Category: News

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Democrats Let Illinois Taxpayers Down

Gubernatorial candidates did nothing to protect taxpayers from Soda Tax overreach

“The Cook County Soda Tax was nothing but a lie from the very beginning. Even the tax’s most ardent supporter, Toni Preckwinkle, admitted that the tax was just for the money, and never really about public health. Thanks to the efforts of taxpayers across the county, Preckwinkle’s absurd money grab is finished.” – Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Aaron DeGroot

Illinois citizens won a major victory today as the Cook County Soda Tax has finally been repealed.

While the victory should be lauded as a grassroots effort, it should not be overlooked that the Democrats running for governor sat on their hands while residents paid the price for Toni Preckwinkle’s lies.

Trying to balance favor between Mike Madigan and Toni Preckwinkle, they refused to act on behalf of the Cook County taxpayers, leaving the citizens saddled with yet another Chicago Democrat tax hike.

Today’s repeal is a major blow to Preckwinkle and the rest of the Chicago Democrats’ tax-and-spend ideology. Now, they will have to work together with Cook County Republicans and find smarter ways to utilize the taxpayers’ money.

And as for the Democrats running for governor, Illinois voters will remember their inaction.

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Democrats Opposed Education Program Benefitting Illinois’ Neediest Kids

The first-ever scholarship tax credit program will help families provide a better education for their children

With the landmark education funding legislation that Governor Rauner signed into law, Illinois has its first-ever scholarship tax credit program to help children receive a better education, in addition to the highest level of public education funding ever.

The scholarship program is specifically designed to help Illinois’ neediest children. Only students whose families earn less than 300% of the poverty level are elligible for the scholarships. Programs such as this have been praised by education advocates as empowering for low-income children.

The Democrats running for governor, however, all opposed the scholarship program. And the candidates spoke out in opposition to the compromise bill that passed the legislature and was signed by Governor Rauner.

J.B. Pritzker promised to do away with this program, taking away school choice from the thousands of low-income children it is designed to help. He continues to tout his opposition as well as his running mate’s ‘no’ vote on the compromise.

Chris Kennedy and Ameya Pawar also oppose providing low-income children with the opportunity to choose what educational opportunities are best for them. According to them, providing Illinois’ neediest families with the ability to choose the best education for their children is “wrong.”

State Sen. Daniel Biss not only voiced his opposition, but cast his vote against the compromise bill. Biss called it “absurd” to include a program that directly benefits needy communities in the state.

Time after time, the Democrat gubernatorial candidates have shown that they do not stand on the side of the people. Their united opposition to historic reform is a clear example that their policies are wrong for our children and wrong for Illinois.

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Last Chance! Democrats Have One More Day To Act On Soda Tax

With the tax likely in it’s final hours, Democrats have one final chance to stand up for taxpayers

“The inaction we’ve seen from the Democrat candidates for governor is indicative of their governing philosophy: loudly exclaim their support for working families and taxpayers, but then bury their heads in the sand when push comes to shove. Now that Soda Tax repeal is imminent, the Democrats have one final chance to show that they care.” – Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Aaron DeGroot

With only a day remaining in the shelf life of Toni Preckwinkle’s Soda Tax, the Democrat candidates for governor continue to sit on their hands. After 72 days of an overreaching tax that disproportionately hurts poor and working families, the Democrats have taken no action to stand up for Illinois citizens.

Their unwillingness to take a stand is inexcusable, but should not be surprising. When candidates claim their ‘independence,’ even their fellow Democrats know they are lying.

It has been 72 days since the tax was enacted, and many more since its initial passing. Poll after poll has made it clear that Illinoisans oppose the Soda Tax. They made it clear they will not stand for Toni Preckwinkle’s deceit, and took action.

Meanwhile, the Democrats are nowhere to be seen, trying to tow the line between Mike Madigan and the rest of the Chicago Machine.

If the Democrat gubernatorial candidates will not stand up against this unfair tax, Illinois voters should fear what they would bring to Springfield.

Last chance, Democrats.

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Democrat Audience Laughs At Pritzker’s Claim of ‘Independence’ from Madigan

As Pritzker tries to distance himself from Madigan, the Democrat audience responds with laughter and groans

“On Sunday, the Democrats running for governor were abundantly clear: Mike Madigan is for J.B. Pritzker. It makes sense, since Pritzker and Madigan both share a history of corrupt deal-making and gaming the system for their own personal gain. Pritzker’s attempts to distance himself from Madigan were literally laughable – so laughable that an audience of Democrats and progressives wren’t buying the malarkey he was peddling.” – Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Aaron DeGroot

On Sunday, the Democratic candidates for governor held a forum at the Chicago Teacher’s Union headquarters, and though they may disagree on exactly how high they will raise taxes, they all came together on one topic: Mike Madigan’s support for J.B. Pritzker.

When asked about his relationship with Mike Madigan, Pritzker repeatedly dodged the question, fumbling over his inability to change the subject. His discomfort was so plain that after being challenged on the issue by moderator Mary Ann Ahern, Pritzker’s non-answers were met with laughter from the crowd of Democrat activists.

Not only do Pritzker’s fellow Democrats discuss his support from Madigan, they also point out Pritzker’s Chicago mansion property tax scam.

Though Pritzker claims purposefully removing plumbing from a mansion for a huge tax break is simply a “renovation project,” others point out that they had “never even heard” of having a house reclassified as uninhabitable to game the reassessment system, making Chicago homeowners pay more while Pritzker pays less.

All the while, Pritzker decries the assessment system as unfair and broken, but he refuses to call for the removal of Cook County Assessor Joe Berrios, the man who made Pritzker’s ‘renovation project’ work.

The Democrats may not always agree on how big government should be, but they all came together on one topic: J.B. Pritzker is Mike Madigan’s candidate for governor.

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Chicago Democrats’ Soda Tax Facing Its Final Hours

Toni Preckwinkle’s purposeful deception of taxpayers will lead to Soda Tax repeal tomorrow

“One thing is clear from the Soda Tax debacle: Democrats refuse to stand up for Illinois taxpayers. After months of deceiving citizens, overwhelming public opposition is leading to the repeal of the Soda Tax, forcing Chicago Democrats to do their job and work with Republicans to protect taxpayers and spend their money wisely.” – Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Aaron DeGroot

Despite her best efforts, Toni Preckwinkle’s Soda Tax is facing a veto-proof majority in favor of repeal tomorrow after months of overwhelming public opposition.

The short lived tax was sold to taxpayers as a way to protect public health, which Preckwinkle herself refuted when she explained the tax was “first and foremost, for the revenue.”

This stunning defeat for the Chicago Machine shows Preckwinkle and her cronies that voters will not sit idly by while the Democrats continue to tax their way out of the mess they’ve created.

Despite this victory, Illinois voters should take note of the inaction on the part of the Democratic candidates for governor. None of them took action to defend taxpayers from Preckwinkle’s overreach, and one even had the audacity to fundraise on the issue after sitting on his hands while taxpayers paid the price.

The Soda Tax may be on its way out, but Chicago Democrats should beware: voters will not tolerate their deceit.

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ICYMI: Pritzker Endorsed by Madigan Front Group Then Dodges Questions About Close Ties To Madigan

Even as other Dems attack, Pritzker stays mum on Madigan, proving he’s Madigan’s candidate for governor

On Saturday, the Illinois Democratic County Chairmen’s Association voted to endorse Mike Madigan’s candidate for governor, J.B. Pritzker.

The endorsement was yet another example of the Madigan Machine working to clear the field and install a loyal Madigan ally like Pritzker in the Governor’s Mansion, but it’s unsurprising – the IDCCA has long been a front group for Mike Madigan.

IDCCA President Doug House and his predecessors have done Madigan’s bidding for years, using the IDCCA to funnel campaign cash to Madigan’s allies and vulnerable House Democrats.

Then on Sunday, the Democratic candidates for governor held a debate to discuss their plans to increase taxes and spending without real reform.

The candidates may not have agreed on everything, but they all came together behind one clear fact – J.B. Pritzker is Mike Madigan’s candidate for governor.

Pritzker was asked point blank about his relationship with Madigan, and he completely dodged the question, refusing to criticize Madigan. Other candidates like Chris Kennedy took the Madigan question as an opportunity to highlight Madigan’s stunning conflict of interest and Daniel Biss even said Madigan is too powerful.

Pritzker, on the other hand, refused to answer whether or not Madigan supports his candidacy.

It’s clear – J.B. Pritzker is Mike Madigan’s candidate for governor.

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Democrats Agree: Pritzker is Madigan’s Candidate For Governor

While other Dem gov candidates go on the attack against Madigan, Pritzker dodges and maintains his silence on Madigan

“While the Democrats running for governor all touted their same old tax-and-spend policies at Sunday’s forum, they all came together and agreed that J.B. Pritzker is Mike Madigan’s candidate for governor. Pritzker all but admitted it while dodging questions concerning his close relationship with Madigan, even as his Democrat opponents attacked Madigan for overstaying his welcome and conflicts of interest.” – Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Aaron DeGroot

On Sunday, the Democratic candidates for governor came together at the Chicago Teacher’s Union headquarters to discuss their plans to increase taxes and spend more without real reform – the same strategy Illinois Democrats have used for decades.

The candidates may not have agreed on everything, but they all came together behind one clear fact – J.B. Pritzker is Mike Madigan’s candidate for governor.

Pritzker was asked point blank about his relationship with Madigan, and he completely dodged the question, refusing to criticize Madigan. Other candidates like Chris Kennedy took the Madigan question as an opportunity to highlight Madigan’s stunning conflict of interest – serving simultaneously as a property tax appeals attorney and state representative who influences property tax law.

Meanwhile, Pritzker said nothing on Madigan, opting to keep quiet rather than attack his political patron.

The Democrats may disagree on how high to raise taxes or who is more beholden to special interests, but they can all come together and agree that J.B. Pritzker is Mike Madigan’s pick for governor.

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As Expected, Madigan Front Group Endorses Pritzker

IL Dem County Chairs Assoc. continues trend of Madigan subservience by endorsing Madigan’s candidate for governor

“The IDCCA has done it again. Their endorsement of Pritzker today is the latest chapter in a years-long pattern of bending to Madigan’s will. The IDCCA has long been an instrument to support Madigan’s vulnerable House members, and now they’re being used by Madigan to coronate Pritzker with the Democratic nomination for governor.” – Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Aaron DeGroot

As expected, the Illinois Democratic County Chairmen’s Association voted today to endorse Mike Madigan’s candidate for governor, J.B. Pritzker.

Today’s decision is yet another example of the Madigan Machine working to clear the field and install a loyal Madigan ally like Pritzker in the Governor’s Mansion, but the IDCCA endorsement is unsurprising – they have long been a front group for Mike Madigan.

House and his predecessors have done Madigan’s bidding for years, using the IDCCA to funnel campaign cash to Madigan’s allies and vulnerable House Democrats.

After taking big campaign checks from politicians special interest groups associated with Madigan, the IDCCA turned around and funneled that campaign cash to House Democrats and Madigan-enablers.

The IDCCA endorsement is nothing more than what we’ve already seen in this race: Mike Madigan pulling out all of the stops to coronate Pritzker with the Democratic nomination for governor.

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Soda Tax Opposition Reaching Fever Pitch

Less than a week to go, and the chorus of opposition to Preckwinkle’s failed Soda Tax continues to grow

“The audacity of Chicago Democrats who’ve claimed they ‘listened to their constituents’ after months of burying their heads in the sand is astounding. Illinoisans have been voicing their opposition to the Soda Tax before it even passed.” – ILGOP Spokesman Aaron DeGroot

It’s looking like Cook County Board of Commissioners President Toni Preckwinkle is losing her battle to dig into taxpayer’s pockets now that many of her loyal votes have turned on her.

In a new development, Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, Preckwinkle’s own floor leader, is now a supporter of repeal. Convenient that as soon as Mike Madigan opposes the tax, Garcia begins to “listen to his constituents” while Garcia’s candidate for governor Chris Kennedy fundraises on the repeal effort after months of inaction.

Illinois voters have been clamoring for the tax to be repealed since Toni Preckwinkle cast the deciding vote to put it in place, and now that repeal is inevitable, the Chicago Democrats are finally starting to open their eyes.

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In a Nod to Madigan, Longtime Madigan Front Group Expected to Endorse Pritzker

IL Dem County Chairs Assoc. has funneled campaign cash to Madigan’s allies and vulnerable House Democrats for years

“ILDCCA President Doug House is taking orders from Madigan – that’s why tomorrow’s expected endorsement of J.B. Pritzker comes as no surprise. For years, Madigan has used the ILDCCA to funnel campaign cash to his allies and vulnerable House Democrats. Now, Madigan is using the ILDCCA to bestow Pritzker with the Democratic nomination for governor.” – Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Aaron DeGroot

Tomorrow, the Illinois Democratic County Chairmen’s Association will be conducting a vote to endorse a gubernatorial candidate for the upcoming Democratic primary. In a nod to Speaker Mike Madigan, the ILDCCA is expected to endorse J.B. Pritzker, Madigan’s candidate for governor.

ILDCCA President and Madigan front man Doug House has already stated he will be casting his endorsement vote for J.B. Pritzker. House’s endorsement comes as no surprise – he’s already urged his fellow Democrats to “play nice” and not upset Madigan, as Madigan continues to steer support to Pritzker.

House and his predecessors have long done Madigan’s bidding and used the ILDCCA to funnel campaign cash to Madigan’s allies and vulnerable House Democrats.

After taking big campaign checks from special interest groups associated with Madigan and allies of Madigan in the General Assembly, the ILDCCA turned around and funneled that campaign cash to former House Democrats and Madigan-enablers like Kate Cloonen, John Bradley, and Mike Smiddy.

It’s clear the ILDCCA is one of many Madigan front groups.

Now, Madigan is using the ILDCCA to bestow Pritzker with the Democratic nomination for governor. The fact that Madigan will do anything to ensure Pritzker wins the nomination should worry Illinois voters, particularly Democrats.

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