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* WCIA TV…
This week marks 100 days since Democratic governor J.B. Pritzker swore the oath of office.
* The Question: Your rating of the governor’s first 100 days in office? Explain.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 12:46 pm
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My rating:
“Better.”
Explain?
There is, at least, a general feeling that things can be accomplished.
Comment by AlfondoGonz Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 12:48 pm
Incomplete. He has main agenda items upcoming in the GA session. I’ll reserve judgment until after the spring session ends.
Comment by Grandson of Man Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 12:50 pm
C-
Doesn’t show his work
Doesn’t participate well in groups
Runs when asked to walk
Comment by Honeybear Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 12:55 pm
Incomplete. Tell us how you’re going to pay the state’s bills JB. Campaign is over. The Incomplete will default to an F on May 31 unless you explain how the pensions that you say are a promise we need to keep are going to be better funded when you leave office than when you got there.
Comment by PublicServant Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 12:55 pm
C minus
There is a high level of ineptitude in this administration. Not firing people at first and then firing them in April. What a kangaroo court they have going on there. My guess is MJM has the biggest smile on his face right now, the disorganized de centralized approach has led to no major legislative wins for JB outside of the minimum wage. Which even that comes with limitations because it is a ramp up bill. There are a number of things that JB wants to accomplish and if his team doesn’t get it done by the end of May, I won’t ever expect anything from this Governor.
It sure is easy punching down on Trump and Rauner. Clicks ticking, time to prove your worth.
Comment by Iggy Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 1:00 pm
B+. Credit for sidelining Republicans and quickly pushing through a minimum wage hike and outlawing local right to work zones. But needs to mount a fast full-court press for the graduated income tax, cannabis legalization, and liberalizing state abortion laws in anticipation of the now-inevitable end of Roe. That includes bringing wayward Dem legislators into the fold ASAP. The clock and the calendar are not his friends here. But if he does those three things, his term will be off to an excellent start.
Comment by Anon Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 1:01 pm
B.
There is at least the image of attempt to negotiate, compromise and seek bilateral agreement. Not the scorched earth, My Way or the Highway, first 100 days of the last administration.
Comment by DE Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 1:04 pm
B+ finally it appears like grown-ups are back in charge. It will take time to work things out, but it looks like there is a will to actually want to work things out
Comment by Chunga Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 1:05 pm
B-. Disappointed that cannabis legalization has not passed yet and it appears it will go down to the end of the session. If it does pass with home grow, I will give him a B+ overall. If it does not pass, he will have a failing grade IMO.
Comment by Illinois Resident Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 1:05 pm
B-
His progressive tax proposal doesn’t bring in enough revenue, but have to admit it is shrewdly calculated to give Madigan enough political cover to pass it. The rates will rise in the long run, but that’s how the long game is played.
Other than that, pretty bad. This crisis needs straight talk and he doesn’t deliver it. And a state this fiscally shaky where spending cuts aren’t on the table, only tax hikes? When legions of other local government entity will be raising taxes and fees? Not only irresponsible, but may not be so shrewd - we’ll see how the voters react as those hikes keep coming at them. Plus he shows no interest in reform save some gerrymandering kabuki (oooh - he’s going to veto Madigan’s veto-proof map!)
Comment by lake county democrat Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 1:06 pm
Passing the minimum wage bump is a pretty good pelt on the wall for the first 100 days.
Besides the substance of the legislation, it should have disabused the true believers in the Cult of Madigan that he is not all-powerful.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 1:07 pm
I am much more Republican than Democrat. But you guys are tough graders. I get the incomplete because he has a lot more to do. I give him a B. Great change of attitude, hope for things to get done looks like he is trying and looks like he gives a darn. And best of all not wearing silly biker outfits
Comment by DuPage Saint Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 1:08 pm
B. He delivered on the minimum wage, but he has some problems with pension funding, marijuana legalization, and the progressive income tax. There is still lots of time to negotiate a solution to those issues though.
Comment by Three Dimensional Checkers Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 1:09 pm
=now-inevitable end of Roe. =
LOL. what hilarious propaganda. You must honestly not follow the supreme court at all. The court is more moderate than your fear mongering would indicate. I know I know you love your notorious RBG tee shirt, but here’s a relevant barometer.
https://www.politico.com/story/2018/12/10/supreme-court-planned-parenthood-defunding-case-845056
Comment by Iggy Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 1:11 pm
Incomplete. Too many departments have too many holes in the org charts because hiring is too slow.g
Comment by Huh? Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 1:14 pm
C-/D+ Passing the minimum wage was low hanging fruit, everybody knew that was going to happen.
What is his approval rating after 100 days?
Promising stuff virtually every week without a means to pay for it, vacillating on the tax structure, being an absolute cheerleader on weed when everybody know there is a down side that does not get mentioned and focusing on tax, tax, tax…..
Comment by Pick a Name Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 1:15 pm
B-. Positives of tone and agenda on paper negated by slowness of appointments and lots of work remaining to do, with GA appearing to be in the dark about specifics. Also concerned that the revenue doesn’t match the agenda.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 1:17 pm
C-
Losing traction, wheels starting to slip and spin without getting anywhere.
Comment by DuPage Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 1:17 pm
I say B. Passing min wage in the time frame was pretty impressive but his slowness in appointments is concerning. But a better measure will be after the adjournment and a budget is passed.
Comment by Been There Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 1:18 pm
Smashing through the minimum wage was indeed a nice get. We’ll see what happens with legal weed, the budget and sports gambling next month before a grade can be truly issued. Until then incomplete.
Comment by Glengarry Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 1:18 pm
A+ compared to the last guy. C- when looking at a more reasonable standard. We need someone who can make some hard choices, and it doesn’t look like JB is that guy.
Comment by Pelonski Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 1:23 pm
I would rate him a solid B. While I don’t like the pension gimmick I also understand that absent another immediate change to the flat tax rate we don’t have a lot of options.
Passing the minimum wage and outplaying (so far) the Republicans on the progressive tax are clear wins. But it only gets tougher from here.
Comment by Pundent Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 1:26 pm
B
Focusing too much on his partisan agenda and not enough on competent administration.
Comment by intern Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 1:30 pm
Tone, collaboration, honesty A+
Team, hires and appointments B- (a few all stars, a few duds, and too many holdovers)
Message A+ he is going big, trying to do all the big stuff he told us he was going to do
Comment by siriusly Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 1:31 pm
C- He and his administration seem to be paying attention only to legislation, and the heavy lifting there is about to start. Otherwise, the business of actually running state government is floundering. Too many empty positions in the agencies, directors aren’t setting policy or giving direction, and some agencies don’t even have a contact person in the governor’s office to at least give the governor a head’s up on what they’re doing.
Comment by Whatever Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 1:35 pm
I give him a solid B. He hasn’t done everything right, but who does when they start a new job. Passing the minimum wage was no small thing.
On a related note, I don’t get down grading him for not legalizing pot in his first 100 days. It is a huge complicated lift that is intertwined with a lot of other issues. I would actually be worried about the legislation if it passed that quickly.
Comment by Montrose Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 1:37 pm
B Pulling the grade up were passing the minimum wage increase, which was a monumental accomplishment, and strong efforts at relationship building with other key players. To his credit were his specific proposals on a state budget and revenue enhancements; to his detriment were some less-than-realistic assumptions and the number of moving parts that would have to come together to make the budget work. Lowering his grade was him being slow to get department level and lower positions appointed. State agencies have been suffering from weak leadership for some time and improving this doesn’t even need more resources.
That said, the next 100 days will count as 85% of his final grade.
Comment by Earnest Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 1:37 pm
B overall, but he receives a D on his pension grade.
Comment by Ole' Nelson Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 1:45 pm
Somewhere between N-needs improvement and P-progressing, he has done a few things, but he has a long way to go.
Comment by pool boy Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 1:45 pm
I dont think we can give a final grade until an evidence based study,commissioned by a bipartisan think tank, does a yearlong evaluation of the conclusive results of increasing min wage.
Comment by Blue Dog Dem Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 1:46 pm
A. The best 100 days a Governor has had in 5 years.
Comment by Minnie Pearl Jam Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 1:48 pm
B- on a newby curb. Generally good appointments, reaching out to GOP, aggressively pursuing tough agenda items. Marked down for salary supplement, pension can-kicking and sloppy follow through with key players on some issues like Mary Jane movement.
Comment by Norseman Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 1:51 pm
F
I’ve contacted the Governor’s office, IDPH and attorney general regarding past petitions for the medical cannabis program. No response whatsoever. I’ve called, emailed, written, gone to public meetings and…. Nothing.
New boss is same as old boss.
Comment by Romeo Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 1:51 pm
He’s showing up for class. He reports he’s studying. We’ll know when the tests start coming with a bit more frequency. He didn’t flunk out or get homesick, so he’s where most first semester students would be who are taking it seriously.
For me, it may be more about what he does “to” us, more than what he does “for” us, until we see a little bit more. I’m not harboring great expectations, but he’s still the governor of my state. That makes him my Governor. I’m hoping for the best.
Comment by A guy Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 1:52 pm
He’s managed to prevent the Eastern Bloc from seceding so far, despite increasing the incomes of thousands of working people trapped behind the Soy Curtain.
Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 1:56 pm
Current grade: Incomplete. Final grade will depend on the degree of success in enacting the main features of his legislative program. Thus far, a definite improvement over his predecessor.
Comment by Anon Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 1:56 pm
Almost a complete 180 from the previous four years, excellent. His goals and expectations have yet to come to fruition, n/a. High marks for union labor support.
Comment by Wensicia Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 1:57 pm
Too soon the issue a grade. I’m very disappointed and surprised about the weaselly pension funding can kicking however, and fear this is a harbinger of more disappointments to come.
Comment by Responsa Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 1:58 pm
“D”….While I agree with the minimum wage hike….I don’t find it particularly noteworthy nor courageous to demand money from people who didn’t vote for you. He failed the most important subject….pension fund funding. He is a fluff ball.
Comment by wondering Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 2:03 pm
I’d give him a ‘B’ - and would really like to know how the overall average compares to Gov. Rauner grade at same point in time -
Comment by doofusguy Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 2:03 pm
B- The change in culture alone is a huge positive. At least we are having some grown-up discussions about revenue, not everyone, but many.
Comment by JS Mill Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 2:06 pm
D-
Staff that doesn’t return phone calls.
Top positions still open or filled by Rauner appointee’s.
Pension skip/can-kicking.
Hyper-inflated inner-circle salary.
barely a D-.
Comment by Flat Bed Ford Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 2:09 pm
B+. B- on the merits, upgrade due to deflating the level of confrontation and tension.
Comment by Anyone Remember Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 2:13 pm
I’m going with incomplete. He made some very good appointments early on, but then slowed down on that. Got the minimum wage hike, but seems to be dragging his feet (without giving people clear signals) on other claimed legislative priorities. And the pension funding is a huge concern.
Comment by Leslie K Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 2:17 pm
B. He has addressed a lot of the low hanging fruit and I think he has been largely successful in rolling out the graduated income tax, but the road only gets harder from here.
Comment by Chicagonk Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 2:17 pm
B.
Things are actually getting done unlike in previous years but the lack of progress on legalized weed and sports betting is getting frustrating.
I like the proposed graduated tax, however. I had my doubts about him being able to come up with a plan that didn’t raise taxes on more than the top 3% of residents but he and his team did it.
Comment by Former State Worker Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 2:23 pm
“I dont think we can give a final grade until an evidence based study,commissioned by a bipartisan think tank, does a yearlong evaluation of the conclusive results of increasing min wage.”
A final grade isn’t what is being asked here. The question being asked is how he’s done in the first 100 days. The end result of the minimum wage hike is an entirely different discussion.
Comment by Former State Worker Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 2:28 pm
Thinking big and having a small ego is working forJB as he is avoiding the power hungry attitude along with hate mongering practiced by the past Governor Rauner.
Comment by DeseDemDose Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 2:33 pm
Whoops Grade B.
Comment by DeseDemDose Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 2:33 pm
C- barely and that includes bonus points for not being named “Bruce.”
Comment by Practical Politics Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 2:39 pm
Insufficient information on which to grade. Still lacking details and appointments not always qualified.
Comment by Nobody Sent Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 3:05 pm
B, but a lot of work needs to be done.
Comment by Shytown Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 3:19 pm
B - He was gotten some big bills passed and he has a budget.
Comment by Mama Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 3:21 pm
C-. Too mant ifs ands and buts need to happen in his budget. JB needs to figure out real economics, not smoke and mirrors.
Comment by Generic Drone Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 3:27 pm
Nobody Sent - aren’t you supposed to be in Italy or something?
Comment by K Street Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 3:33 pm
D. The planned shorting of the pensions was enough to lose faith in any good he might do. It’s easily the biggest issue because it squeezes everything else and needs to be handled head on.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 3:55 pm
To try to be as complete as possible, I give my rating with the following categories: Policy/Legislative Agenda, Government Management, Political Strategy, and Overall. Ratings are based on a 1 - 10 scale (never liked using grades as they tend to carry poor connotations).
Policy/legislative Agenda - 8
Governor Pritzker’s policy and legislative agenda is a bold one that Illinois needs. Legalizing marijuana, reforming the tax code, $15.00 minimum wage, prohibition of right to work zones, and gun reform are priorities that will drastically improve Illinois. He gets an 8 out of 10 because accomplishments are important and he’s yet to finish the job on the Fair Tax. If he gets that done, many of the other pieces will fall into place for his first term.
Government Management - 5
Governor Pritzker has succeeded in putting in place some very impressive top level talent for the State of Illinois. He has, however, some glaring holes (i.e. IDOC Director) still at the top. Where he has failed stupendously, however, is taking a hold of this government and ensuring it is filled out with people who will carry out his policies. While it is admirable to seek the most qualified individuals for jobs, double exempt positions really need to have high qualifications and political alliance. Otherwise, the jobs might as well be union positions because you have ceded your ability to realize the full potential of policymakers in agency. He must fully staff his agencies with both well qualified people and political allies.
Political Strategy - 6.5
Pritzker’s administration has a unique political advantage that Rauner did not enjoy; he shares the same political party as the super-majority of the legislature. He also comes in as the legislative leaders have taken a pounding over the last 4 years and hold little credibility with the people of Illinois. That means Pritzker has a real mandate to lead in Illinois government.
While his advantages are vast, his strategy is of very high risk. He has positioned himself as being reliant upon being successful on a singular issue: the Fair Tax. It is the solution to every problem the state faces. That mirrors the strategy of Rauner except his solution was destroying organized labor. Any political strategy, despite the initial positioning, that defines success on a singular issue is an unnecessary risk that no politician should rely upon. He needs to diversify his political playbook and allow for success to occur if Fair Tax doesn’t pull through.
Overall - Index - 6.5
Pritzker and his allies may not like this rating, but that’s because sycophants rarely accept feedback for improvement. The fact remains, Pritzker is a political and governmental novice. The 6.5 rating illustrates his strong legislative agenda, tremendous political advantages, and huge potential to be politically successful. Where he can improve, however, is in better managing his agencies and lowering his political risks. If he, and his allies, does those things, my rating for him will improve.
Comment by MG85 Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 4:03 pm
MIA. (Is that a rating?)
We have seen him at inauguration, budget address, the DH editorial board, the flooding, his tax increase address, and some bill signings that is only spending more money which IL doesn’t have. D+….and I can’t wait to see if he signs all the anti-business bills making their way through the chambers.
Comment by Taxedoutwest Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 4:12 pm
D- punting on pension payments as proposed for 7 years at the same time he pushes for a pretty hefty revenue raise in an of itself deserves a failing grade
Comment by Sue Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 4:41 pm
Barely D-, more of the same tax and spend won’t help illinois. Glad he is working on legalizing marijuana, but way too slow going on that.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 5:23 pm
F- already spending money he doesn’t have. If he manages to pass a tax hike the funds he is looking for are basically supposed to cover the current deficit and doesn’t address past due bills or the pension problem, where he wants to play kick the can. Typical Democrat and we can’t afford that anymore. Nothing to reduce spending.
Comment by Tim Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 5:36 pm
Raw Grade: B-
Curve: A+
While there is still room for improvement on many fronts, this governor shows great potential… and is the best student to take on this course in over 20+ years.
Comment by Foxtucky Dude Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 6:16 pm
A. Min wage increase and aiming toward progressive income tax.
Comment by Paulus Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 6:22 pm
My agency still has Rauner appointed managers who are still actively pushing an anti union agenda. So he needs to get on that.
Comment by The Dude Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 7:41 pm
On a curve, including his predecessors, he’s a strong A. Graded on his own, it’s a B-minus: I see a lot of potential here, and a good attitude, but he hasn’t done any extra credit or advanced-placement work, and he’s behind on his term papers of the Graduated income tax and the Cannabis legislation. I sense a lot of churn and activity in study hall, but can’t yet tell if it’s going to show in what he turns in. End of the semester isn’t that far off. With some tutoring and if he applies himself to the next few weeks, he can pull it up quite a bit.
Comment by Mrs. Krabopple Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 7:43 pm
F.
Talking terrible policy and having a hard time passing it.
Comment by Token Conservative Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 7:55 pm
I will give him a A if recreational marijuana is passed by the end of May. This will be more than Governor Rauner ever did in 4 years.
Comment by Mcview 420 Monday, Apr 22, 19 @ 8:22 pm
EXPELLED for cheating
The governor looked at the answers of the other Democrats. Their answer to every problem? Raise taxes. Don’t take on the public employees unions, raise taxes. Don’t fix the pension disaster, raise taxes. Don’t improve education, throw more money at the teachers unions, and raise taxes.
Comment by Central IL Tuesday, Apr 23, 19 @ 7:21 am
I’m moving from WA state, hurry up JB and legalize the cannabis, you are missing out on so much money this state needs. And why cant the people vote for legalization just like we did in WA and Colorado?
Comment by Mon2479 Tuesday, Apr 23, 19 @ 10:18 am