Category: News

CHICAGO — In two weeks, 2024 will come to a close and one thing is clear: Illinois suffered yet another no good, very bad year under Democrats thumb, filled with scandals, corruption and disaster after disaster. Take a look at some of Illinois Democrats’ failures in 2024:

Tax Hikes

This year, Illinois families were forced to take on multiple tax increases, including a sales tax hike and a property tax hike. Combined, JB Pritzker and Illinois Democrats have forced the highest tax increase (over $750 million!) in Illinois history.

Budget Deficit

Brandon Johnson continues to prove that chaos reigns throughout Chicago as “America’s Worst Mayor” cannot pass a 2025 budget. Johnson has decided he’d rather saddle the city’s families with $300 million in tax hikes rather than do what the people have asked of him – cut superfluous programs and stop caving to special interests. Meanwhile, Governor Pritzker’s own office is projecting a $3.2 BILLION deficit next year after increased spending.

Migrant Crisis

Since 2022, JB Pritzker has spent nearly $3 billion of our taxpayer dollars to fund and provide services for illegal immigrants in the Land of Lincoln. Pritzker has shown us exactly where he stands: “I am going to do everything that I can to protect our undocumented immigrants.”

Prison Review Board

In April, Illinois experienced a tragedy when an 11-year-old boy was tragically murdered less than 24 hours after the Prison Review Board released his killer from prison. Following the incident, Pritzker and the Review Board twisted themselves into a pretzel, pointing fingers about their decision to prematurely release dangerous criminals onto our streets.

Soft on Crime

Crime continues to wreak havoc in Chicago and has only gotten worse since Pritzker signed the pro-criminal SAFE-T Act. As a result, Illinois residents have endured dangerous streets, neighborhoods, and even classrooms. Cook County Prosecutor Kim Foxx continues to give criminals a pass by not allowing gun, drug, and theft charges to be derived from some traffic stops, and dropping more felony cases than other prosecutors.

Madigan Trial

Former Illinois Democrat leader and big donor Mike Madigan is facing 23 counts of bribery, racketeering, extortion, and wire fraud. One of Illinois’ most powerful figures is now among an ever growing list of the corrupt politicians in Illinois’ history.

CTU

It’s simple: Brandon Johnson and Stacy Davis Gates want our public schools to take on hundreds-of-millions of dollars in high-rate loans to fund their radical agenda. Johnson will always prioritize the Chicago Teachers Union over taxpayers.

In October, all seven members of the Chicago Board of Education announced their resignation after Johnson pressured them to fire Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez. Martinez earned the ire of the Teachers Union and Johnson after he refused to issue a $300 million loan to fund the progressive demands of the Chicago Teachers Union.

On Election Day, CTU backed candidates and allies LOST a majority of school board races, proving that parents are tired of Johnson putting the Chicago Teachers Union first and them LAST.

Population Loss

Illinois residents continue to flee the Prairie State. A reported 32,836 residents left Illinois last year, forcing new tax burdens on Illinois families.

Failed DNC

This FOX News headline says it all: DNC in Chicago: Windy City rocked by violence even with migrant gangs on ‘good behavior’

Pritzker’s Political Future

FIRST: Pritzker traveled to New Hampshire in 2022 to raise his profile and set up a future presidential run.

THEN: Pritzker refused to quash rumors that he would leave Illinois to run for president when Democrats launched their soft coup against Joe Biden.

THEN: When Kamala Harris was announced as the Democrats’ preferred choice, even though she never received a vote outside of California, Pritzker launched a full-court press campaign to become her vice president.

NOW: After failing to earn the nod as the vice-presidential nominee, Pritzker immediately pivoted, making an effort to become the Democrats’ choice for president in 2028.

Bottom Line: 2024 was a disaster for Democrat leaders and they can’t point to how they made the lives of Illinois families better. Here’s hoping that they get their act together in 2025 – unfortunately, there’s no evidence that they will.

CHICAGO —  With less than three weeks to go until we reach 2025, Brandon Johnson continues to terrify Chicago, not being able to pass the 2025 city budget. Today, he called off a vote he was sure to lose on his proposed 2025 budget, setting up an unprecedented situation that could shut the city down. ILGOP Chair Kathy Salvi released the following statement:

“This Friday the 13th, it’s Brandon Johnson that is terrifying Chicago. Johnson has decided he’d rather saddle the city’s families with $300 million in tax hikes rather than do what the people have asked of him – cut superfluous programs and stop caving to special interests. Chicago families deserve a leader who will prioritize their needs, not someone who will embarrass them or act as a spokesperson for the Chicago Teachers Union, like Johnson does”

CHICAGO — In case you missed it, Tom Homan, President Trump’s border czar, visited Chicago Republicans yesterday, where he outlined his plan to remove illegal immigrants and implored JB Pritzker and Brandon Johnson to “come to the table” and work with the Trump Administration to protect our country. Here’s what they are saying about Tom Homan’s visit to a Northwest Side GOP “holiday party” yesterday:

Chicago Sun-Times: Chicago to be ground zero for mass deportations, Trump border czar tells Illinois Republicans

President-elect Donald Trump’s border czar Tom Homan came to Chicago on Monday to implore Mayor Brandon Johnson and Gov. JB Pritzker to “come to the table” and negotiate with him over a mass deportation plan that he declared would start right here.

Homan, the former acting head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement during Trump’s first term, began a 20-minute address at a Northwest Side GOP “holiday party” with some light ribbing before detailing his plan, which includes verifying the status of asylum seekers and arresting those who are found harboring criminals.

“Chicago’s in trouble because your mayor sucks and your governor sucks,” Homan said to cheers. Later, he called both “terrible,” while also telling them to “come to the table.”

To Johnson, who has said he would protect the city’s immigrants from federal agents, Homan said, “If he doesn’t want to help, get the hell out of the way.”

POLITICO: Tom Homan swings hard at Illinois Dems

“Chicago is in trouble because your mayor sucks and your governor sucks,” Homan said on stage for a Chicago GOP event. He was referring to Gov. JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson – both of whom have spoken out against President-elect Donald Trump’s mass deportation plans.

On immigration, Homan said he would “welcome” Illinois Democratic leaders to “come to the table. . Help us protect you,” he said. “Please. But if you don’t, get the hell out of the way.”

ABC7: Incoming border czar Tom Homan promises mass deportation: ‘Going to start right here in Chicago’

“I love it. I love it. Bring it. People need to know that this is a country with laws, and we’re going to have order,” said Chicago GOP Chairman Chuck Hernandez.

More than 50,000 migrants have arrived in Chicago since August 2022, stretching the city’s financial resources and the patience of many of its residents.

“We don’t have the money to be supporting so many people coming in in such a great number,” said Chicago Republican Lupe Castillo.

CBS Chicago: Tom Homan, President-elect Trump’s border czar, says deportation plan will start in Chicago

The man President-elect Donald Trump picked as the new border czar appeared in Chicago Monday night-and made a bold promise.

Tom Homan was a guest at a holiday party hosted by the Law and Order PAC and the Northwest Side GOP Club.

Homan said President-elect Trump tapped him to run the biggest deportation operation the country has ever seen-and he said that operation will begin in Chicago right after President-elect Trump is inaugurated for his new term on Jan. 20.

CHICAGO — Illinois Republican Party Chair Kathy Salvi penned an oped published this morning in the Washington Reporter pointing out JB Pritzker’s continued prioritization of illegal migrants over Illinois families. After Pritzker said that he would “do everything that [he] can to protect our undocumented immigrants,” it has become clear that no price tag is too great for the Illinois taxpayer to propel Governor Pritzker toward his ultimate goal, pursuing the White House in 2028. Add to that Mayor Brandon Johnson’s misplaced priorities to the tune hundreds of millions in tax hikes, and Illinois Democrats could not be more tone deaf when it comes to hearing the message voters sent two weeks ago. 

See below for excerpts from Chairman Salvi’s oped and read the full Washington Reporter piece HERE:

The truth is that we in Illinois are 3 years into this illegal immigration crisis, creating a massive burden on our families. This past February, despite a $1 billion budget shortfall and an additional $638 million spending spree, Pritzker issued $750 million in tax hikes and allocated millions of additional taxpayer money to house and feed thousands of illegal migrants as the state’s homelessness rate continues to rise.

Meanwhile in the city of Chicago, Mayor Brandon Johnson pledged millions in spending for illegals over the hundreds of millions promised to the Chicago Teachers Union and the recent complete embarrassment of losing his budget vote 50-0.

What’s worse, Chicago and Illinois mismanaged millions in funding for crises affecting Illinois residents. Since 2021, Illinois has only been kept afloat by COVID-era federal funding. Despite highlighting his “fiscal responsibility” in his reelection campaign, bills were only paid because federal dollars were spent to reduce the state’s overwhelming debt. Despite this federal bailout in all but name, Pritzker has continued to grow the budget and impose billions in tax hikes.

Additionally, the city of Chicago’s spending for illegal border crossers lacks transparency regarding over $400 million, and Illinois citizens completely shoulder the burden of rising healthcare costs for illegals.

Altogether, providing food, housing, and healthcare for illegals costs Illinois well over $1 billion. That’s $1 billion the state can’t afford.

That’s $1 billion taken from legal American citizens struggling with inflation and homelessness. And according to Pritzker – this is just the beginning.

8th State Central Committee Application Period Now Open

Chairman Kathy Salvi hereby issues notice pursuant to Article II Section C of the Bylaws of the Illinois Republican Party that a vacancy exists in the office of State Central Committeeman for the 8th Congressional District.  National Committeeman Dean White resigned this post on November 11th.  The 8th District Congressional Committee, consisting of the Republican Chairmen from Cook, DuPage and Kane Counties, is responsible for appointing a new State Central Committeeman to represent the 8th  Congressional District. 

Interested applicants should submit their application to the Illinois Republican Party’s Executive Director Matt Janes at [email protected].  All applications must be received by 5:00 PM on Monday, November 25, 2024.

The 8th District Congressional Committee will meet on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at 3:00 by Zoom to vote on a candidate to fill the vacancy.  The committee members will cast a weighted vote in accord with the voting strength of their respective counties.

Please feel free to forward this email and application materials to your various Republican networks.

Serving on the Illinois Republican State Central Committee, State Central Committeemen responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Establish, organize, and promote the operations of the Illinois Republican Party
• Attend and participate in quarterly State Central Committee meetings
• Attend local GOP meetings and functions
• Conduct the business of ILGOP State Convention

For the application, please click the link below

CHICAGO — JB Pritzker might as well have announced his 2028 campaign for the Presidency in his deceptive media availability this morning. Kamala Harris had the worst showing of a candidate in Illinois in more than 30 years, and Democrats in the legislature did not grow their advantage despite outspending Republicans by millions personally supplied by the Governor.

Earlier this week, Pritzker touted sending hundreds of volunteers to swing states – states that subsequently rejected Pritzker-style government that has made Illinois one of the most fled states in the nation. 

Republicans have established the party of hard working Americans, while Democrats have become the party of wealthy elites. It’s only fitting that they turn to another wealthy elite in 2028. 

Governor Pritzker should do us all a favor and start his campaign now. We’ll be just fine without him.

CHICAGO — Last night, American voters sent a clear message – we are tired of the tax and spend policies of Democrats. President Trump won in a sweeping victory across the nation, including making significant inroads in Illinois. 

Illinois Republican Party Chair Kathy Salvi released the following statement:
“This morning marks a brighter future for our nation and our state. President Trump’s administration brought us prosperity 4 years ago and will do so again by securing our border, bringing down the cost of living for families, and protecting our individual liberties. Illinois made massive strides last night, reflecting the foundation we are building to bring in new voters and compete with the billionaire governor and his band of cronies in Springfield. Time to get back on our horse and start working again – there’s only 727 days until the 2026 midterms.”

CHICAGO — The leftist Democrat playbook for Illinois is being unveiled right before our eyes. In his effort to kowtow to the Chicago Teacher’s Union, Mayor Brandon Johnson is unveiling the playbook that Democrats are working to promote in this state.

Highlights include:

• Taxes, Taxes, and More TAXES – From WGN: “Despite continued promises not to raise property taxes stemming back to his mayoral campaign, Mayor Brandon Johnson has proposed to do just that in a $17.3 billion city budget plan he unveiled Wednesday.
  Johnson’s 2025 spending plan eliminates the projected $982.4 million budget gap but includes the largest property tax increase since 2016. It comes as many Chicago homeowners are already grappling with higher property taxes following Cook County’s triennial reassessment.”
• Don’t look at me, it’s everyone else’s fault – From WTTW: “Johnson blamed the city’s dire financial condition on mismanagement by his predecessors in a briefing with reporters Tuesday afternoon.
  “We have just had irresponsible administration after administration that has kicked the can down the road and now it is in front of my door,” Johnson said. “The alternative is just not acceptable, reducing services and compromising overall safety.”
• Cuts for Cops, but not for my cronies – From The Chicago Defender: “Without this tax increase, officials warn the city would face a drastic reduction in services and jobs-up to 4,000 positions or 17% of its workforce. This would cut 2,500 police officers and over 600 firefighters and reduce basic services like garbage collection, street maintenance, and emergency response.” 
• We value diversity of thought, as long as you agree with our Leftist agenda – From CBS Chicago: “A letter signed by 40 aldermen says appointing Rev. Johnson is a “failure of leadership” and also calls out Mayor Brandon Johnson for not better vetting Rev. Johnson, who is not related to the mayor.
  The aldermen are referring to many of Rev. Johnson’s pro-Palestinian and pro-Hamas Facebook posts over the past year, including one after the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, in which he wrote, ‘People have an absolute right to attack their oppressors by any means necessary.’
  …However, other problematic social media posts have since emerged showing Rev. Johnson supporting sexist comments and 9/11 conspiracy theories.
  In a post on his Facebook account in May, Rev. Johnson shared a video that displays the words ‘When a Man earns money he dreams of giving his family and his wife the best. But when a Woman earns money she feels She does not need her man and her family. Sounds harsh but it’s reality.’ Rev. Johnson’s caption for the post says ‘Sad Facts.'”

BOTTOM LINE: Illinois Democrats are opening up the playbook for all to see. This Leftist agenda is bad for Chicago, bad for Illinois and BAD for America. 

CHICAGO —  As families get ready for trick-or-treating, ghost stories and horror movies, remember that there’s nothing scarier than the failures and corruption of the Illinois Democrat Party. Take a look at some of the ways IL Dems been made the Prairie State a nightmare:

Shifty Masks: For 36 years, Former House Speaker Mike Madigan held the most influential position in Illinois politics – meanwhile, underneath his mask, he was partaking in mass corruption scandals behind Illinoisians’ backs. A wicked alliance between Madigan’s funds and Democrat Illinois State Representative candidates in turn for votes to keep him in power, along with the current corruption trial with charges against Madigan including racketeering, bribery, and wire fraud, lifted Madigan’s deceitful mask.

Scary Stories: Mayor Brandon Johnson told a fleet of fairytales when campaigning for Mayor of Chicago promising to focus on education and lower property taxes. Unfortunately, the reality haunts Chicagoans. Brandon Johnson has poured millions of taxpayer dollars into the Chicago Teachers Union. Meanwhile, student test scores continue to plummet. To add insult to injury, Johnson is looking to impose a ghastly $300 million property tax hike in the 2025 budget to fix his haunting $1 billion deficit. Mayor Brandon Johnson’s scary stories are enough to keep Chicagoans uneasy all year long.

The Nightmare is far from over as Illinois Democrats continue to ruin our state. One solution – vote Republican!

CHICAGO — News broke yesterday that Brandon Johnson is prioritizing his relationship with the Chicago Teachers Union over the broader interests of Chicago residents by raising property taxes to fund the lucrative contracts labor unions have demanded with his administration. Johnson promised over and over again that he would not raise property taxes during his campaign, a tactic he previously called “lazy.”

Surprise, Chicago. A Democrat lied to you about raising taxes. Shouldn’t be a surprise, especially after the governor tried to mask a $1 Billion tax hike as a tax cut.

Maybe that $150,000 campaign check from the donor under arrest for murder for hire could offset some of the mayor’s tax hikes, or is that too much to ask?

Promises made, promises broken. See below for more coverage:

Crain’s Chicago Business: Johnson budget will rely on property tax increase to avoid a fight with labor

Chicago Tribune: Aldermen expecting Mayor Brandon Johnson’s budget plan to include property tax increase

ABC Chicago: Mayor Brandon Johnson to propose Chicago property tax hike, sources say

WGN: Reports: Mayor Brandon Johnson will propose property tax increase when he presents 2025 budget this week