Latest Post | Last 10 Posts | Archives
Previous Post: Help Illinois Patients Achieve Better Health: Support IHA’s MCO Reforms
Next Post: Listen To Servers – Vote No On House Bill 5345
Posted in:
* Alton Telegraph last month…
A resolution to place a nonbinding advisory referendum regarding separating Chicago and Cook County from the rest of the state of Illinois was passed 15-7 by the Madison County Board on Wednesday.
* Gov. JB Pritzker was in the county today to mark the completion of the Madison County Transit Administration Building. He specifically addressed the nonbinding referendum in his speech…
First, let’s be clear about the financial benefits to Madison County for Chicago being a part of the state of Illinois. A study conducted by experts at SIU Carbondale showed that the Chicagoland area pays for the bulk of the benefits the rest of the state receives.
About 73% of our GDP in the state of Illinois comes from the Chicagoland area. People in the northeast region of the state only get about 80 cents back for every dollar they pay in taxes to the rest of the state. The southern third of Illinois gets almost $2 back for every dollar paid in.
The southwest region of Illinois that includes Madison County gets $1.42 for every dollar that you pay to the state of Illinois.
And here are a few examples of how this plays out. Let’s start with this new headquarters, this Madison County Transit Administration building that we’re celebrating today.
Over $10 million, you heard it, that’s 71% of the cost of this new transit hub came from Illinois state government. That likely means that this building wouldn’t exist without the taxpayers of the rest of Illinois subsidizing it. But it’s designed mostly to serve the residents of this county and rightly so. Making transit here more efficient and allowing better service for Madison County seniors and riders with disabilities and keeping people safer.
And this is just one in a long line of projects funded by state government that benefits Madison County residents. Last year I was in Edwardsville breaking ground on a new SIUE Health Sciences building secured in part because the state invested $105 million as part of a bunch of capital improvement projects for the SIU system.
Madison County students also received millions of dollars in scholarships and support services over just the last year that were largely paid for by the taxpayers of the rest of Illinois. And then there are the jobs. In January I stood alongside workers at Wieland North America as the company announced a $500 million investment to modernize their facility in East Alton.
That’s hundreds of jobs saved and more being created, made possible by incentives provided by our state, including in large part the taxpayers in Chicago. That came just after $3 million of a state grant to help restore and revitalize downtown Alton.
Nearly $600 million in infrastructure improvements in Madison County since 2019, well, frankly, like the I-270 bridge replacement. And those are there because of our state’s infrastructure program called Rebuild Illinois, once again paid for by everyone in Illinois.
Now I mention these things not because Cook County is more important than Madison County. It is not. Instead, I simply want to remind everyone here that we are one Illinois. One Illinois.
Madison County is just as important to our state as Chicago is. It’s also, frankly, it’s too easy to let partisanship and regional differences divide us. Instead, let’s all row in the same direction.
We are. The people who are working in Springfield right now to pass a budget are working in the same direction for all of the people of Illinois. Let’s all stand up for all of this state. Madison County is vital to the rest of the state. So is Cook County.
Let’s bring people together to advance our shared goals, good schools, safe communities, and economic opportunity.
So I want to once again thank the legislative and community partners at every level for delivering for the great people of Madison County. I’m always proud to see these historic investments come to life. And I look forward to working together to bring more opportunity to communities across this region and our state.
Please pardon all transcription errors.
* He was subsequently asked by a reporter why he wanted to talk about the issue today…
Let me begin by saying we’re a very diverse state, there’s no doubt. We have rural communities, and exurban communities, and suburban communities, and urban communities. And the idea that some place in Illinois wants to kick out another place in Illinois should not be on the ballot. It shouldn’t be something that’s part of a lexicon, a discussion of politicians.
We’re one state. We’re supporting each other. And as I was simply trying to point out, there are folks in Cook County who may not love the idea that they’re sending two dollars to an area of the state that only puts one dollar into state coffers, but they do it anyway. And, why? Because we’re one Illinois. And the same thing, there are lots of people here in Madison County who support the idea of Cook County being part of Illinois, they understand that 102 counties, this is one of the greatest states in the country. I believe it’s the greatest state in the country. And that it’s our collective that makes us great, having an agricultural economy, second to none, and having great industry up in Chicago that helps produce revenue that supports the rest of the state. All of that brings us together into a great state.
Thoughts?
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 12:07 pm
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
Previous Post: Help Illinois Patients Achieve Better Health: Support IHA’s MCO Reforms
Next Post: Listen To Servers – Vote No On House Bill 5345
WordPress Mobile Edition available at alexking.org.
powered by WordPress.
JB is very good at this. The tone is perfect.
Comment by DS Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 12:12 pm
My thoughts? I’m terribly embarrassed for Madison County and its residents
Would they rather be part of St. Louis which consistently ranks as one of the worst violent crime areas in the nation on a per capita basis? Chicago and Cook are not in those same top 10 or 20 per capita rankings just in case they wondered. Or would Madison prefer to be part of Missouri which seems to be heading back towards darker ages? If the board is just trying to show its residents that they can bash Chicago as good as the rest of em, have at it I guess and I’m sure it’s mostly about the dog whistles anyway. Great job Madison County board members.
Comment by Baloneymous Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 12:15 pm
Kurt Prenzler is a complete joke.
Comment by MadCo Born and Raised Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 12:16 pm
Solid rhetoric from JB. Give whoever wrote that speech a pat on the back.
Unfortunately it will make no difference because the people downstate who want to split from Cook County are not being driven by logic, forethought, or planning.
Comment by VK Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 12:18 pm
This was an idea George Ryan used to talk about, especially in southern and western Illinois gatherings. I didn’t admire much about him, but I admired that. What Pritzker left unsaid was, the feeding of that sentiment that the redder parts of our state are under-served is deliberate misdirection and outright lies by people who want to gain political traction by angering voters who don’t know better, feeding their misapprehensions and fears and jealousies. The grifters are pure evil.
Comment by Give Us Barabbas Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 12:18 pm
Well reasoned. That’s why the hard right won’t hear it or care.
Comment by Trap Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 12:23 pm
JB is the best political communicator we’ve had in Illinois in A WHILE
Comment by DuPage Dad Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 12:25 pm
===Well reasoned. That’s why the hard right won’t hear it or care.===
Also, too many words. And words like lexicon. None of this fits on a tee shirt or a bumper sticker, which is the preferred communication medium of the target audience. Also too, math was involved.
I think it’s a great response but I can read quite well. For the people who most need to hear it and understand the implications of their “secede from Chicago” referendum, epic fail.
tl:cr (too long, can’t read).
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 12:29 pm
===None of this fits on a tee shirt or a bumper sticker===
“We are one Illinois” does.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 12:32 pm
Money isn’t the only reason some of these counties want to secede, but as much as it pains me to praise the Governor, he came correct on this one.
Comment by SAP Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 12:32 pm
The Governor has now convinced me. Let them all go and we keep our money up here.
Comment by DuPage Saint Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 12:35 pm
I’m from the Metro East but live in Chicago. I have told my native folks that over and over about how they get back $1+ for every $1 they put in and it just doesn’t stick. Some even wanted to accuse me of being a typical Chicago guy until they remember where I’m from (then crickets).
Comment by levivotedforjudy Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 12:38 pm
===“We are one Illinois” does.===
What size does Darren Bailey wear?
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 12:39 pm
Also this https://x.com/StarLineChicago/status/1793698428649971862
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 12:43 pm
As someone from northeastern Illinois - if that county really wants to leave Illinois I say let them go. According to what J.B. just said that entire county is a free loader that isn’t adding much value.
Comment by Just Me 2 Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 12:43 pm
===According to what J.B. just said that entire county is a free loader that isn’t adding much value===
You heard only what you wanted to hear, apparently.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 12:45 pm
A couple notes: Pritzker is decent at staying on topic. His rhetoric of “One Illinois” is moving, as nobody wants to admit when a union must be broken up. However, to many folks outside the collar counties, the vastly different social policies enacted with little support from much of the state (but cover the entire state) makes his rhetoric sound like Walter White saying “We’re done when I say we’re done”. Furthermore, please find some justification other than money to stay together. Will folks will take a hit to their wallet (and services) to have elected officials and policies that better reflect their stated preferences? I think they might, depending on what is pushed upon them, though if there is polling/etc. saying otherwise, I’d be interested in seeing it.
On a philosophical level, saying that the question of separation should not be on the ballot is rhetorically powerful, but at odds with any claim to support democracy. Why not continue to make the case to stay together, Governor, and support those who would keep Illinois “one” and win the question in November?
Comment by Former ILSIP Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 12:45 pm
Mr. Responsible.
Comment by Gone Baby Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 12:47 pm
=Let’s start with this new headquarters, this Madison County Transit Administration building that we’re celebrating today.=
And scene.
JB was ready today, he usually is. I am gald he is our governor.
Comment by JS Mill Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 12:49 pm
Decent if not predictable response - reminding them how good they have it. He isn’t winning over any hearts or minds in that part of IL…
“Let’s bring people together … First, let’s be clear about the financial benefits to Madison County for Chicago being a part of the state of Illinois. A study conducted by experts at SIU Carbondale showed that the Chicagoland area pays for the bulk of the benefits the rest of the state receives.
Comment by Donnie Elgin Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 12:55 pm
Might be time to trim spending by limiting counties to what they pay in. A year of that would demonstrate the benefit of One Illinois to many who love to criticize while posturing against their own interests.
Comment by Lincoln Lad Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 12:58 pm
My gosh Illinois government is so boring with a competent governor. Thank God for Madison County. /s
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 12:59 pm
Ok, verging on corniness here, but I’m really proud that JB’s our governor. He’s a good and decent person. Yes, maybe a speech writer put that talk together, but JB’s admin hired the Comms team who knows how to convey who the Gov is, and what he values.
Comment by Ashland Adam Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 1:06 pm
=He isn’t winning over any hearts or minds in that part of IL…=
So facts are not persuasive to people in that part of the state?
Interesting commentary on the intelligence of our fellow citizens.
Comment by JS Mill Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 1:07 pm
Elijah Parish Lovejoy
Nothing else to say.
Comment by Bigtwich Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 1:20 pm
===A couple notes: Pritzker is decent at staying on topic. His rhetoric of “One Illinois” is moving, as nobody wants to admit when a union must be broken up. However, to many folks outside the collar counties, the vastly different social policies enacted with little support from much of the state (but cover the entire state) makes his rhetoric sound like Walter White saying “We’re done when I say we’re done”.
Could you be more specific in what social policies are disadvantaging or inconveniencing the good people of downstate?
Comment by ArchPundit Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 1:21 pm
= the vastly different social policies enacted with little support from much of the state (but cover the entire state)=
So 80% of the people isn’t a compelling number and is outweighed by acreage?
And no, I do not live in metro Chicago.
Comment by JS Mill Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 1:29 pm
=== with little support from much of the state ===
Little support from much of the state’s land, but supermajority support from the state’s people. Square miles don’t vote, people do.
Comment by vern Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 1:31 pm
“He isn’t winning over any hearts or minds in that part of IL…”
You aren’t winning over any “minds” down here. The economic facts that Pritzker outlined aren’t new. What also isn’t new is the fallacy that all money “goes to Chicago”.
So what, pray tell, should Pritzker have said to win over the “minds”?
Personally, I enjoy honesty over placation. Regardless of how many “minds” don’t want to hear it.
Comment by Flyin'Elvis'-Utah Chapter Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 1:41 pm
JB is being a statesman here, and all of Illinois should appreciate that. He is also being generous.
== Madison County is just as important to our state as Chicago is.==
Comment by Henry Francis Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 1:43 pm
Madison county is my county. Kurt Prenzler and his todies on the county board are a straight up dumpster fire of poorly self differentiated privileged folk who want to toot dog whistles more than help Madison County improve for its residents. They are the vuvuzela of the political world.
Comment by Honeybear Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 1:44 pm
The seceder types are very like their Confederate political ancestors, they’re going to act exactly as expected. The more racket they make, the more favorable Illinois Democrats remain and keep winning elections. Some Democratic PAC should be funding seceders. JB? /s
Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 1:54 pm
What a difference a decade or two makes. Probably ten or 20 years ago many downstaters who dislike lawyers would have been excited at the thought of kicking out Madison (and St. Clair) from the rest of the state.
Comment by NonAFSCMEStateEmployeeFromChatham Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 2:02 pm
I LOVE this but I’m afraid a fact check is in order.
“I mention these things not because Cook County is more important than Madison County. It is not.”
Actually it is. A lot. Certainly economically. It’s the right thing to say of course as he’s pulling out his can of whupass. But just wanted to make that clear to those who think those counties are equally important to Illinois. They are not.
Comment by New Day Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 2:04 pm
In his time in office and as a candidate how many counties has JB visited and had either a meeting or a campaign stop. Does he plan to visit all 102 Counties by 2026?
Comment by western sky Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 2:24 pm
===So 80% of the people isn’t a compelling number and is outweighed by acreage?===
That opinion is a hardy perennial. After SCOTUS issued “one man one vote” Dirsksen advocated for a state senate exception, and was upset when a subsequent SCOTUS opinion said “one man one vote” applied to all legislative chambers. Maybe there’s something in the water? /s
Comment by Anyone Remember Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 2:26 pm
=saying that the question of separation should not be on the ballot is rhetorically powerful, but at odds with any claim to support democracy.=
Maybe you can highlight for me exactly where “secession” is a right or power afforded the states in the USC or the ILC. If it isn’t he is correct.
Comment by JS Mill Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 3:26 pm
These are great arguments for more state funding of NE Illinois transit and schools.
Comment by Phineas Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 3:40 pm
=== If it isn’t===
It isn’t.
lol
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 3:45 pm
“In his time in office and as a candidate how many counties has JB visited and had either a meeting or a campaign stop. Does he plan to visit all 102 Counties by 2026?”
102. He spends an enormous amount of time downstate.
Comment by New Day Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 3:52 pm
I moved to Madison County without ever stepping foot in Illinois after retiring from the military because I wanted to live in Illinois more than any other state. I started to have anxiety when this succession talk started. I am thankful that we have an intelligent, capable, and rational adult as our leader. Little moments like this are comforting and I hope others will see through their political rage to see how well thought out and accurate his statement actually is. It gives me comfort to know that even if they can’t, I know that he doesn’t let it affect how he makes decisions.
Comment by Transplant2021 Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 4:17 pm
We are damn lucky to have this guy. I appreciate that he chooses words carefully. I appreciate it that he understands that his tone matters. It’s good leadership. It’s statesmanship.
I am also sure that he believes that he is doing “the right thing”. My gosh I wish the riff raff could get that through their heads. You don’t even have to agree with him to appreciate that.
Comment by Occasionally Moderated Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 4:31 pm
===On a philosophical level, saying that the question of separation should not be on the ballot is rhetorically powerful, but at odds with any claim to support democracy.
Incorrect. Strangely, those supporting secession are probably it’s a Republic not a Democracy reply guys.
Republican forms of government is a subset of democratic governance, of course, More importantly, democracy does not require direct voting to be democratic. Democracies operate according to rules as to how they operate (we call them constitutions generally) and those rules may or may not restrict both the decisions made by direct votes or representatives voting. For example, we restrict the ability of representatives or direct ballot questions to limit speech or faith. We also can restrict whether some things are up for votes at all and the US Constitution limits several areas that can not be adjusted–one of those we have decided is states may not secede on their own and portions of states must have the approval of the state affected. If the folks want to secede they can work through both Congress and the State Legislature to make it happen, but a vote of the public is irrelevant to whether it happens. And yet, we still have democratic government.
Comment by ArchPundit Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 4:34 pm
Article IV Section III
Section 3
New States may be admitted by the Congress into this Union; but no new State shall be formed or erected within the Jurisdiction of any other State; nor any State be formed by the Junction of two or more States, or Parts of States, without the Consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned as well as of the Congress.
Comment by ArchPundit Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 4:36 pm
Lt gov neil hartigan also used to have his version of a “one illinois” speech in the early 70s.
Comment by Langhorne Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 4:40 pm
I don’t think the Forgottonia movement was even half serious back in the day, but they had a lot of fun in the process. The move to separate the upper tier of Cook County townships into Lincoln County was much more serious but futile from day one.
To me the Madison County thing is a bad joke. I don’t think any of those involved in it believe it will happen. But they are having a fun time pretending that it might.
Comment by Friendly Bob Adams Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 5:11 pm
Why does Downstate get more money? Is it road and bridge related? Prisons? Other things?
Comment by BCOSEC Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 5:44 pm
- Why does Downstate get more money? Is it road and bridge related? Prisons? Other things? -
They generate less tax revenue and have less densely populated area, so the infrastructure needed to serve them costs more than they generate.
Comment by Excitable Boy Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 5:58 pm
Southern Illinoisan resident here. I am opposed to many policies and positions taken by the Governor and Democrats in control of the General Assembly. But the Governor nailed it with this talk. His comments are accurate and we should appreciate this data.
Comment by Motambe Thursday, May 23, 24 @ 9:38 pm
Well reasoned with the right tone . It was a good speech reaching out to residents in that area.
Comment by Tinman Sunday, May 26, 24 @ 10:00 am