Tag: Pritzker

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J.B. Pritzker’s “First Major Flip-Flop”: Skipping Pension Payments

Analysts, advocacy groups, newspaper editorial boards, and lawmakers from across the political spectrum threw cold water on Pritzker’s pension flip-flop

“During his budget address last week, J.B. Pritzker said he was a student of history. You would think someone who has studied Illinois’ past would know that pension holidays are a recipe for disaster. Repeating mistakes of the past won’t fix our state’s $135 billion unfunded pension liability. I urge Governor Pritzker to stop taking pages from the Blagovich playbook and stay true to his campaign promise of making our state’s full pension payments.” – Illinois Republican Party Chairman Tim Schneider

One aspect of Governor J.B. Pritzker’s pension plan is being called the “first major flip-flop” of Pritzker’s tenure. During his campaign for governor last year, then-candidate Pritzker told the Crain’s Chicago Business Editorial Board that lawmakers must increase, not decrease, annual contributions to our state’s pension systems. Now, Pritzker has proposed doing the exact opposite – reducing the state’s Fiscal Year 2020 contribution to the public pension systems by $878 million.

During the campaign, Pritzker also pledged to use new, unrealized tax revenues – from taxing legalized sports betting or retail marijuana sales – on increased payments to the pension systems. To add insult to injury, Pritzker’s recently proposed budget spends that theoretical tax revenue on other projects and spending plans.

Pritzker’s budget also increases the state’s contribution to the Public School Teachers’ Pension and Retirement Fund of Chicago by over $20 million, while decreasing the state’s contribution to the Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) by over $200 million, something that did not go unnoticed by the Illinois Retired Teachers Association. TRS manages pensions for suburban and downstate public school teachers.

Analysts, advocacy groups, newspaper editorial boards, and lawmakers from across the political spectrum threw cold water on Pritzker’s pension flip-flop:

When asked if deferring pension payments without elaborating on a new payment schedule is the equivalent of a “pension holiday,” Ralph Martire of the left-wing Center for Tax And Budget Accountability said “well, yeah.”

The Illinois Retired Teachers Association blasted the “irresponsible” proposal, saying:

Members of the Illinois Retired Teachers Association (IRTA) are imploring Governor J.B. Pritzker to cease the decades-long practice of not fully funding the pension systems.

…During his budget address Wednesday, Governor Pritzker proposed allocating $4.237 billion into the Illinois Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS), a figure $576,000,000 too short of what is legally and ethically required to pay for the pension benefits of retired teachers and current teachers.

…It should be noted that this pension holiday is focused only on teachers outside of the City of Chicago. Pritzker did propose increasing the payments to the Chicago Teachers’ Pension Fund.

The Chicago Tribune Editorial Board published an editorial of takeaways from Pritzker’s budget address, saying it “[kicks] the pension can”:

Pritzker’s plan to address $134 billion in unfunded liabilities relies on notions calibrated to not offend public employees unions: shoring up the pension funds with additional money from tax revenues; the sale of unspecified state assets; borrowing up to $2 billion by selling pension bonds; stretching out the current payment schedule; and making permanent an employee buyout program. Taken together, it’s more can-kicking. The only way to save the pension funds, and protect taxpayers, is to amend the Illinois Constitution’s pension clause. No, Pritzker didn’t say anything about that.

The Daily Journal published an editorial on Pritzker’s plan to short the pension funds, writing:

…Facing pension payments of $7.1 billion this year, $8.2 billion next year and $9 billion by 2022, the J. B. Pritzker administration has a different pension funding plan.

The idea is to short the state payment $800 million per year. Then, take several of those $800 millions and roll them into a bond issue. Three years’ worth of payments, say $2.4 billion, become a much, much higher number when you pile 20 years of interest on them.

…Ironically, a version of this sleight of hand was performed under Gov. Rod Blagojevich. He skipped $10 billion worth of payments — borrowing the money instead. Taxpayers will be making those bond payments until 2033.

…The scheme is akin to taking your credit card payment and rolling it into your mortgage. You’ll feel better this month. Whether you will feel better in 10 years is unknown.

And Republican State Senator Jason Barickman said Pritzker’s pension plan is a “very risky gamble.”

Pritzker’s pension “plan” is more of the same, failed policies that got our state into the mess it’s currently in. Illinois taxpayers and retirees cannot afford to return to the pension holidays of the Blagojevich era.

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J.B. Pritzker’s Unbalanced Budget Proposal: Pritzker Is The New Blagojevich

ILGOP Chairman Tim Schneider issues statement on Governor Pritzker’s first budget address

“Skipping pension payments, borrowing new debt, raising taxes, increasing spending – it’s clear that J.B. Pritzker is the new Rod Blagojevich. Pritzker’s unbalanced budget proposal is more of the same, failed policies that got our state into the mess it’s currently in. Illinois taxpayers cannot afford to return to the budget deficits and failed policies of the Blagojevich era. Pritzker pledged to deliver a balanced budget, and he failed.” – Illinois Republican Party Chairman Tim Schneider

Today, Governor J.B. Pritzker gave his first budget address where he outlined his first, and probably not last, unbalanced budget proposal. In his speech, Pritzker advocated for a return to the same, failed budgeting that got our state in the mess it’s in:

  • Skip pension payments, $800 million a year for the next seven years
  • Issue $2 billion in new pension obligation bonds to make up for skipping pension payments
  • Increase spending by hundreds of millions of dollars
  • Levy new taxes
    • Theoretical graduated income tax, could not be enacted unless voters approve referendum in fall 2020, and Pritzker still refuses to release rates or revenue projections, yet Pritzker promises it will pay for everything – from pensions, to property and income tax cuts
    • Enact statewide plastic bag tax
    • Legalize recreational marijuana use, tax sales
    • Legalize sports betting, tax winnings
    • Increase video gaming taxes
  • Phase out the bipartisan Invest In Kids tuition tax credit scholarship program for low-income schoolchildren

Shorting the pension system $800 million a year might be the most irresponsible proposal from Governor Pritzker’s FY2020 budget. Pritzker’s decision to skip pension payments will cost billions of dollars more down the road. This is the exact opposite of what Pritzker pledged he would do during his campaign for governor. Last year, Pritzker told the Crain’s Editorial Board that the state should increase, not decrease, yearly contributions to the state pension systems.

Furthermore, Governor Pritzker’s spending plan relies on tax revenue the state has not yet received. It will take years to enact a theoretical graduated income tax, yet Pritzker is already committing that revenue to new projects. Pritzker’s budgeting is reckless and fiscally irresponsible.

It’s clear – J.B. Pritzker is the new Rod Blagojevich. Illinois taxpayers cannot afford to return to the budget deficits and failed policies of the Blagojevich era. Pritzker pledged to deliver a balanced budget, and he failed.

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Illinois Republican Party Chairman Tim Schneider Statement On Governor Pritzker Signing Minimum Wage Legislation

Moments ago, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed legislation into law that will nearly double Illinois’ minimum wage over the next six years. Illinois Republican Party Chairman Tim Schneider issued the following statement in response:

“This is only the beginning of J.B. Pritzker’s war on taxpayers and small business. Nearly doubling the minimum wage will destroy entry-level jobs, raise prices for consumers, and bust budgets at every level of government. Pritzker pledged to govern differently and listen to all parties and stakeholders, but those turned out to meaningless words.”

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J.B. Pritzker Falsely Says He Compromised With Republicans On Minimum Wage Hike

Pritzker: “We listened to [Republicans] and included many of their ideas in [the minimum wage legislation]”

 

“Governor Pritzker is misleading the people of Illinois about his minimum wage plan by falsely claiming it’s the product of compromise and Republican input, even though no Republicans support it. If Pritzker thinks it’s a ‘Republican idea’ to phase in the wage hike over six years as opposed to three or enact insufficient tax credits for small business, he’s wrong. Pritzker pledged to listen to Republicans and compromise, but it turns out those were just empty, meaningless words.” – Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Aaron DeGroot

 

Governor Pritzker is falsely claiming that his minimum wage plan is the product of bipartisan compromise and Republican input.

From Governor Pritzker’s press conference yesterday:

“We brought all the parties together, including Republicans, and we listened to them and included many of their ideas in [the minimum wage legislation]. There were people who wanted a three-year ramp to 15 dollars. It’s six-years. That’s quite the compromise… We listened to all parties and made sure we had a bill that is a compromise of interests.”

Republican State Senators have suggested the minimum wage rate vary based on geographic region, cost of living, and other factors, but Pritzker has refused to incorporate those concerns. Republicans have also warned of the negative impacts employers, nursing homes, non-profits, colleges, local units of government, and others will face, yet Pritzker’s only response has been that his budget will address those some or all of those issues.

Additionally, groups that represent small businesses, like the Illinois Retail Merchants Association and the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association, have offered an alternative proposal, yet Pritzker still refuses to compromise and insists that the Illinois House of Representatives pass the bill without any changes whatsoever.

Pritzker pledged to listen to Republicans and compromise on policy, but it turns out those were just empty, meaningless words. Pritzker’s reckless proposal will cost taxpayers and small businesses dearly, destroying jobs and government budgets along the way.

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Illinois Republican Party Opposes Pritzker’s Reckless Minimum Wage Plan, Citing Huge Cost To Taxpayers, Small Business

Taxpayers will pay at least an additional $1 billion a year in increased spending by the time the plan is fully implemented, and that’s a low estimate

 

“Did Governor Pritzker have any intention to return to the ‘agreed-bill’ process? On his first major legislative initiative, that answer is a hard no. This is the same failed form of governing that put Illinois in the poor fiscal condition it’s in. Pritzker is ignoring the concerns of Republican lawmakers and business leaders as he attempts to ram through legislation that would nearly double the state’s minimum wage just so he can chalk up a ‘win’ before his budget address, but at what cost?

“Pritzker’s minimum wage hike will crush small businesses and will cost taxpayers at least a billion dollars a year once the plan is fully implemented, and that’s not even a complete estimate. Pritzker’s administration has not disclosed the full amount of increased spending his wage hike would require. Pritzker’s reckless budgeting will cost taxpayers and small businesses dearly. It is yet another Pritzker proposal that will bankrupt Illinois.” – Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Aaron DeGroot

Moments ago, the Illinois State Senate voted on a partisan basis to raise the state’s minimum wage to $15/hour. No Democrats voted against the measure.

In early December of last year, the Chicago Tribune reported that a “confidant” of Governor J.B. Pritzker said Pritzker would like to return to the “agreed-bill” process, where all stakeholders on an issue reach a compromise on legislation before it moves forward for passage in the General Assembly.

It turns out that was only talk from Pritzker. He, along with Democratic lawmakers, have so far ignored the concerns of the business community and Republican lawmakers on his first major legislative initiative to nearly double the state’s minimum.

Pritzker has shown no interest in compromise. He has set an arbitrary political deadline of February 20th, the day of his first Budget Address, for passage his minimum wage plan. Pritzker is attempting to ram through this hugely consequential piece of legislation just so he can chalk up a “win” before his first big speech.

The plan has huge consequences for Illinois taxpayers and small businesses:

Capitol News Illinois: Leaked Pritzker memo details minimum wage increase

“…making the total annual cost of the wage increase about $1.1 billion annually by [FY2026]”

Illinois News Network: Minimum wage increase will cost taxpayers in all levels of government

“During a House hearing on the issue, representatives asked staff from the governor’s office if he’ll include the tens of millions of estimated additional costs to taxpayers from an increase in the minimum wage. They couldn’t immediately say.”

Pritzker’s administration has not disclosed a complete estimate of the total increase in spending his wage hike would require. It does not include increased costs other government programs, public universities, community colleges, counties, towns, park districts, and all other units of local government will face.

Pritzker’s reckless budgeting will cost taxpayers and small businesses dearly. It is yet another Pritzker proposal that will bankrupt Illinois.

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Illinois House Democrats Are The Only Legislative Caucus To Not Have Leadership Term Limits

At least 31 House Dems, including 3 members of Speaker Madigan’s leadership team, have stated they support or are open to some form of leadership term limits

 

“The people of Illinois do not vote for legislative leaders, but they strongly support the concept of term limits. That’s why Illinoisans deserve the opportunity to amend the constitution via a binding ballot referendum and term limit the four legislative leaders. Governor Pritzker, all members of the State Senate, all House Republicans, and at least 31 House Democrats, including 3 members of Speaker Madigan’s leadership team, have voiced support for some form of leadership term limits.

“There is a bipartisan super-majority that supports leadership term limits. The votes are there to pass a constitutional amendment referendum in both chambers. It’s time for the General Assembly to finally act on this critical issue and take one step towards restoring the people’s control over state government.” – Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Aaron DeGroot

 

Three of the four legislative caucuses in the Illinois General Assembly have instituted some form of leadership term limits.

Through a unanimously-adopted resolution of their chamber rules, Illinois Senate Democrats and Republicans imposed a five-term, ten-year limit on the Senate President and minority leader for the 101st General Assembly. The Senate first enacted this term limit in the 100th General Assembly. That resolution was also unanimously-adopted.

Illinois House Republicans have enacted term limits on their caucus leader via their caucus rules.

And even Governor J.B. Pritzker has stated he supports leadership term limits.

That leaves the Illinois House Democrats – the only legislative caucus without some form of leadership term limits. The House Democratic caucus has been led by Speaker Michael Madigan for decades – 18 terms as Speaker of the House and several more terms as minority leader – but that doesn’t mean House Democrats are opposed to leadership term limits.

At least 31 House Democrats, including 3 members of Speaker Madigan’s leadership team, have affirmatively stated that they support or are open to some form of leadership term limits or term limits on all legislators.

Here are House Democrats in their own words:

Kelly Cassidy: “Yes… I have cosponsored legislation creating leadership term limits.” (Chicago Tribune candidate questionnaire)

Asst. Majority Leader Linda Chapa LaVia: “Chapa LaVia pointed out… that she has voted for term limits for the legislative leadership.” (The Beacon-News, 2/10/17)

Deb Conroy: “I am supportive of leadership term limits.” (Daily Herald candidate questionnaire, 10/15/18)

Melissa Conyears Ervin: “I believe voters could benefit from having new voices and new ideas on a regular basis. But if term limits are going to be applied to the legislature, they should be applied so they include statewide officials, as well.” (Chicago Sun-Times candidate questionnaire)

Terra Costa Howard: “I think term limits sound like a really good idea to voters who are frustrated with unresponsive governments and legislative deadlock.” (Daily Herald candidate questionnaire, 10/10/18)

Jerry Costello, II: “Costello said he supports term limits for the leadership of the General Assembly.” (Republic-Times, 7/18/18)

Asst. Majority Leader Fred Crespo: “I support term limits for legislators as well as constitutional officers.”  Daily Herald candidate questionnaire, 10/13/16)

Anthony DeLuca: Introduced a constitutional amendment that, if approved by voters, would prohibit State Representatives and State Senators from serving more than 3 terms in their respective chambers  (HJRCA 1, 101st G.A.)

Mary Edly-Allen: “While term limits on leaders may help, the only way to keep so much power out of the hands of so few is to overhaul our campaign finance system and limit the amount of money in our elections.” (Daily Herald, 10/31/18)

Sara Feigenholtz: “Yes, [I support term limits for legislative leadership positions].” (Chicago Tribune candidate questionnaire)

Robyn Gabel: “I support term limits for leadership and proposed such legislation in 2011.” (Chicago Tribune candidate questionnaire)

Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz: “I believe in term limits for legislative leadership because those positions are not directly elected by the voters of Illinois.” (Chicago Tribune candidate questionnaire)

Mike Halpin: “Halpin ok with term limits for leadership positions” (WHBF-TV, 9/12/16)

Fran Hurley: “I do support term limits on leadership positions.” (Chicago Tribune candidate questionnaire)

Stephanie Kifowit: “I am open to considering proposals for leadership term limits.” (Chicago Tribune candidate questionnaire)

Theresa Mah: “I do support term limits for legislative leaders.” (Chicago Tribune candidate questionnaire)

Asst. Majority Leader Natalie Manley: “If a term limit proposal ever appears on a ballot, I will support whatever decision my constituents make.” (Chicago Tribune candidate questionnaire)

Joyce Mason: “I am supportive of term limits for legislative leaders.” (Daily Herald candidate questionnaire, 10/23/18)

Rita Mayfield: “I support term limits at every level: local, county, state and federal.” (Daily Herald candidate questionnaire, 10/13/16)

Bob Morgan: “I support term limits for legislative leaders to ensure that voices from across Illinois are heard in the lawmaking process.” (Chicago Tribune candidate questionnaire)

Marty Moylan: “I support term limits for legislators.” (Daily Herald candidate questionnaire, 10/12/18)

Michelle Mussman: “I support giving voters a say in a constitutional amendment to establish term limits for statewide and legislative offices.” (www.votemichelle.org/issues)

Diane Pappas: “I believe in a democracy it should be up to the voters, not the legislature, to decide whether Illinois should adopt term limits via a referendum placed on the ballot.” (Daily Herald candidate questionnaire, 10/12/18)

Delia Ramirez: “I am open to considering legislation that establishes term limits but cannot offer unilateral support on this issue without seeing the specific language for the legislation being proposed.” (Chicago Tribune candidate questionnaire)

Lamont Robinson, Jr.: “Voters should decide their representation, but we should lean towards limiting decades-long legacies from developing. I think 20 years is plenty of time to perfect your craft and really make improvements in your districts. I will commit to sponsoring legislation to that end.” (Chicago Tribune candidate questionnaire)

Anne Stava-Murray: “Term limits for legislative leaders are necessary to avoid dangerous consolidations of power.” (Daily Herald candidate questionnaire, 10/22/18)

Karina Villa: “Villa supports term limits for all state representatives, including Madigan.” (Daily Herald, 9/24/18)

Mark Walker: “Yes, I think there should be term limits on legislative leaders and I would vote in favor of this.” (Daily Herald candidate questionnaire, 10/12/18)

Ann Williams: “I’m open to limits on leadership, though I don’t believe there will ever be another leader who will serve as long as the Speaker so I don’t think the issue will be very relevant in the future.” (Chicago Tribune candidate questionnaire)

Lance Yednock: “What [Yednock] is certain about is term limits… [Yednock] believes a decade is enough time for one individual to hold office but is open to discussing alternative limits.” (The Times, 10/20/18)

Sam Yingling: “I have always supported term limits…Yes, [I support term limits for legislative leadership positions].” (Chicago Tribune candidate questionnaire)

Republican State Rep. Tim Butler is currently carrying a leadership term limit constitutional amendment in the House, HJRCA 12. Democratic State Sen. Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant is currently carrying a similar measure in the Senate, SJRCA 3. Last session, Senate Republican leader Bill Brady also carried a similar measure, SJRCA 2, that had bipartisan support.

There is a bipartisan supermajority that supports leadership term limits. It’s time for the General Assembly to finally act on this critical issue and take one step towards restoring the people’s control over state government.

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ILGOP Statement on Gov. Pritzker’s Executive Order Concerning Taxpayer-Funded Abortion

Yesterday, Governor J.B. Pritzker issued an executive order concerning taxpayer-funded abortion and stated Illinois will be the “most progressive state in the nation” on abortion under his administration. Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Aaron DeGroot issued the following statement in response:
“Making Illinois the ‘most progressive state in the nation’ on taxpayer-funded abortion is not something to be proud of. Rather, it’s tragic. At a time when our state budget is strained already, allowing this new and unfettered entitlement program to continue is beyond fiscally irresponsible. The Illinois Republican Party is deeply disappointed in Governor Pritzker’s executive order and will continue to oppose taxpayer funding of abortion.”

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Newspapers, Republicans Call on Governor Pritzker To Follow Through On Fair Map Pledge

ILGOP Chairman Schneider: Pritzker must fulfill his promise to voters on fair maps and oppose obstruction from Madigan, Cullerton

“An overwhelming majority of Illinois voters supports independent redistricting reform, but Speaker Madigan and President Cullerton have, through lawsuits and obstruction in the legislature, blocked all efforts to let the people have their voices heard. Governor Pritzker must follow through on his fair map pledge, work around Madigan and Cullerton, and empower rank-and-file Democrats to stand up to their leaders and enact meaningful change. Republican lawmakers are ready to work with Democrats on this critical issue to finally get the job done. It’s time for the people to truly be able to choose their representatives, not the other way around.” – ILGOP Chairman Tim Schneider

Yesterday, House Republican Leader Jim Durkin has filed a constitutional amendment, HJRCA 10, that mandates the creation of an independent redistricting commission to draw legislative district boundaries. All 44 House Republicans support the measure. Only 27 Democrats are needed to pass this measure. In the past, a similar measure sponsored by former State Rep. Jack Franks received near-unanimous support in the Illinois House. The Senate sponsors of that bill were Senators Heather Steans, Melinda Bush, and former Senator Dan Biss.

And in the Senate, a past version of an independent redistricting reform proposal received bipartisan support from 39 Senate Democrats and Republicans, enough to pass the measure out of the chamber, but President Cullerton refused to call the legislation for a vote.

Governor J.B. Pritzker has stated he supports an independent redistricting commission. Pritzker even went so far as to pledge he would veto any new legislative district map drawn by the General Assembly: “Yes, I will pledge to veto [any state legislative redistricting map proposal that is in any way drafted or created by legislators, political party leaders and/or their staffs or allies]. We should amend the constitution to create an independent commission to draw legislative maps…”

Several leading Illinois newspapers have also recently editorialized on the need for an independent redistricting commission.

From the Chicago Sun-Times: In the glow of victory, Governor, listen to the GOP on gerrymandering

…Already, Republican lawmakers in Springfield have tossed a bill in the hopper that would replace political gerrymandering with legislative districts drawn by an independent commission. The bill is patterned on a failed citizen initiative for a Fair Maps Amendment that was shot down by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2016.

…We know we’re asking Madigan and his pals — as well as the new governor — to behave nobly, to put democracy above partisan self-interest. And we know Republican legislatures, such as Wisconsin, have been anything but noble. They have worked overtime to skew election results through gerrymandering and other means.
But what’s right is right. It’s that simple.

The makeup of the Illinois Legislature — and of every state legislature — should reflect the will of the voters, not party bosses.

From The News-Gazette editorial: Another battle for fair maps

…Nonetheless, CHANGE Illinois hasn’t given up, and it’s determined to continue to apply pressure on legislators to initiate this important change. Further, it’s possible that Pritzker could play a key role in helping to bring about that change, although it’s equally possible that Madigan and Cullerton will ignore anything he has to say.

At any rate, Doubek said she and her allies remember Pritzker’s pledge not to sign off on a gerrymandered legislative map, and they intend to remind him of it on a regular basis.

…But Madigan is a ruthless political tactician who is determined to retain gerrymandering. Using the courts, he’s twice defeated efforts to put a proposed Fair Map constitutional amendment to a public vote.

Further, one ought not get too excited about Pritzker’s anti-gerrymandering pledge because, unfortunately, campaign promises don’t count for much.

When he was governor, Democrat Pat Quinn made the same pledge Pritzker did, only to meekly sign Madigan’s gerrymandered 2011 maps into law.

From The Dispatch-Argus editorial: Seize the day, give elections back to voters

Clearly, mapmaking is a power that Madigan has no intention of ceding. So how to go forth? First, lawmakers can stop leaving the fight to others; that includes the U.S. Supreme Court. Those applauding the court’s decision to again hear a pair of gerrymandering cases this term should be careful what they wish for. The court’s new makeup has court observers worrying that the majority will protect, not reject, partisan maps.

That means Pritzker and Illinois lawmakers must take the matter out of justices’ hands by crafting a constitutional amendment that creates an independent commission to draw districts that let voters choose their political leaders and not the other way around, as well as answers the constitutional objections raised in past court challenges.

They must then demand en masse that Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton call identical bills — without amendments — for a vote. And Pritzker must sign it.

From the Chicago Tribune editorial: What will J.B. Pritzker do with his clout?

…Pritzker will stroll into office with this friendly legislature he helped install. That advantage could elevate him higher even than Madigan, the nation’s longest-serving House speaker. Will Pritzker protect his own reputation and be a governor who demands performance? Will he use his leverage to insist on a truly balanced budget? On pro-growth strategies to keep residents and employers from fleeing? On reforms voters have been clamoring for, such as fair redistricting maps and term limits for politicians?

…California Democrats led on redistricting reform. A dozen other states have followed with fairer models that include less partisan influence. Illinois voters have been begging for those changes from a recalcitrant legislature. Unless Pritzker takes a leadership role on that issue, the next legislative map, drawn in 2021 after the 2020 census, likely will be a repeat exercise in incumbent protection and hyperpartisan politicking. Democrats fashioned the last set of maps for state and federal offices behind closed doors. They drew incumbents’ homes, their churches, their friends and their voting bases into each district on a block-by-block basis. It was patently undemocratic and self-serving — politicians choosing their constituents rather than the other way around.

From the Daily Herald editorial: Time for Pritzker, Democrats to follow fair-map vow

…Voters have other ideas. More than 563,000 of them signed petitions to put a question on a 2016 ballot for a constitutional amendment to have an 11-member board devise maps. It failed in the state Supreme Court that split sharply along party lines.

This year, scores of lawmakers signed on as sponsors to put a fair-map amendment on the ballot, but it never got called by legislative leaders for a vote. Pritzker has vowed to veto any gerrymandered maps. He needs to go further by championing a new process for drafting maps in the first place. Since we’re back at Square One, let’s create a process to leave map-drawing to a commission that’s independent of politicians and lobbyists, rather than simply bipartisan.

…There’s a risk in taking the high road and playing the game in a new way. We know that, but we hope Pritzker, and Illinois Democrats, do it anyway.

In the fall of 2016, a public opinion poll from the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute found that voters in Illinois – 72% in total, a record high – overwhelmingly support an independent redistricting commission.

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ILGOP Chairman Tim Schneider Statement On Gov. Pritzker Unpaid Spending Promises, Budget Uncertainty

Moments ago, Governor J.B. Pritzker issued an executive order authorizing pay increases for thousands of state employees without specifying the costs to taxpayers. Illinois Republican Party Chairman Tim Schneider issued the following statement in response:

“Governor Pritzker has barely been in office for 24 hours, and he’s already signed an executive order spending an undefined amount of taxpayer dollars on state employee pay increases. Yesterday, we heard promises from Pritzker that he would work with Democrats and Republicans to balance the budget. Yet today, Pritzker unilaterally made reckless spending promises without specifying the costs, creating more budget uncertainty. It’s clear – the Pritzker agenda is the same agenda that has dragged our state down for decades – borrow, tax, spend, repeat.”

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ILGOP Chairman Tim Schneider Statement On Governor J.B. Pritzker’s Inaugural Address

Schneider calls out Pritzker for false promises, pledges to hold Democrats accountable during upcoming policy debates

Illinois Republican Party Chairman Tim Schneider released the following statement in response to Governor J.B. Pritzker’s inaugural address:

“It’s clear that Governor Pritzker’s agenda will be the same agenda that has dragged our state down for decades – borrow, tax, spend, repeat. Over the course of the election and again today, Pritzker promised billions of dollars in new spending, programs, and regulations, all of which our state cannot afford.

“And just a few short months ago, Pritzker broke with his party boss, Mike Madigan, when he promised to support legislative leadership term limits and an independent redistricting commission – two initiatives supported by the Illinois Republican Party – but we didn’t hear anything about them today. Why? Because they were only a ploy to win votes. Pritzker never intended to end the status quo in Springfield. Rather, he’s reinforcing it.

“Over the coming weeks and months, we will hold Pritzker, Madigan, Cullerton, and all Democrats accountable for their false promises because we know that they are the main culprits behind Illinois’ fiscal demise. We won’t be afraid to speak out against the latest policy disasters Illinois Democrats are embracing.

“The numbers prove it – Illinois taxpayers are fleeing our state in droves. We must change course before it’s too late or else there won’t be any taxpayers left. As the next debates begin in Springfield, Illinois taxpayers will know that the Illinois Republican Party is on their side.”

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