most sensitive intelligence on ISIS, I feel a grave sense of urgency to get to the bottom of this threat to our democratic process and national security. We do not have months or even weeks to wait for Republicans in the House to consider a discharge petition that names a special prosecutor and independent, bipartisan commission to investigate these allegations. We do not have weeks or months to wait for the U.S. Senate to consider the House process. We do not have weeks or months to wait for that commission and that prosecutor to hire staff to begin the process of determining whether or not the president interfered with, and possibly obstructed, an FBI investigation into his former National Security Advisor.

“The House, with unique constitutional authority and resources, must act in a bipartisan fashion with all care and speed to determine what is fact and what is not before President Trump makes another careless blunder or calculated leak of highly classified information that puts our intelligence personnel, our troops serving in harm’s way, and our citizens at home and abroad at risk. We simply do not have the luxury of time to wait for months or years to determine whether the current President of the United States has committed high crimes and misdemeanors, and if so whether the U.S. Senate should try the case against President Trump.

“Congress has the constitutional authority and a responsibility to serve as a check on our executive branch and they must act now. I call on Republicans and Democrats to come together in this time of crisis. It is time for all of us to put partisan politics aside and put the safety and security of this state and our country first. We must collectively act to preserve our Democracy and restore stability and respect for the rule of law to our Country’s highest office. The House must begin the impeachment process before Donald Trump puts us at risk again.”

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Wednesday, May 17, 2017

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Chicago, IL – Today, JB Pritzker released the following statement calling on Republicans in Congress and the Illinois delegation to hold Donald Trump accountable:

“Since taking office just a few short months ago, Donald Trump’s administration has been plagued by staggering incompetence on his best days and a flagrant disregard for our values, ethics, and the rule of law on his worst,” said JB Pritzker. “Trump is not only an embarrassment who is putting our national security at risk, but it’s clear that he is a morally bankrupt leader who seems determined to subvert all checks on his power. Trump has now fired the Acting Attorney General, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of NY, and the FBI Director. This purge of officials most directly responsible for oversight of the executive branch makes it even more critical for Republicans in Congress to take decisive action and finally hold Donald Trump accountable.

“Republicans must end their silence and demand an independent non-partisan investigation into President Trump. The American people deserve information on Trump’s ties to Russia. We need an explanation as to why Trump shared classified information with the Russian Ambassador and foreign minister. And we certainly deserve clarity as to whether Trump interfered with an FBI investigation into Michael Flynn. The fact is, Donald Trump has continuously lied to the American people and Congress must act to get us the answers we deserve.”

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Monday, May 15, 2017

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Ad Highlights JB’s Record of Bringing People Together to Grow Jobs in Illinois

Chicago, IL – Today, the JB Pritzker for Governor campaign released its second TV ad, “Incubate.”

“Incubate” highlights JB’s visionary work to grow Illinois into one of the top technology hubs in the world. Five years ago, JB brought tech leaders and entrepreneurs together to found 1871, a non-profit technology incubator. In the years since, Chicago transformed from a city falling behind in the tech economy, to a leading center for technology growth and innovation. Along the way, 1871 supported hundreds of startups and helped create over six thousand good paying jobs in Illinois.

“When Illinois was falling behind in the tech economy, I decided to think big, bring people together, and get results for our state,” said JB Pritzker. “I’m proud of our work building 1871, and helping turn Illinois into one of the top technology hubs in the world, a center for creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship. But there is more work to be done. Under Governor Rauner’s failed leadership, Illinois is losing jobs and wasting opportunities. We need a Governor with big ideas, who knows how to bring people together and get things done.”

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Saturday, May 13, 2017

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JB Tours Tech Incubator and Small Business Hub, Meets Tech Leaders, and Celebrates with 1871 Chicago

Chicago, IL – Yesterday, JB Pritzker concluded a two-day tech tour in Chicago and Southern Illinois. On Thursday, JB toured Blue 1647, a leading tech and innovation center and then hosted a roundtable discussion with tech leaders. On Friday, JB traveled to Southern Illinois-Carbondale to learn how their small business incubator supports local entrepreneurs and promotes economic development. JB ended the two-day tour at 1871’s Fifth Birthday Bash to celebrate the center’s efforts to build a vibrant tech economy for communities throughout the city.

“Illinois is home to some of the brightest minds in tech and entrepreneurship, and with the right platforms for their expertise and creativity to flourish, Illinois can lead the way in tech innovation,” said JB Pritzker. “Thanks to the work of 1871 and city tech leaders, Chicago has become one of the top cities for tech in the country. As Governor, I look forward to working with tech innovators to build on that success across our state. Together, we can create new, good paying jobs, promote innovation, and build tech and start up economies throughout Illinois.”

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Tuesday, May 9, 2017

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Monday, May 8, 2017

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Cahokia, IL — Today, JB Pritzker met with labor leaders and members from Local Laborers 100 in East St. Louis to share his priorities for working families in Illinois. JB then spoke at the SOAR Luncheon for retired steelworkers about job creation and fighting against Governor Rauner’s harmful legislation that has attacked working families and workers’ rights. JB also toured the Cahokia School District with Superintendent of District 187 Art Ryan and saw firsthand how a lack of state education funding has impacted the quality of education for Illinois students. JB ended the day by meeting with the St. Clair County Democrats to share his vision for improving the lives of people across the state.

PHOTOS FOR MEDIA USE ONLY

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Monday, May 8, 2017

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