Month: February 2024

CHICAGO — Governor Pritzker, Mayor Johnson, and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle met yesterday to supposedly discuss solutions for the migrant crisis enveloping Chicago, and yet one of the biggest elephants in the room has yet to be touched: 

Two weeks ago, Pritzker said “The city has not told the state where they would like us to put our resources to build new shelters or help them build new shelters, so we can’t help if we can’t identify those locations.” Despite the ludicrous assertion that he can’t do anything until the city does, Pritzker continues to claim that progress is being made between the city, state, and county on plans to handle the migrant crisis, utilizing photo ops like yesterday’s meeting at city hall as a substitute for substance. 

And yet… from reporting on yesterday’s meeting: “Not discussed: Where the city wants the state to locate a new shelter that could house as many as 2,000 asylum seekers. The state has said it’s ready to prop up a facility but needs direction from the city. Johnson has said the state can figure that out on its own.”

It has been 18 months since this crisis began and no tangible solutions have been found to address this crisis. It’s past time to start asking Governor Pritzker why the state of Illinois remains flatfooted in dealing with the crisis. 

CHICAGO — Yesterday, the Chicago Tribune published an opinion piece from Senate Republican Leader John Curran telling Illinoisans the truth JB Pritzker refuses to admit: that he invited and subsequently mismanaged the migrant crisis that has taken over Chicago and is growing across the state.

Check out the full article HERE and take a look at some experts below:
“Some crises are unexpected. Others, such as Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s migrant crisis, are invited.

Shortly after taking office, Pritzker proudly proclaimed, “Let there be no doubt that Illinois is a welcoming state.” He sent his invitation around the globe, announcing, “As the governor of Illinois, I proudly consent to the continuation of refugee admission to our state.”

In the years since, he has systematically incentivized noncitizens to come to Illinois through his policies and promotion.

…Beyond his executive orders, the governor has signed a range of new laws, including legislation that prevents state and local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities, to help cement Illinois as the destination state for noncitizens.

…This isn’t an argument about the value of immigration and the role it has played in building the United States of America. It’s a question of reality, of management and of what our already overtaxed residents can afford. The people of Illinois cannot afford the misplaced priorities, radical policies and grandiose promises of a governor seeking attention on the national stage.

There is also no question as to who is going to be picking up his tab.

Illinoisans with developmental disabilities who can’t access critical services are paying for it. Low-income families who rely on programs that help pay for food, shelter and utilities are paying for it. Small businesses that are still struggling from pandemic-related loss are paying for it. Neglected veterans in need of lifesaving mental health services are paying for it.

There should be no mistake – the Illinois migrant crisis is no accident. Pritzker implemented and advertised radical policies to attract noncitizens to Illinois, and now that his generous invitation has been accepted, he is deflecting blame for his mismanagement.”