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Pritzker looks back and forward during inaugural address

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• Illinois

* Crain’s…

In an inaugural speech in Springfield, the governor generally appealed to fellow Democrats rather than Republicans to advance his agenda and pretty much ignored overriding issues that conservatives want, including pension reform and cuts in property taxes that put the state at an economic disadvantage.

But his tone was uplifting rather than divisive. He even made a joke of the “Fire Pritzker” signs that rivals spread around the state before the election, saying that young people equate “fire” with being cool. “So, I want to take this moment to thank everyone who put up those very encouraging signs,” he quipped.

More seriously, Pritzker made explicit recent suggestions that he wants the state to offer free college tuition “for every working-class family” and that he wants to offer preschool education “to every family throughout the state.” […]

Pritzker gave no immediate details, which presumably will come in his upcoming budget. But such positions would likely help him in a race for president of the United States if incumbent Joe Biden decides not to run.

* Tina Sfondeles…

Pritzker’s 25-minute inaugural address was reflective and optimistic — and very different than previous inaugural addresses that ticked off many of the state’s deep problems. It also offered a glimpse — but not a lot of details — into his second-term policies, which took a backseat during a contentious political battle against Republican gubernatorial nominee Darren Bailey. […]

As the Illinois General Assembly continues to negotiate a measure that would ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines in the state, Pritzker said in his address that Illinois must become the ninth state to pass an assault weapons ban — and the federal government “should follow our lead.”

“Now, I’m a firm believer that government functions best when we look for compromise. But I’m done with the NRA having its way when it comes to mass shootings,” Pritzker said in his address at the Bank of Springfield Center. “Why do we allow anyone to easily purchase a rapid-fire, high-capacity weapon that can kill dozens of unarmed people in under a minute?”

Democrats are also hoping to pass an abortion measure during the lame duck session that would expand the scope of medical professionals who can perform abortions, among other legal protections. And Pritzker said he’d continue to embolden Illinois as a safe haven for women in the Midwest.

* Capitol News Illinois…

Pritzker said education will be a main priority in his second term, and he emphasized the importance of making preschool more readily available and college tuition free for every family with median-income or below.

“I propose we go all in for our children and make preschool available to every family throughout the state,” he said, eliciting an eruption from the crowd. “And let’s not stop there. Let’s provide more economic security for families by eliminating child care deserts and expanding childcare options.”

With time running out to pass a ban on the sale of assault weapons in Illinois before the new General Assembly takes office Wednesday, Pritzker used the opportunity to advocate for the version of a bill passed by Democrats in the state House last week.

“When I campaigned for reelection and promised to pass an assault weapons ban, eight states already had one. Very soon, Illinois must be the ninth. And we ought to have a real accounting of the assault weapons currently in circulation,” Pritzker said. “Let’s get it done, and then the federal government should follow our lead.”

* WCIA…

Also being re-inaugurated Monday are Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, Attorney General Kwame Raoul, Treasurer Mike Frerichs, and Comptroller Susana Mendoza.

“When we began this journey, we resolved to roll up our sleeves, do the hard work, and provide the governance and leadership our citizens deserve,” Stratton said in her inauguration speech.

Alexi Giannoulias will become the Secretary of State. Jesse White, his predecessor, served as the Secretary of State for six terms. making him the longest-serving Secretary of State in Illinois history.

Illinois’s legislators will be inaugurated Wednesday.

* Rick Pearson…

Seeking to build on the successes of his four years in office, Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker offered a second-term agenda Monday that called for a state constitutional right to abortion, making preschool available to every family and making public college free for children in working-class families.

The 57-year-old governor also vowed that Democratic lawmakers will send to his desk comprehensive legislation to ban military-style firearms and to require such guns already in circulation to be registered. The governor and legislators reached a deal on a measure that was passed by the Senate later Monday, with a final vote in the House expected Tuesday.

In a pomp-filled ceremony at the Bank of Springfield convention center, Pritzker stood with his family on a massive stage flanked by white columns as he took the oath of governor for a second time shortly after noon from Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis.

The inauguration events culminated with a performance by pop superstar Bruno Mars at a gala at the state fairgrounds.

* NBC Chicago…

All proceeds from the gala, which was sold out, went to charitable endeavors.

Even as Pritzker celebrated and laid out his agenda for the next four years, Illinois Democrats continued work in the closing stages of their lame-duck session. The Senate passed legislation to ban assault weapons, sending the measure back to the House for a likely vote on Tuesday.

Lawmakers will be back at the Capitol on Tuesday for the final day of the session before the new legislature is seated later this week.

* Illinois Freedom Caucus press release…

“Let’s be clear, JB. The people with signs in their yards reading ‘Fire Pritzker’ are not offering encouragement. They actually want to fire you, but nice try.

They want to fire you because your policies led to the death of 36 veterans at the LaSalle Veterans’ Home. They want to fire you because your inept administration paid out $2 billion in fraudulent workers’ compensation claims and under your leadership, a convicted felon was appointed to the Prisoner Review Board and your DCFS agency has continued to facilitate the abuse of children.

Your Administration has been marked by a decided lack of leadership and capability. Instead of identifying solutions to long-term problems such as skyrocketing property taxes and out of control pension costs, your idea of ‘bold’ leadership is to spend more money. Spending other people’s money is not leadership. Real leadership would be addressing the long-term problems of the state and putting aside the enormous power you have accrued by finally ending the endless emergency proclamations.

But despite our differences, we strongly support enhancing and improving access to education in Illinois. This is why we support giving parents real choice in education. Parents of all economic backgrounds deserve the opportunity to have a real choice in where to send their children to school. We are ready and willing to work with you to help kids get access to quality education regardless of income level.

You have an opportunity to bring our divided state together. We urge you to take that path instead of enacting policies you know will only create more divisions.”

The Illinois Freedom Caucus is comprised of State Representatives Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich); Chris Miller (R-Oakland); Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville); Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City) and Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur). The members of the Illinois Freedom Caucus are members of the Illinois General Assembly who are advocating for limited government, lower taxes and accountability and integrity in government.

* From the bird app…

posted by Isabel Miller
Tuesday, Jan 10, 23 @ 11:36 am

Comments

1. Doesn’t JB know that we learned yesterday that the phase working class families is coded language.

   How does JB know they are hardworking or even families?

   It is offensive and designed to separate people who are on public assistance from those that are working.

   Come on JB get with the program! The language police are watching every word for hidden meanings.

   Comment by Lucky Pierre Tuesday, Jan 10, 23 @ 11:45 am

2. We are truly blessed that the IlFC stump jumpers C gave us that ’splainer on the signs. It cleared so much. And what will we be able to do without Beetle going forward?

   Comment by Annonin' Tuesday, Jan 10, 23 @ 11:50 am

3. “They actually want to fire you, but nice try.”

   I think he did more than “try” on Nov. 8…

   Comment by NIU Grad Tuesday, Jan 10, 23 @ 12:18 pm

4. ===It is offensive and designed to separate people who are on public assistance from those that are working.===

   LP, a lot of people on public assistance are also working. And almost all of the people on public assistance who aren’t working are children.

   Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Jan 10, 23 @ 12:27 pm

5. =The language police=

   Awww, LP you were paying attention, how sweet of you. And you learned something.

   But, I only meant when the republicants use that phrase. /s

   =They actually want to fire you, but nice try=

   How did that work out?

   Can you. really be a caucus with just 5 people? I mean, you can open a burger joint, but what kind of power are they going to broker?

   Comment by JS Mill Tuesday, Jan 10, 23 @ 12:29 pm

6. - LP -

   Your trolling concern for unity is comically noted and embarrassing for you as you were cheerleading for both Rauner as a governor (a divider) and Griffin (now a Elon Musk friend in Qatar)

   I do wish you were a parody that won’t let us in on the joke, but your programming says otherwise.

   Winners make policy. Work harder next time to elect Bailey.

   Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jan 10, 23 @ 12:32 pm

7. From the trolls: “your policies led to the death of 36 veterans at the LaSalle Veterans’ Home”

   Sorry guys, but your messaging that COVID was not real and masks were not necessary is what led to excessive deaths across the state. Either COVID is a dangerous disease that requires masking, vaccinations, etc. or it is not. You don’t get to have it both ways.

   Comment by Pot calling kettle Tuesday, Jan 10, 23 @ 12:48 pm

8. Oh no, the Governor wasn’t being civil and reaching out to the party whose candidate against him is vowing a shootout with the state police this week. Can’t we all just get along?

   Comment by 48th Ward Heel Tuesday, Jan 10, 23 @ 12:59 pm

9. You were off yesterday from your usual routine of replying to every comment I make so you missed it OW

   I said hardworking Chicagoans were getting assaulted on the CTA and car jacked in alarming numbers and was chastised for using coded language

   I said Bailey would said Bailey would lose but go ahead and continue to put your words in other people’s mouths.

   I hate to correct you 47th ward but the labor participation rate ( A state’s labor-force participation rate is the number of all employed and unemployed workers divided against the state’s civilian population) in Illinois is 64.3% up from a record low in January of 2021 of 61.8% and down from it’s all time high in 1999 of 68.8%

   So roughly 1/3 of adults able to work in Illinois are choosing not to for a variety of reasons and some are on public assistance.

   Where do you get your claim that almost all the people not working on public assistance are children?

   According the Northwestern University from February 2020 (pre Covid)In the age group of 20-24 years, 38% of African Americans in Chicago are neither employed nor in school.

   https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/LBSNSA17

   Comment by Lucky Pierre Tuesday, Jan 10, 23 @ 1:00 pm

10. Reading the speech it comes off a bit negative overall. Perhaps it was different in person.

    Pritzker comes across as a decent guy trying to do a good job of actually governing. I wish him the best, but please don’t run for president…

    Comment by Friendly Bob Adams Tuesday, Jan 10, 23 @ 1:12 pm

11. Great photo of the Pritzker’s dancing to “Still the One”.

    Comment by Back to the Future Tuesday, Jan 10, 23 @ 1:24 pm

12. ===Where do you get your claim that almost all the people not working on public assistance are children?===

    This isn’t the Victorian London that Charles Dickens wrote so much about LP. There are no work houses anymore. I know that makes your sponsors sad, but the rest of us call it progress. Children can’t work until they reach a minimum wage, and thanks to public assistance, they can actually be housed, fed and educated until they are old enough to work.

    Also, 45% of all SNAP recipients are working. Why do you hate poor people so much?

    https://www.cbpp.org/research/food-assistance/a-closer-look-at-who-benefits-from-snap-state-by-state-fact-sheets#Illinois

    Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Jan 10, 23 @ 1:25 pm

13. Oh - LP -, you don’t like facts. Unless it’s to help the Bears get a stadium with public money, which is an interesting wrinkle to you. Maybe even a tell… but I digress…

    ===I said Bailey would said Bailey would lose===

    Doesn’t mean you didn’t support *every single policy Bailey had*

    Doesn’t mean you didn’t want Pritzker “fired.

    Bud, you aligned with Bailey.., “80% of the time”

    That’s on you. That’s ON you, so own it. You wanted Bailey over Pritzker.

    ===I said hardworking Chicagoans were getting assaulted on the CTA and car jacked in alarming numbers and was chastised for using coded language===

    You refuse to expel racist thinkers from your party too… so… I dunno what leg you think you’re standing on.

    ===(pre Covid)===

    It’s post Covid now. Get better data.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jan 10, 23 @ 1:27 pm

14. Where did I say ever say I hated poor people?

    Take your ire out on policy makers who have fostered an environment where far too many young minorities especially in Chicago are not working or in school and see violent crime and gangs as their only alternative.

    The Governor did not mention that in his address did he? Seems like a critical issue

    Let us know when all the racists and corrupt indicted Democrats are expelled

    Comment by Lucky Pierre Tuesday, Jan 10, 23 @ 2:12 pm

15. ===Take your ire out on policy makers who have fostered an environment where far too many young minorities especially in Chicago are not working or in school and see violent crime and gangs as their only alternative.===

    You should ask the Chicago GOP why they continually support Democrats for Chicago mayor.

    ===Let us know when all the racists and corrupt indicted Democrats are expelled===

    This means you officially are welcoming of racist thinkers and conspiracy theorists.

    I appreciate that you did this.

    Thank you.

    Otherwise, your comment I just grabbed is utter and complete gibberish.

    I mean it is awful you accept such folks and won’t call them out, but gibberish at this point might be your best out.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jan 10, 23 @ 2:18 pm

16. =Let us know when all the racists and corrupt indicted Democrats are expelled=

    What have you ever done about the racist and corrupt republicans?

    You first.

    Comment by JS Mill Tuesday, Jan 10, 23 @ 2:19 pm

17. OW

    I think maybe it’s time to officially throw LP’s comments on the trash pile and ignore him for the troll he is. We’re in for 4 more years of his dishonest and nonsensical commentary. Let’s give him the level of attention and respect he deserves which is absolutely none. He offers nothing.

    Comment by Demoralized Tuesday, Jan 10, 23 @ 2:25 pm

18. - Demoralized -

    All good. Understood. I hear ya.

    I hope you read my responses with - LP - as I see them as opportunities, “teed up” by bot talking points to clarity.

    It’s almost as though - LP - is trying to work against the very things - LP - wants other Los to think - LP - believes

    Hope that helps too.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jan 10, 23 @ 2:31 pm

19. =I think maybe it’s time to officially throw LP’s comments on the trash pile and ignore him for the troll he is.=

    I will give that a “harumph”.

    Comment by JS Mill Tuesday, Jan 10, 23 @ 2:40 pm

20. Ok, enough to - LP -, let’s get to the post,

    For me, I love-love writing to the element of tone; past, present, future, but not to the nostalgia for its own sake, not to the predictions or wants for their own cheap opportunities.

    I know I hammer on “institutional knowledge”, I’d even begrudgingly agree “to a fault”, but what the governor did with his words was give real context to his office, which is far greater than any man, past or present, and to our own state of affairs beyond our own past.

    It’s substantively strong. And where historic Comte g could easy devolve to a crutch, these words only strengthened off a string four years of progress his administration had, but also the many challenges yet to be met.

    It’s a speech I’ll probably go back and read quite a bit over this week, as so much of where it took us needs more thought from me, for myself.

    Impressive, thoughtful, nostalgic with pointed purpose, a fine speech, well crafted too.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jan 10, 23 @ 3:20 pm

21. ===So roughly 1/3 of adults able to work in Illinois are choosing not to for a variety of reasons and some are on public assistance.===

    Boy, that “some” is doing a lot of heavy lifting.

    Comment by Suburban Mom Tuesday, Jan 10, 23 @ 3:56 pm

22. I say let’s focus on the positive message that Pritzker brings, the success of his first term, and hope that it provides for the future. Let the spelunkers spelunk. It’s all they got and I for one see no need to join them in their self-inflicted misery.

    Comment by Pundent Tuesday, Jan 10, 23 @ 4:04 pm

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