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* I thought the governor’s tone during a CNN interview yesterday was unfortunate, so I wrote about it…
Stick to indisputable facts, which are mostly on your side. Presenting cold hard facts is more than enough to make your case that the White House continues to fall far short.
He toned it way down during his afternoon press conference and stayed on an even keel during an appearance this morning on The Today Show…
Illinois now has more than 1,000 cases of the coronavirus, and this weekend, the state began enforcing a strict stay-at-home order. Watch @GovPritzker's full interview with @savannahguthrie about that, the federal government's response and more. pic.twitter.com/UwqsLQXnFc
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) March 23, 2020
Much, much better.
* Meanwhile…
Yesterday the Governor was asked about extending the state’s tax filing deadline. To help Illinois residents/employers struggling, and to protect the public’s health, we are encouraging the governor to extend the state deadline just as the Federal government did.
— Bill Brady (@SenBillBrady) March 23, 2020
The governor addressed this yesterday…
You know there are challenges for the state of just cash flow, right? I mean obviously we receive a lot of those revenues typically in April and they’re planned for spending related to those revenues that come in in April. So we’re trying to figure out whether there’s federal borrowing or federal help that will come down the pike that will help. I think there are a lot of states will have this kind of cash flow issue. If they extend their deadlines to July, I think is when the federal government did, but we are working on it. We think that’s an important thing for us to evaluate and then do something about
The bottom line is Illinois can’t just print money like the federal government. Without some help from the feds, delaying tax day or cutting sales taxes by 25 percent (as Rep. David McSweeney wants to do) would be fiscally dangerous.
By the way, my “favorite” reporter question yesterday was the one about how the state intends to spend money in the rainy day fund. I literally laughed out loud at that one.
* Related…
* Bernard Schoenburg: Some good reviews for difficult decisions
* Coronavirus vaults Pritzker into national spotlight, and Trump’s tweet proves it
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 9:49 am
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Rich, great column yesterday about wanting complaining Governors wanting PDJT to take the lead on this issue.
Comment by Ex. Prairie Stater Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 9:53 am
Good comments by you Rich. This is not a time to get in a fight with trump. Get what you can for Illinois now and fight later.
Comment by Woodstock willy Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 9:53 am
If anyone has done their state income taxes, they know that they just take the AGI number from the federal income tax form.
So, people kinda need to complete their federal income taxes first in order to effectively do their Illinois taxes.
The state tax form is only two pages. They are going to have major difficulty if they don’t delay.
Comment by Ok Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 9:59 am
JB criticism of Trump hasn’t been wrong, it’s just that folks don’t want to hear a lot of partisanship right now. Andrew Cuomo has done a better job of striking a balance.
Comment by TNR Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 10:00 am
Sad truth is that we have a president who may very well retaliate against JB Pritzker by withholding or delaying needed PPEs. JB has a national audience and is probably working the base for a future run for President. Rich, I’m Glad your keeping the Governor focused on the task at hand. Get what we need to save lives.
Comment by Blaine Jr. Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 10:03 am
*The* gubernatorial “base line”;
Gov. Cuomo is the gold standard to responding to this administration, to the victims, to his population, the New York residents.
Cuomo is that standard.
Tone, tenor, vigilance, honesty, faith, Cuomo has the temperature of the room perfectly.
All of that said, Gov. Pritzker continues to be the beacon Illinois needs. In total context, to necessity and leadership, it’s calming to the crisis.
As Pritzker said himself;
“I said that the other day, that this is a time for serious people, not the carnival barkers that are tweeting from the cheap seats. All I can say is, get to work, or get out of the way.”
This is exceptionally well done and consistent to the leadership Gov. Pritzker has shown.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 10:03 am
===… for a future run for President.===
Because he’s frustrated… that his state is not getting all it needs in support… this is the governor plotting… four plus years from now… a run for… president?
The governor and all these governors are frustrated times ten by a lacking of the feds. Politics is hard at times, but governing is difficult. This is a time that shines through.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 10:08 am
- Blaine Jr. - Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 10:03 am:
The CDC director and Surgeon General spent weeks kissing up to Trump and Trump still did nothing. The states are simply incapable of addressing this crisis on their own. Governor Pritzker should be saluted for calling out the lies and incompetence of the Trump administration’s response to COVID-19. You can’t save lives by praising lies.
Comment by Precinct Captain Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 10:19 am
I think he’s doing a great job and I’m very thankful he’s running the show. Can you imagine where we would be if this had happened a couple of years ago?
Comment by Rachel Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 10:19 am
I agree that Pritzker should tone down the anger, but he should not be wary of pointing out the shortcomings of the federal government’s actions. The President’s press conferences have been maddening displays of self aggrandizement, toadying, and presentation of platitudes and half truths that are meant to placate, not inform. Injecting some truth into that circus is needed.
Comment by Jibba Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 10:21 am
Pritzker’s tone has been terrible this entire time. Too busy trying to turn this into a presidential campaign opportunity rather than just leading. You ain’t Cuomo big guy.
Comment by ;) Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 10:21 am
Pritzker has ZERO reason to tone it down. Trump led govt is 100% incompetent and growing worse with directly exposing and killing Americans. If anything JB needs to say more about the incompetence of trump and his people
Comment by truthteller Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 10:22 am
Speaking of examples of common sense, the Tribbies opined this this morning..”Springfield lawmakers face numerous issues with deadlines approaching and the clock ticking. No one suggests they return to the Capitol until the pandemic has eased. And it’s possible that emergency health-related matters will have to be addressed. But other policy issues, too, demand attention. Relief for property taxpayers is one of them.”
Last week they were busy printing nonsense Blagoof and the dark money lobbo groups that fill the pages. Now they say don’t rush back. Smart thinking. Unlikely there is a bill that can low your property taxes this year.
Comment by Annonin Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 10:25 am
=== into a presidential campaign opportunity===
In 4 or 8 years… years….?
The criticism can be about antagonism, or to the calming of the people of Illinois, but failing to grasp that this is to a political play, frankly just looking at a calendar, is being done because looking for simple reasons criticism is happening “must be political”
Lives are at stake. Governors are not getting the support necessary. While tone and tenor are arguable, the rationale for those tones and tenor are not.
If you believe it’s a political ploy, then you think this global pandemic isn’t serious? I ask that, simply, when governors are fighting for their needs, it’s important that they find their messaging, and the Governor has, the discussion further is that delivery, not political futures.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 10:28 am
JB is absolutely right about the need to get a stimulus bill passed. But we don’t need someone like Steve Mnuchin getting a half-trillion dollar slush fund. I mean, just when you think an administration will never find anyone less trustworthy than Tim Geithner, the next administration immediately proves you wrong.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 10:29 am
During this current Coronavirus worldwide epidemic, beyond the many positive things he has done locally, the governor has also made some mistakes in the comms area (as has usually been the case with his mis-steps.) It’s fair to note that he’s increasingly been coming across as a whiner not a leader, especially in front of national audiences and in comparison to other governors each of whom is fighting the battle for resources. It is not a good look for JB or for Illinois. I hope he can sort this out and refocus his energies.
Comment by Responsa Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 10:31 am
Illinoisans have already died due to Trump’s malfeasance and incompetence. More are going to - including front line health care workers, cops, firefighters, EMTs.
Sorry, but within measure, JB has to show some anger and passion. His criticism was not even 1/100 of what Trump dishes out to people hourly.
JB’s taking action, Trump tweets and holds unhinged press conferences.
Today Trump’s talking about countering stay-at-home directives within a week. That’s 180 degrees opposed to “we are the food” for this virus point.
The reaction to Trump has been an under-reaction and it’s getting people killed.
Comment by Moe Berg Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 10:31 am
==Sad truth is that we have a president who may very well retaliate against JB Pritzker==
Like he has against Cuomo, Newsome and Washington State’s Gov? Oh wait, he hasn’t.
He’s never going to let a snarky national public tweet go unanswered. I wish he would.
Someone got a hold of JB and toned his a– down, which was good advice. While this President has been caustic, he’s proven he’s willing to set aside this stuff to get people the help they need.
Nobody should be criticizing anyone while this is going on. Not Trump, not JB, not Lori. They’re all working their butts off under very trying circumstances. There will be plenty of time to second guess all of them later on. For now, we’re in it together. Let’s just all work toward a good outcome and leave out the barbs.
Comment by A Guy Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 10:36 am
===Nobody should be criticizing anyone===
Last I checked this was still the United States.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 10:38 am
“It’s fair to note that he’s increasingly been coming across as a whiner not a leader”
Huh? The federal government is holding all the governors hostage. And they basically have to act like it’s fine. Give me a break.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 10:38 am
- A Guy -
Are you one of the folks who chooses the lies of this POTUS over the refuting done by Dr. Fauci, on the same platform, behind the same podium?
Good to know.
The criticism and critiques are those I’m choosing because i believe Dr. Fauci, the governors are asking for help and the White House is of the belief they’re at a “10 out of 10” when it comes to responding… welp, ask the governors. They’re happy when the White House is honest, not so happy when they defer their responsibilities.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 10:44 am
==Last I checked this was still the United States.==
Last I checked we were dealing with an unprecedented crisis, the likes of which no one has ever had to deal with at this level.
You think that’s productive convo, have at it. I don’t hold a grudge. We disagree. See; still the U.S. Jeesh man.
Comment by A Guy Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 10:46 am
=== the likes of which no one has ever had to deal with at this level.===
1918.
Cable news talking points don’t change the facts.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 10:47 am
OW.
Dr. Fauci and the scientists and great doctors have never had more influence. Make it your project today to prove me wrong.
I’m watching everything I can. I’m pretty sure my aptitude is close enough to yours to process information for myself.
Comment by A Guy Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 10:49 am
==1918.===
Yeah goofball. Population of the world and travel are identical. Go soak.
Comment by A Guy Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 10:50 am
Oh - A Guy -
Dr. Fauci, himself, the Washington Post…
“… “Things are being said that aren’t true and aren’t factual…I can’t jump in front of the microphone and push [Trump] down.”…”
===I’m watching everything I can. I’m pretty sure my aptitude is close enough to yours to process information for myself.===
Pick up the Washington Post… Keep up.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 10:52 am
=Nobody should be criticizing anyone while this is going on.=
This was a failure of epic proportions by the President. Beyond the innumerable mistakes that were made, he has also continued to lie and neglect his responsibility to provide leadership in a time of crisis. Any missteps or mistakes made by Pritzker pale in comparison. Arguing that “nobody should be criticized” is akin to saying “there are good people on both sides.” Pritzker has and will continue to make mistakes. All leaders do. Real leaders acknowledge those mistakes and learn from them.
Comment by Pundent Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 10:54 am
“…he’s proven he’s willing to set aside this stuff to get people the help they need.”
Citation needed.
Comment by Politix Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 10:55 am
Cuomo and JB both have national aspirations…never let a good crisis go to waste.
Comment by NorthsideNoMore Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 10:58 am
=== Population of the world and travel are identical. Go soak.===
What’s next, you gonna call it the “China” virus?
The connection to the way to stop this pandemic is seen by the mistakes of 1918, but you are too smart to see that, you seemingly are focused on travel bans.
We’re… we’re talking medical equipment and simple masks… we’re talking about testing and mobile hospitals.
You telling me to soak my head is like others saying a hair dryer of the nose makes sense.
Ya read the Post yet… or you still up to speed without it.
Governors like Governor Pritzker need things, specific things, actual items fir its fight. They’re saying they don’t have them. Governor Pritzker is wrong?
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 10:59 am
I don’t have a huge problem with JB’s tone. I think he’s been quite honest and I feel like he’s been showing true leadership.
Meanwhile, the DSA wing of the City Council is using language like they’re still activists. Someone please mute the Alderman of the 25th and 35th Wards.
Comment by Blue Beard Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 11:00 am
=== Citation needed.===
- A Guy - “knows”.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 11:01 am
==Citation needed.==
Listen to the Governors in the “hot spot” areas; NY, CA, WA. They’ve been citing it regularly.
OW, reading everything I can. Fauci has more influence than he ever has. Period. Hard Stop.
Are you going to be sad if this malaria drug works? It’s in your character.
Comment by A Guy Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 11:01 am
==Are you going to be sad if this malaria drug works? It’s in your character.==
Absolutely uncalled for and beneath you.
Comment by Demoralized Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 11:03 am
=== Fauci has more influence than he ever has. Period. Hard Stop.===
So the President refuses to hear him, and Fauci refutes him constantly and consistently, and you choose POTUS over Dr. Fauci… and you’re worried about me?
I knew you’re full on Trump, but this…
Do I need more quotes from the Washington Post to refute you…
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 11:04 am
“===Nobody should be criticizing anyone===” Sez the guy who literally would deflect absolutely any blame during the Rauner administration. At least you’re consistent.
Comment by Skeptic Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 11:05 am
=== Are you going to be sad if this malaria drug works? It’s in your character.===
This is the same type of thing… like POTUS hearing about Sen. Romney.
It’s disappointing to read that. Wow.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 11:05 am
==never let a good crisis go to waste==
So all of the Governor’s taking action right now all have Presidential aspirations and they are just using this crisis? Please. I think you need to grow up and get serious.
Comment by Demoralized Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 11:08 am
The partisan politics at play makes old Blue sicker to his stomach than usual. Trump, and now JB’s pettiness make noone feel better. Let’s look to the good things. Home depot diverting tens of thousands of masks. Distillers and prisoners making hand sanitizer. Walmart hiring 150,000 workers and handing out bonuses. The American biotechs working nonstop. And an appreciation to all the folks who have to work to keep us going
. That’s the American spirit.. not those seeking to place the blame game. I say it to Trump and I’ll say it JB. Get working on solutions.
Comment by Blue Dog Dem Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 11:11 am
+++- Demoralized - Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 11:03 am:
==Are you going to be sad if this malaria drug works? It’s in your character.==
Absolutely uncalled for and beneath you.+++
Fair enough Demo. And true. I’m praying hard for this solution and any other. Time to step out for a while. Apologize for such an inference. No excuse.
Comment by A Guy Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 11:14 am
President Trump started his debriefing yesterday with a confusing diatribe about a lady that was treated badly and rescued. Does anyone know what this was about?
Comment by befudled Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 11:19 am
I applaud Rich’s recent column: Governor Pritzker has to moderate his tone and skip the partisan hyperbole in his press conferences. Sometimes, his behavior does not inspire calm and confidence. In fact, it has fueled panic.
To the same degree, Mayor Lightfoot needs to tone it down as well.
Comment by Practical Politics Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 11:26 am
=Are you going to be sad if this malaria drug works?=
Maybe it will work. But Trump’s false statement that it is approved for COVID-19 treatment has already led to people overdosing on it. And price gouging.
Comment by JoanP Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 11:28 am
Rich. Comments by JoanP are part of the rumor mill we don’t need. My sons hospital is administering both hydrochloroquine and Remedisever in their clinical trials.
Comment by Blue Dog Dem Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 11:40 am
BDD, clinical trials. Not approved for treatment. Big difference.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 11:46 am
Ducky. The protocol for Remdesiver changed over night. The hydrochloroquine can be issued for compassionate care.
Comment by Blue Dog Dem Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 11:49 am
@Blue Dog Dem -
Not a rumor. Costs for the drug are up 400% in Nigeria, and folks there are overdosing. Just because it’s not happening in your backyard doesn’t mean it’s not happening.
And people there need it for its actual intended use - to treat malaria. If those who DON’T need it are buying it, those who DO need it won’t get it.
Comment by JoanP Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 11:54 am
“That’s the American spirit.. not those seeking to place the blame game. I say it to Trump and I’ll say it JB”
I would only add that getting behind our politicians requires that they level with us about our situation and their shortcomings, not just blow sunshine up our rear ends and pretend everything is perfect. That only engenders anger and distrust. Our President needs to get out of salesman mode, but I am not convinced he has another mode.
Comment by JIbba Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 12:02 pm
I believe Pritzker knows what he’s doing with Trump. You push him and he respects you.
Last week Cuomo wrote this tweet back to Trump: “I have to do more? No — YOU have to do something! You’re supposed to be the President.” during their Twitter spat. He then toned it down and thanked Trump a few days later.
JB seems to be mirroring that.
Comment by Proud Sucker Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 12:06 pm
Thank you Governor for your leadership. He makes excellent points about the insanity of states and the feds bidding for medical equipment during a literal pandemic. Our healthcare system is broken and it is being exposed right now in a major way.
Comment by CubsFan16 Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 12:10 pm
In this crisis, every time the president opens his mouth on this subject, confidence in him drops from his base - maybe a small portion each time, but over a lengthy period, it could be enough to lose in November. Democrats, strictly from a political stance, must encourage “Let Trump be Trump”. For Republicans, “Please Shut It, Mr. President”.
Comment by Sayitaintso Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 12:42 pm
I thank god that we have J B Pritzker as our governor this would have truly been a disaster 2 years ago
Comment by leonard Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 1:08 pm
=That’s the American spirit.. not those seeking to place the blame game. I say it to Trump and I’ll say it JB. Get working on solutions.=
So is your take that their responses and responsibilities are equal in all of this? I’m unfortunately with Proud Sucker on this. The only way to get Trump to respond is to publicly ridicule him on his favorite medium. The same can’t be said about Pritzker. Frankly I’m a bit tired for the apologists who say that we can’t call out a President who demeans the media, governors, and generally anyone who disagrees with him on a daily basis. We have to demand more of our leaders particularly in a time of crisis.
Comment by Pundent Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 1:23 pm
I applauded when Pritzker told Trump to “Get off twitter and do your job.” A certain level of anger and bluntness is appropriate. Pritzker’s anger is my anger.
Comment by RIJ Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 1:26 pm
IDOR will not issue a refund without verifying certain numbers on the Federal Tax Forms. Most notably AGI.
Comment by Lurker Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 1:53 pm
==IDOR will not issue a refund without verifying certain numbers on the Federal Tax Forms. Most notably AGI.==
I got mine and haven’t filed my federal return yet. So evidently that’s not true.
Comment by Demoralized Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 2:19 pm
JoanP. I doubt manyNigerians are tuning into Trump. It’s the medical community behind the scenes that are working with these drugs. Not rumor, but fact. Whether these drugs are the 100% treatment, we all know that won’t be the case. But if it helps one person, when no other treatment is available, shouldn’t we all hold out hope.
Comment by Blue Dog Dem Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 2:35 pm
I voted for Trump, generally support him, but I agree that he has completely botched this response. I support Gov. Pritzker’s actions but believe they should be stronger, and Rich you’re right on the money with this post as well as the one yesterday.
Comment by TheVerd Monday, Mar 23, 20 @ 3:36 pm