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Pritzker will run TV ad to counter Local 150 ads

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Illinois

Yep. Here’s the ad…

Seen these ads? They’re paid for by people who want to raise your utility rates. But JB Pritzker and his administration stood up to them, rejecting their plan to raise rates and holding down prices in Chicago.

TV news announcers: A win for consumers. Voted to cut a request from People’s Gas to increase rates. The companies requested a record high rate increase, but that won’t be the case.

Now, Chicagoans will save hundreds of dollars because we have a governor who’s working for us.

* The ad is in response to a spot paid for by a group run by Local 150 of the Operating Engineers…

* I wrote about this fight a few weeks ago…

The bottom line is that organized labor and the business community are demanding far more robust infrastructure spending, while the governor’s people point to very real cost considerations for consumers. The Pritzker folks believe they will win that political fight.

Interesting times.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Feb 22, 24 @ 2:23 pm

Comments

Major ad difference…the 150 ad comes across as gobbledygoock.

“decarbonize” vs. “utility rates”

If 150 is trying to convince Chicagoans to pay higher utility costs…that ad ain’t going to do it.

Comment by NIU Grad Thursday, Feb 22, 24 @ 2:28 pm
So let me get this straight. Local 150 decided to pick a fight with the Governor, who has an endless supply of money to spend on any political fight he wants, on behalf of (checks notes) the utility companies? Entities that most people in the state hate at the moment for high bills and if that wasn’t reason enough - bc they have been mired in public corruption lawsuits for years now. They put up a half ass ad and Pritzker responds with a well produced winner that will have the nice added side benefit of padding his already high approval ratings.

This was a dumb fight for 150 to pick. Dumb dumb dumb. They are not going to win it and they just handed the Governor an issue - he will confidently be able to say he battled even those in whose own Party who wanted to raise utility rates. My very sincere suggestion is the Operating Engineers cut their losses and save their members money and take their fight to the utilities.

Comment by ChiLife Thursday, Feb 22, 24 @ 2:35 pm
- “decarbonize” vs. “utility rates” -

No kidding, that was a bonehead move by 150.

There are real gas leaks that pose actual safety hazards to the public. The operators should have went with explosions instead of climate denial.

Comment by Excitable Boy Thursday, Feb 22, 24 @ 3:00 pm
I think 150 would be better served in supporting a lot of different projects instead of standing with the utility companies… Line up with the McCaskeys and Reinsdorf for example…

Comment by Lincoln Lad Thursday, Feb 22, 24 @ 3:24 pm
===standing with the utility companies===

The local has a lot of gas line replacement workers. They’re trying to save the jobs.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Feb 22, 24 @ 3:25 pm
Folks who think the gov is going to cave on the ICC appointments of Doug Scott and the others may want to consider the implications of a governor who is willing to spend money on 30 second TV ads to not only defend but lean into his picks. Not sure this is a smart political fight to have in an election year.

Comment by New Day Thursday, Feb 22, 24 @ 3:53 pm
Local 150 seems afflicted with backing losers in recent years. How did they lose their touch?

Comment by Arvey's Legacy Thursday, Feb 22, 24 @ 4:00 pm
“How did they lose their touch?”

Blame Madigan.
He’s not around anymore.

Comment by Keyrock Thursday, Feb 22, 24 @ 4:19 pm
This is awesome.
Go Governor go..

Comment by Timmy Thursday, Feb 22, 24 @ 5:21 pm
- Not sure this is a smart political fight to have in an election year. -

You politicos never seem to understand what unions do. Their primary function is protecting their members, and those members’ jobs. They are not lobbying firms.

Comment by Excitable Boy Thursday, Feb 22, 24 @ 5:24 pm
No money for repairing 100 year old gas lines leaking under the streets.
Then legislation to outlaw natural gas service into new buildings to use cleaner electricity.
Then don’t spend anything on upgrading the electrical grid?
It’s just a matter of time before the next gas explosion.
It’s just a matter of time before the electrical infrastructure fails.
The ICC is kicking two cans down the road.
It’s a dangerous game of paying nothing now to pay more later.

Comment by Chicago 20 Thursday, Feb 22, 24 @ 6:01 pm
Might be a good idea for JB and the unions to figure out a truce. Neither side is going to win in the long run. JB has the high ground here, but I’m not sure being at war with your home state trade unions is the best way to practice Democratic Party presidential politics, even if you don’t need their campaign contributions.

Comment by Roman Thursday, Feb 22, 24 @ 6:26 pm
Anyone research cost comparison between gas and electric? Electric 3x more expensive. Anyone research how electricity is made? Coal and natural gas. ICC, in fact, awarded a rate increase, still gonna pay higher bills. The problem is, ICC stopped the pipe replacement program. Local 150 backing workers and fighting extreme environmentalists preventing necessary work to keep the city safe. Not siding with utility companies. 150 already ran one billionaire governor out of town, can surely do it again.

Comment by Jeremy 150 Gas Worker Thursday, Feb 29, 24 @ 6:44 am