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* Since today is Inauguration Day, what would you like Gov. Pritzker to focus on during his second term? Please make sure to explain your answer. Thanks.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 9:16 am
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Distinctly economic issues. Illinois has a reputation for being pro-choice and anti-gun. That alone isn’t going to improve education, help businesses, and raise income. It’s great and it’s nice to have as political talking points or bragging rights with friends in red states, but there needs to be a higher priority on overall growth. Not everyone is in the EV industry. Pritzker has to focus more on growing Illinois — and talk about it.
Comment by Torco Sign Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 9:23 am
Would like to see him continue to focus on building the rainy day fund.
And, he has been good on human service issues, but the state’s DD, MH and Substance Abuse systems and DCFS need attention, and not just increased funding, they need serious attention in terms of structure and design. And DCFS needs a complete rebuild. So in other words, Human Services and DCFS need their “cap. plan”.
Comment by Give Me A Break Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 9:24 am
Reproductive rights are the issue of the moment. Illinois will need to find a way to protect patients from out of state looking to us for aid. We should do all we can to protect them if their own government refuses to help or even adds to their distress.
Similar legislation will be needed to help parents moving from anti-trans states. These are families who are being threatened with the loss of their children if they affirm their identity. Illinois can and should be an affirming sanctuary for these families.
And the issue for every governor and every cycle; schools and taxes. We need to shift the burden for education back away from local counties to the state, so that counties can bring down property taxes. It would both help reduce inequality in the school funding model and help keep people in the state.
Comment by Shibboleth Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 9:25 am
I want JB to focus less on starting unnecessary/avoidable beefs with fellow Democrats
Comment by Dem Unity Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 9:27 am
Getting Chicago a NEW NFL team
Comment by NotRich Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 9:33 am
Continue to focus on the state financial health. His first four years were a massive success in this area and we still have a long way to go.
Comment by JS Mill Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 9:33 am
The reorganization of all higher education institutions not in the U of I system.
Now is the time, now is the opportunity to save, reimagine, and alter/change Illinois higher education that will be competitive and cutting edge.
I’ve listed my thoughts to this, how I’d re-engineer or imagine higher education but I’m not the governor, nor is the governor looking for me with any idea, but you see these downstate towns as the given economic engines for the regions, it’s time to shore up a continuity and stabilization that a previous administration wanted to crumble.
Higher Ed.
It’s time, start to re-imagine and create this new system, then implement it
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 9:35 am
===I want JB to focus less on starting unnecessary/avoidable beefs with fellow Democrats===
Like… who exactly?
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 9:37 am
Make a commitment to be a champion for Southern Illinois. I grew up there, and Carbondale and the surrounding towns could use some help. Steering an EV manufacturer to the SIU Automotive Technology Industrial Park would be goal I would appreciate.
Comment by Poshards Fever Dream Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 9:46 am
Also, for my eternal but unserious answer, JB should undo the Cutback Amendment and restore multi-member districts. (A man can dream.)
Comment by Shibboleth Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 9:46 am
I haven’t had the time to fully draft these thoughts, but I would like the Governor to focus on being the Govenor or Illinois and that focus is what I believe would actually make him successful at doing other things in the future. He’s done a great job but where the shortfalls are there just doesn’t seem to be enough involvement from his office or in some cases strong evidence that his administration has had any impact on the situation. There are a lot of bullet points if we get specific on topics here. He needs to fill exempt titles with people who believe in his administration and his governing philosophy.
His 2nd term is an opportunity for greatness.
===I want JB to focus less on starting unnecessary/avoidable beefs with fellow Democrats===
Ditto. Though this has been the cause of fantastic popcorn moments.
Comment by Candy Dogood Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 9:46 am
Since a graduated tax isn’t likely to be tackled again soon, use other means like tax credits to reduce the tax burden on the least fortunate among us.
Increase funding for higher education.
Seriously address the significant issues with DCFS.
Comment by Techie Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 9:47 am
Adequately staff agencies under his control.
Comment by Cold of Winter Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 9:48 am
I’d like to see him address care for the least able of us, the foster kids that no one wants, the VA nursing home patients, the psych patients. All of these organizations have large numbers of vacancies resulting in overloads of existing staff. Perhaps that could feed into Oswego’s dreams and the directionals could offer free/very low cost (with the hook of agreeing to work for the state for x years) nursing and other acute human services shortage staff credential degrees to create the staff. Yes, that won’t be a short term fix, but it could get us on the road to sustainability for those positions.
Comment by cermak_rd Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 9:51 am
More spelunking. But specifically continuing to clean up the issues that exist at IDES and DCFS. And that will likely require additional resources. And I’d like him to do that while continuing to provide leadership around our financial health. And considering that we are likely to face recession headwinds that will be a heavy lift.
Comment by Pundent Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 9:57 am
Transportation not just repairing ribbons of concrete but how to truly make Illinois a world class crossroad of the world.
Comment by Annon3 Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 10:02 am
JB should focus on improving oversight and performance of agencies under his control. He’s doing well in fiscal and social policy but needs to show he can perform the day to day tasks of governing. Major reorganizations of how the state provides services are big tasks, but when is a better time than when you have a mandate and 4 more years?
Comment by Jibba Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 10:07 am
I don’t know how much the Governor’s office can do about it, but it seems our healthcare system is broken.
Especially in “rural” areas like Streator, there’s a shortage of doctors, long waits for surgery, and tough conditions for small hospitals.
As baby boomers age, the system is only going to get more swamped. If you can’t get access to decent, affordable health care, any other improvements in the state are kind of moot.
Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 10:08 am
Continue the focus on the fiscal health of the government and the state of Illinois also with attracting business and keeping business. And do a deep dive into every aspect of IDNR to help our natural resources and ensure that gun regulations do not provide for use of assault weapons.
Comment by Amalia Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 10:08 am
How about something easy like the Jacksonville Jaguars to move Soldier Field
and be done with the mope Bears
Comment by Annonin' Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 10:11 am
Agree with Jibba at 10:07. Great things have happened with the State’s fiscal health, but the routine day to day operation of the agencies needs much improvement. The agencies need true leaders inside, and oversight and leadership from the Gov’s office. It hasn’t been there…how’s the time to make it a priority.
Comment by Lincoln Lad Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 10:14 am
Deliverable cannabis.
Comment by Glengarry Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 10:21 am
I was told that to be a more effective Governor, he should take up farming.
Comment by The Truth Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 10:28 am
If he doesn’t push for graduated income tax again, it doesn’t really matter what else he does. It’s, I believe, by a considerable margin the thing that would make a noticeable difference.
Comment by SWSider Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 10:29 am
I’d like to see him get more serious about the Presidency in 2024 for two reasons:
1) I think he’d be a better president than we have seen for the last 2 decades
2) convince Biden not to rerun; he is simply too old for the job
Comment by Lurker Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 10:34 am
DCFS.
Comment by Wards of the State Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 10:37 am
Agree with Jibba - better oversight of some key executive agencies under his control. Not only is that better government but opponents in a possible national campaign would have a field day with some of those agencies.
Comment by This Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 10:40 am
Fiscal sustainability. Going back to late Thompson, Illinois’ General Revenue Fund(s) revenue sources have always increased less than the cost of living (i.e., income inelastic). This is due, in part, to GRF(s) having numerous minor sources that are based on units consumed, not unit value. Sure other issues would be discovered in such an effort.
Comment by Anyone Remember Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 10:41 am
I think the biggest unsolved problem is DCFS. It needs major overhaul and restructuring.
Comment by RKFD guy Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 10:41 am
Work to help bring down crime and invest in areas of poverty. Some crime stats have gone down in 2022, like expressway shootings. Crime is a reason why some want to leave Illinois. Focus on that rather than right wing spelunker economics that seek to turn Illinois into a low-wage manufacturing state (like poorer countries). Not that it’s a threat to happen in Illinois, with today’s MAGA GOP (see election losses).
Also, focus on attracting businesses and residents away from anti-abortion states. This situation has just begun since Roe was overturned, but there’s reported higher economic growth in pro-choice areas (according to an article).
Comment by Grandson of Man Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 10:44 am
I’ll echo calls to continue work on the State’s rainy day fund and to take steps to improve State agencies under his purview — most notably DCFS, but also IDES and IDVA. Leadership is a big part of the latter ask, but only part.
I am interested the ideas Oswego Willy offers on the State’s university system and actually would be interested in pursuing a model similar to that of Wisconsin’s. I’m not sure how realistic that is, though.
Comment by thunderspirit Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 10:50 am
1) Like JS Mill, financial stability.
2) Improved government functioning: DCFS, DOC … Address agency issues and enhanced strategic planning to respond to future needs.
3) Continue education efforts.
4) Fight the crazies.
5) Eliminate the private supplement for key Gov staffers.
Comment by Norseman Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 11:02 am
This is a minor thing, but I’d like to see him travel the state more, and to do so less formally. Every event I’ve seen him at is a big production, he usually breezes in and out for a speech. That’s fine for a lot of things, but it doesn’t get him out of any bubbles or gaining new information. I think the state would benefit from more voices in his ear, more disagreement in his presence, and more information flowing directly to him.
Comment by vern Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 11:06 am
=Also, focus on attracting businesses and residents away from anti-abortion states.=
To add to Grandson’s comment, we may be on the verge of seeing other governors following Desantis’ lead and rallying around what they see as “woke” corporations. Essentially companies that see a responsibility to promote inclusion, diversity, and sustainability. The things generally valued in progressive productive societies and by skilled educated workers’. Beyond being a champion of women’s health, Pritzker could show that we are a state that welcomes companies who want to attract educated diverse workers and are pledged to a more inclusive and sustainable future. Let Florida and Texas continue to focus on turning back the hands of time while Illinois looks forward.
Comment by Pundent Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 11:33 am
DCFS
Comment by Wensicia Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 11:34 am
Second many of these:
Figure out higher education
Stabilize the finances more
Really address the staffing and performance of agencies and others.
But pick one or two and really work hard at making a tangible difference.
Comment by Cool Papa Bell Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 11:48 am
JB has been a great Governor in the most difficult of times.
Kudos to JB, Harmon and Welch.
The State of IL is in much better financial shape after two years of their leadership.
Sorry to see the moderate Durkin retire.
He voted for restrictions on Gun control before he retired.
Retire well.
Comment by Loop Lady Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 11:50 am
Promote graduated property taxes to the counties. Mendoza had a plan before she was comptroller. Provide a path for implementation. This is a way to get around the flat income tax issue.
Comment by Annonnynon Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 11:51 am
Bring in cheap renewable electricity. Big manufacturers take that cost into account when selecting where to locate.
Comment by DuPage Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 11:52 am
Focus on continuing to improve the fiscal condition of the State (increase Rainy Day Fund, reduce pension debt) while holding the line on State taxes. Improve day to day administration of agencies with an accent on constituent services. Not sexy but beneficial to the residents of Illinois. Lastly, have a plan for trying to stem the flow of existing residents moving out of Illinois.
Comment by Joe in Joliet Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 12:02 pm
Fix state hiring. Get it out of CMS and put it back in the State agencies.
Get rid of the new online job application system. What a nightmare.
Comment by Huh? Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 12:16 pm
He already passed recreational cannabis. Let’s keep the party going and decrim mushrooms like Colorado, Oregon and DC
Comment by Left of what Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 12:26 pm
If i need to explain my answer it would be that drug prohibition is generally bad and focuses mostly on putting minorities in prison. Psychedelics are also not addictive.
Realistically all drugs should be decriminalized and refocus the legal efforts on treatment and rehabilitation for those with addictions rather than the current punitive justice we have.
Comment by Left of what Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 12:30 pm
“The foster kids that no one wants.”
You folks do realize that children in foster care are real human beings, right, and not just political talking points? Some of them might even have internet and read this blog (not likely, but possible).
You can frame your criticisms of electeds and the agencies they run without saying crappy things about kids who didn’t choose to be in the care of a failiing system.
Words matter.
Comment by stanley Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 12:37 pm
I believe there’s still a structural deficit, correct? If that’s not fixed, then there won’t be more new money for anything, and we’ll eventually find ourselves with a bill backlog again. To me, that’s priority number one
Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 12:45 pm
Crime and mental health are big issues tackle those.
Comment by NorthSideNoMore Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 12:55 pm
Create a program that incentivizes students enrolling in counseling/therapist programs. We were a nation of trauma before COVID. Covid has increased the need for therapy across the board. WE don’t have enough therapists to help people and it is going to have a chilling effect on our state’s ability to prosper. Education, crime, health, workplace productivity- these are all areas where mental health issues play a major role in outcomes. Like teaching, we need to remove obstacles to becoming counselors/therapists so that young people and returning adults see this as a viable choice. The damage from Covid (and vulture capitalism) is not going to heal itself.
Comment by Bizzy's Dad Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 1:33 pm
(1) Fight the crazies.
(2) Fight the crazies.
(3) Fight the crazies.
Comment by Dotnonymous Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 1:48 pm
The budgets have been balanced on “Biden Bucks “.
As that goes away, we’ll find out if JB can manage the States Financials
Comment by Biff Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 1:51 pm
===The budgets have been balanced on “Biden Bucks.”===
Most importantly, the state’s bill backlog was eliminated, paid down to $3 billion a year ago, without using any American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) federal stimulus dollars, and is now an accounts payable of $1.8 billion today with a payment cycle of ZERO days. https://illinoiscomptroller.gov/about/news/press-releases/comptroller-mendoza-reports-illinois-is-better-prepared-as-state-fiscal-year-2022-ends-with-remarkable-sucess
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 1:55 pm
- stanley - Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 12:37 pm:
I’m sorry. That was insensitive and I need to do better.
The children in psych wards who have been left in psych wards after stabilization was in my mind when I wrote that, and it would have been less hurtful had I used that phraseology.
Again, I’m sorry.
Comment by cermak_rd Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 2:05 pm
I would like to see the Governor work with the Republican caucus to find some areas of common ground.
Surely there are several issues and policies that we can agree are close enough to collaborate. For example, we could start be defining one problem as “reducing” crime, another as “increasing employment,” a third as “incentivizes for private sector employers willing to pay family wages and benefits,” etc. These are shared issues that we have spent more time as defining the canyon, rather than figuring out how to build bridges that spans the gaps.
It would be nice if Illinois could lead the nation back from the dialectic that defines us currently.
Comment by H-W Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 2:36 pm
I like him best when he’s being the business incubator governor, building physical, technological and educational infrastructure to make the ground fertile for development. In that vein, seeing more done in-house (or, in-state) along the lines of state technology done in collaboration with the university system, managed care done by state employees and not out of state corporations, continued work on roads and bridges, things like the cannabis research, etc.
Comment by Earnest Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 2:39 pm
See if he can issue an Executive Order that somehow leads Virginia to sell the Bears and the McCaskey family to end up on the unemployment line.
Comment by Stuck in Celliniland Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 3:21 pm
The previous comments have already hit the key issues. I would just add:
1) absolutely DCFS, the first thing would be to replace Marc Smith. It’s obvious he’s not the man for the job and with the new salary, bring in a national leader in child welfare.
2) with fiscal stability comes more credit upgrades.
3) He really should focus on government operation in general, particularly hiring and retention.
4) Yes, cannabis is legal now, but now it’s time to improve the market in Illinois.
Comment by MyTwoCents Monday, Jan 9, 23 @ 4:09 pm