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Pritzker provides a look ahead

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Illinois

Look for fast action to raise the minimum wage, legalize the sale of marijuana for recreational use and boost child welfare and early school funding.

Passing a new state budget will be a slog, with a much-needed capital program wrapped into that process. […]

“We’re going to move quickly on a number of priorities,” he said, specifically noting child care assistance and a minimum wage, adding that the latter will be accompanied by steps to help entrepreneurs and startup firms access capital.

After what I hear has been quite a debate on how quickly to move on a capital bill—and a revenue source to pay for it—Pritzker signaled that it will be a few months before one comes, right around the time that lawmakers adopt a budget. The budget “leads to everything else,” he said.

Pritzker was far less committal when I asked him about passing a big gambling package, one that could include a casino for Chicago, a top priority of outgoing Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “I’m not sure that’s my right” to dictate, he said, but did add that he personally sees some potential in expanded online betting on sporting events.

Mary Ann Ahern also sat down with Pritzker and you can watch her three-part interview by clicking here.

* Tina Sfondeles…

After taking the oath of office Monday, incoming Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he’ll pose — as an “optimist” — that he’ll work to get rid of hyper-partisanship, balance a budget and give the middle class a break.

“Expect me to present a picture of where I believe Illinois needs to go, which is in a very different direction than it has been going over the last four years,” Pritzker told the Sun-Times on Sunday ahead of his inaugural speech Monday. […]

“You know the priorities that I ran on — making college affordable for families, bringing back vocational training, lifting up wages, retaining jobs and lowering the cost of health care and expanding it,” Pritzker said. “Those are all things that I’m working on — on day one. You can’t just sort of decide, well, we’ll wait two years. That doesn’t mean we’re going to get it all done in one year, and some of the groundwork needs to be laid for some of these things.”

Also on his hefty priority list: legalizing marijuana, raising the minimum wage and expanding MAP grants.

* Joe Bustos…

“There’s a lot of opportunity in . . . turning East St. Louis into a logistics and transportation hub, but we’ve got to make the right kind infrastructure investments to make that happen,” Pritzker said. […]

“I’m a guy who focuses on fairness and I also will say, downstate Illinois has often been left out or at least left behind,” Pritzker said. “I committed during the campaign I want to create jobs in downstate Illinois and I’m going to do that.” […]

Pritzker said he has no intention of interfering with hunting or shooting competitions.

“I think people should have the opportunity to do that with their kids if that’s something they like to or just with their friends,” Pritzker said. “I’m a fan of the Sparta complex as something that might bring business to the state or provide people competitions. “

* Derrick Blakley…

He backed a graduated income tax but stopped short of supporting a gas tax hike to fix roads and bridges.

“You’ve got to look for ways to pay for infrastructure, but it doesn’t have to be one particular source,” Pritzker said.

* Mike Riopell…

Now, [the sale of the Thompson Center], too, could end up on Pritzker’s desk. The governor-elect didn’t say whether he’d sign that bill, but he did indicate his support for selling the building.

“I think that the Thompson Center is something that we should be selling, but not just in theory,” he said.

He said Rauner didn’t work with Mayor Rahm Emanuel to cut a deal.

“There are things you have to work out with the city of Chicago,” Pritzker said. “The current governor, unwilling to work with the mayor of the city of Chicago to try and work those things out. I’m not unwilling, and I think we need to look hard at making sure that if we do it that we get the right terms so that we can go out … to the market and sell.”

* Emily Blume…

The minimum wage increase was vetoed by former Governor Rauner in late 2017 and Pritzker is hoping to get this passed and signed. While this is a priority for him, he’s also looking out for small businesses. Pritzker says, “It’s a $15 minimum wage hike and it would be phased in over time and we want to add to it some help for small businesses to make sure they aren’t badly affected by the raise we think everyone should get in the state.” That help will be providing tax creditors some other alleviation to ease the burden on them through the minimum wage hike. Pritzker says job creation is very important to him and he recognizes that small businesses play a big role in that.

* Brian Mackey…

Q: Does [the Illinois Board of Higher Education’s request for a 16 percent funding increase] sound like a reasonable request?

A: Right now I would say that we have a lot of fiscal challenges in our state. So, you know that I’m committed to lifting up our universities and making sure that we’ve got proper funding for them, but as to 16 percent I wouldn’t comment about the specific percentage. Just to say that I agree that our universities and colleges are underfunded. […]

Q: In the event of an economic downturn or a recession — and since your progressive income tax proposal is at best two years out — would you consider raising the flat tax to help shore up state finances?

A: No, I’m committed to getting a graduated income tax for the state through a constitutional amendment.

In the meantime, we’ve got to look at bringing efficiencies to state government. We’re in the midst of a what is now I think in year four of a massive computer infrastructure upgrade for the state that hasn’t yet gone into effect, that will help us bring efficiencies.

* Rachel Droze…

“We need to bring stability back to state government,” Pritzker said. “I’m going to be introducing a balanced budget. That’s something that will come in mid-February, late-February. Very important that the world sees Illinois as getting its act together and that’ll help us bring jobs to the state, that’ll help us keep jobs in the state and help families and businesses decide to stay. So that’s probably job one and the first thing that I want to do.”

* Craig Wall and Will Jones…

During his term, Gov. Bruce Rauner infamously declared that he was not in charge in Springfield, blasting his nemesis House Speaker Mike Madigan for strong-arming the political process as the longest serving state House Speaker in the country.

Asked whether he or Madigan will be in charge, Pritzker said: “Oh, I’ll be in charge as the governor of the state of Illinois, I’m going to work with the legislature, with the president of the Senate and the speaker of the House. I’m sure that there will be disagreements over time.”

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Jan 14, 19 @ 9:12 am

Comments

When was the last time you agreed with everything a Governor planned on accomplishing?

Comment by Merica Monday, Jan 14, 19 @ 9:22 am
== I’ll be in charge as the governor of the state of Illinois==

What a change from BVR

Comment by Precinct Captain Monday, Jan 14, 19 @ 9:24 am
===The budget “leads to everything else,” he said.===

Brucie, are you listening?

===Asked whether he or Madigan will be in charge, Pritzker said: “Oh, I’ll be in charge as the governor of the state of Illinois, I’m going to work with the legislature, with the president of the Senate and the speaker of the House. I’m sure that there will be disagreements over time.”===

Brucie? Are you listening?? Taking notes?

Comment by Nick Name Monday, Jan 14, 19 @ 9:25 am
I both like his agenda and think its realistic that it gets passed. At least most of it. I am very curious to see what gets put in the FY20 budget and how it gets paid for. Most of his revenue ideas do not come to fruition for about two years.

Comment by Montrose Monday, Jan 14, 19 @ 9:28 am
I’m hoping we’ll see swift and meaningful action on ethylene oxide emissions. The community needs to be involved in the decisions made. DuPage, Cook and Lake County residents are still dealing with companies like Sterigenics emitting the carcinogen into the air.

Comment by Margin of Era Monday, Jan 14, 19 @ 9:31 am
Like I have been for more than a year, I am optimistic and yet still waiting on details. I like all the new/expanded programs but give me the numbers, what’s the price tag and how are we going to pay for it (and all the old debt like the backlog or pension payments)?

Comment by Perrid Monday, Jan 14, 19 @ 9:36 am
Rhetoric, he is promising pie in the sky, he will be lucky to accomplish 20% of his list.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jan 14, 19 @ 9:36 am
has JB said if he will live in the Gov Mansion?

Comment by 10th Ward Monday, Jan 14, 19 @ 9:40 am
Just to sober everyone up a little, before any extra money is spent, on anything, Illinois has to find new revenue to balance the budget with current spending.

I’m glad that JB is talking openly about this, as is the Civic Federation and other groups. We have a mountain of backlogged bills, an increasing pension payment, back pay and a new labor contract for state employees, and all of that spending is going to require significant new revenue (taxes) to come from somewhere.

Fiscally speaking, this is the worst job in America. Today is day one and it’s all uphill (fiscally speaking) from here. Good luck J.B., and to the new General Assembly. The Republicans are going to boo and complain every time a tax gets hiked, but they’ll have no problem spending the money. They never do.

Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Jan 14, 19 @ 9:41 am
I’d move fast on capital. Raise the motor fuel tax while gas prices are low.

Comment by Roman Monday, Jan 14, 19 @ 9:42 am
- find a way to eliminate 75% of the taxing districts/entities with in Illinois which has 10’s of thousands from townships to water conservation districts and everything in between. ALL ARE MINI KINGDOMS and need to be eliminated from an efficiency standpoint of crossover of services.

Comment by truthteller Monday, Jan 14, 19 @ 9:44 am
“Laying the foundations” is a key phrase for me. Some legislative initiatives can be done rather quickly, but the real, non-sexy part of the gig is building and maintaining the foundations of state government’s core responsibilities.

I particularly like the focus on vocational training. We’re in the midst of a revolution of what constitutes “work” and “a job” on this planet, and the pace of change is only going to accelerate.

The opportunities for lifelong learning so people can adjust to those changes and acquire new skills is something the state is uniquely positioned to provide in partnership with the private sector.

The foundation is there with community colleges and public universities. Maintaining and building on that is the job, not snake-oil lies about “hundreds of corporations” looking to relocate if union-busting legislation is passed.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Jan 14, 19 @ 9:44 am
===The foundation is there with community colleges and public universities.===

Agreed. Everyone needs some form of higher education but not everyone needs a college degree. Rich wrote about Pritzker’s desire to break down silos. The state has a Board of Higher Education and a separate board for Community Colleges. This is an area that is begging for coordination instead of on-going competition.

Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Jan 14, 19 @ 9:48 am
If a $15 minimum wage is such a great idea, why should be do a phase in ? Shouldn’t we reap the benefits of a $15 this year, instead of waiting?

Comment by Steve Monday, Jan 14, 19 @ 9:50 am
“A: No, I’m committed to getting a graduated income tax for the state through a constitutional amendment.”

Good for him, if he follows through. Illinois is not a Republican state, with lower wages, RTWFL and no Medicaid expansion. Though not apples for apples when compared with Illinois and each other, Minnesota and California are having great fiscal success in part because of a progressive income tax and raising taxes on the rich.

Comment by Grandson of Man Monday, Jan 14, 19 @ 9:50 am
Steve, don’t argue like a child. He’s admitted that it’s not a great thing all at once for small employers.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jan 14, 19 @ 10:01 am
=I particularly like the focus on vocational training. =

If one of our students (we are a high poverty district) becomes and electrician (or any other trade for that matter) it puts them in a position to be a business owner in the not to distant future if hey so choose. If not, they have a chance to be a relatively high wage earner as a skilled tradesman/woman.

That is real opportunity for economic freedom.

We are working closely with our community college in . a number of areas, but investment here by the state could change the lives of students in poverty and break the cycle in a way that will provide dividends fir decades.

Comment by JS Mill Monday, Jan 14, 19 @ 10:04 am
Truthteller- the elimination of some levels of local government will not reduce the tax levy. It will be transferred to another taxing body to fund the services provided by the eliminated taxing body.

Comment by Huh? Monday, Jan 14, 19 @ 10:30 am
The key(s) will be focusing on doing the doable immediately, and working the Caucuses, all four, to move agenda pieces in place for this session, and laying down markers beyond May (June, July, but most likely May).

The legislative agenda to policy, showing slam dunk successes will be a great start. Bipartisan slam dunks sweeten the wins too.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jan 14, 19 @ 10:31 am
JRTC sale should happen right away, but we also shouldn’t allow the local Alderman to control that process, and any consultants or PR firms associated with the project should be made public.

Comment by Not It Monday, Jan 14, 19 @ 10:33 am
I went to a Community College and I received a better education than I did at the University. I love JuCo’s. My kids started there, and I hope my grandchildren will too.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jan 14, 19 @ 10:40 am
It’s refreshing to finally have a governor that believes in helping average people with higher wages, believes in a progressive tax system so rich folks pay more taxes, and believes in commons sense cannabis laws which provides industry, jobs, tax revenue and most importantly freedom.

Comment by Illinois Resident Monday, Jan 14, 19 @ 10:50 am
So far I love the tone set by this administration. A far cry from the arrogance shown by our last two Governors. I sincerely hope we finally see some bipartisan cooperation that has been sorely missed.

Comment by Stones Monday, Jan 14, 19 @ 10:51 am
JB will soon realize that he is only in charge of Speaker Madigan agrees with him.

JB wants to raise taxes on successful small businesses and almost double the minimum wage and actually thinks that will lead to business expansion and more jobs.

Comment by Lucky Pierre Monday, Jan 14, 19 @ 10:55 am
Could lessen the blow of a statewide minimum wage by taking the California model, which has different wage increases in different areas of the State. For example, Chicago and surrounding suburbs can more easily absorb the wage increase, while rural areas might find it more difficult.

Comment by California Guy Monday, Jan 14, 19 @ 11:05 am
===California model, which has different wage increases in different areas===

I just looked that up and I don’t think what you’re saying is accurate.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jan 14, 19 @ 11:08 am
–JB will soon realize that he is only in charge of Speaker Madigan agrees with him.–

Attaboy, comrade. Never give up on a winnin’ message.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Jan 14, 19 @ 11:15 am
===JB wants to raise taxes on successful small businesses and almost double the minimum wage and actually thinks that will lead to business expansion and more jobs.===

… and yet, Pritzker won, by the embarrassing margin of 15 points, a margin not seen against an incumbent governor in a century.

When a sitting governor can’t get 2 in 5 voters to re-elect them, you may be wrong in assessing where voters got it wrong with the winner.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jan 14, 19 @ 11:19 am
JB taking over for rauner resembles rocky wirtz succeeding his dad bill wirtz. the latter was so bad at the job that the former can’t help but look good.
tough for governors to win Stanley Cups though.

Comment by lakefront literal Monday, Jan 14, 19 @ 11:22 am
LP

Always the victim. I was hoping you would get some new programming when Rauner lost but I was apparently wrong.

What exactly was unclear to you when the Governor got stomped in the election? Because apparently you didn’t get the message since your still regurgitating the same nonsense.

Comment by Demoralized Monday, Jan 14, 19 @ 11:37 am
Has anyone ever proposed a floating gas tax? Start with the 200-day moving average price for oil and the $0.19 gas tax. If today’s price of oil is below the 200-day moving average, then the gas tax increases. As oil (and gasoline) prices increase, the tax would go back down to the floor price ($0.19).

The upshot is that when oil gets cheaper, prices will still go down, but the tax rate will also increase to capture more revenue. When the price goes back up, the tax rate lowers automatically.

Comment by supplied_demand Monday, Jan 14, 19 @ 11:43 am
“Legalizing recreational marijuana to generate more tax money is just irresponsible,” said Moylan. “Marijuana isn’t this miracle product that will solve all of Illinois’ problems. It is a drug that has consequences.”

Moylan lookin’ for a contribution?…but sinkin’ his own ship instead?

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jan 14, 19 @ 2:05 pm
Any word on the EPA appointment for director from JB?

Comment by jUsTicE Tuesday, Jan 15, 19 @ 6:58 am