Thursday, April 19, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – While Bruce Rauner is on another tour abroad to promote a state he constantly attacks, he called into a radio show yesterday to discuss a higher education system he decimated— only to forget about a state university.

While discussing the University of Illinois, the failed governor said he wants to “get them to open a campus in Chicago,” seemingly unaware of the University of Illinois at Chicago. The clueless comment comes after Rauner devastated higher education in Illinois, forcing state universities to junk bond status, slashing spending on MAP grants, and driving students from state universities.

“Bruce Rauner only remembers our colleges and universities when he is decimating their funding,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “Instead of investing in Illinois’ students, this failed governor has leveraged their future to pursue his destructive agenda.”

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Thursday, April 19, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – Today, JB Pritzker issued the following statement in response to State Senator Sam McCann entering the race for governor:

“I welcome another voice to the race for governor at this critical time for our state,” said JB Pritzker. “Bruce Rauner is a failed governor who has done untold damage to communities throughout Illinois, and people from across the political spectrum are ready for change. Since announcing this campaign, I have worked to hold Rauner accountable for his failure and I will continue doing so as we bring Illinoisans together to put Springfield back on the side of working families.”

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Wednesday, April 18, 2018
 

Chicago, IL – Today, JB Pritzker joined calls to override Bruce Rauner’s reckless veto of the Gun Dealer Licensing Act and sign the gun violence prevention legislation on his desk.

“Gun violence is ripping apart our communities, destroying our families, and taking countless innocent lives, but our failed governor refuses to take action to fix this public health epidemic,” said JB Pritzker. “Instead of signing commonsense legislation into law, Bruce Rauner has talked out of both sides of his mouth, dragged his feet, and left Illinois’ families to pay the price. I was proud to march side by side with students demanding an end to gun violence, and I’m proud to support the rally in Springfield today. Illinoisans deserve a governor who will take charge to address gun violence in our communities and I will be that leader.”

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Wednesday, April 18, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – Today, JB for Governor released a new story in the multimedia “Rauner Failed Me” campaign highlighting the real people who have been hurt by Bruce Rauner’s failures as governor.

Gina, an elementary school teacher in Maywood, is the latest Illinoisan to be featured in the campaign. Gina was failed by Bruce Rauner when her school wasn’t sure if they could open because of Rauner’s constant crises. Gina’s story, and the stories of others who have been impacted by Bruce Rauner’s gross mismanagement can be found at the campaign’s website: RaunerFailedMe.com.

 

“Our students should be able to get a good education no matter their zip code, but Bruce Rauner has decimated the tools teachers like Gina use to help their students thrive,” said Pritzker campaign communications director Galia Slayen. “Our failed governor wants to wipe his hands of responsibility and say, ‘I’m not in charge,’ but Illinois’ working families are ready to hold him accountable.”

“During the budget crisis, we didn’t know if we could open in the fall or how long we could stay open,” said Gina Harris. “We were scared for our students and whether or not they would be able to get their education. My district already does not have the same resources as more affluent districts, so dealing with Bruce Rauner’s cuts and instability has been really damaging to us. I support JB because he understands this and has a proven record of expanding quality education. What he did with early childhood education shows me that he cares. He’s there, he listens, and he’s supportive of what our students need. That’s the kind of leadership that will go a long way to help students like mine.”

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Tuesday, April 17, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – JB Pritzker released the following statement in response to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services releasing monthly child abuse data:

“It is shameful that during National Child Abuse Prevention Month, Bruce Rauner had to be talked into releasing critical child abuse information while his Department of Children and Family Services continues to fail vulnerable children,” said JB Pritzker. “Understanding child abuse trends is vital to preventing child abuse in the future. I am relieved we will again have access to data, but real damage was done because this failed governor was hiding important information from the public. We should be able to count on DCFS to fight for vulnerable children, not fight against transparency.”

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Tuesday, April 17, 2018

 

Rauner Continues to Slash Funding While Increasing Costs for Public Colleges and Universities

 

Chicago, IL – Bruce Rauner’s FY19 budget proposal attempts to “balance” the budget on the backs of working people. With the General Assembly continuing to hold budget hearings this week, the Pritzker campaign is highlighting the different communities that would be hurt by this failed governor’s unbalanced budget.

After leading a three-year attack on higher education that forced universities to junk bond status, slashed spending on MAP grants, and drove college students from the state, Rauner’s proposed FY19 budget continues his same failed policies. His new budget would continue funding higher education at a 10% cut from FY15 while increasing universities’ costs by an estimated $206 million through a pension and health insurance cost shift scheme.

“Our state’s colleges and universities educate the workforce of tomorrow, but our failed governor is slashing their funding and decimating the tools students need to thrive,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “Bruce Rauner is leading an all-out assault on higher education and leveraging our future while students and educators pay the price.”

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Tuesday, April 17, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – The Quincy Cover-Up Report failed to address why it is taking Bruce Rauner so long to fully implement long-term solutions to end the Legionnaires’ crisis and keep our Veterans safe.

After three years of outbreaks and four months of investigations by lawmakers and the media, the Rauner administration produced a half-baked report solely to evade responsibility. Nothing within its 35 pages answered for Bruce Rauner’s failure to take charge and stop Veterans from dying on his watch.

“Bruce Rauner has failed to stop the yearly Legionnaires’ outbreaks in Quincy and only recently began thinking about long-term, permanent solutions,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “Our Veterans deserve better than a failed governor who puts his reputation over their well-being.”

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Monday, April 16, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – Today, JB for Governor released a new story in the multimedia “Rauner Failed Me” campaign highlighting the real people who have been hurt by Bruce Rauner’s failures as governor.

Jill, an adjunct professor, is the latest Illinoisan to be featured in the campaign. Jill has been failed by Bruce Rauner’s assault on higher education, creating job uncertainty for her and slashing critical programs for her students. Jill’s story, and the stories of others who have been impacted by Bruce Rauner’s gross mismanagement can be found at the campaign’s website: RaunerFailedMe.com.

 

“Bruce Rauner’s attacks on higher education have created a crisis for Jill, her students, and higher education institutions throughout the state,” said Pritzker campaign communications director Galia Slayen. “This failed governor is driving the best and the brightest out of Illinois with his destructive agenda.”

“I have personally witnessed the impact on students’ and professors’ lives since Bruce Rauner made us go two years without a budget,” said Jill Dupy. “Colleges were forced to make cuts after cuts and downsize. Every department had to cut spending, and that means cutting classes available to students, and cutting jobs for adjunct professors like me. JB has a vision for the state of Illinois, and I support him because of what he’s done —  not just what he says he’s going to do.”

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Monday, April 16, 2018

 

Administration Officials Wipe Hands Clean of Responsibility

 

Chicago, IL – Bruce Rauner’s administration is continuing to defend his fatal mismanagement of the Quincy Veterans’ Home while stonewalling legislators investigating the Legionnaires’ crisis.

In a 35-page report made public yesterday, the Rauner administration sought to correct “misconceptions around perceived notification delays,” but failed to address the “mind-boggling…inexcusable” six days it waited to publicize the Legionnaires’ outbreak. The administration tried and failed to downplay the delay, noting one IDPH official described the situation as a “possible outbreak” even though they later noted it as “the beginning of an epidemic.”

“While Bruce Rauner refuses to release the emails documenting his fatal mismanagement of the Quincy Veterans’ Home, his administration is on defense,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “This failed governor pays lip service to transparency while covering up evidence of administration-wide failures to get Veterans the care they deserve.”

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Saturday, April 14, 2018

 

Attends Local Democratic Party Meetings, Science Rally

 

Chicago, IL – Today, JB Pritzker made three stops in Chicago and the suburbs to rally a united Democratic Party ready to beat Bruce Rauner in November.

At his first stop, JB met with voters at the Democratic Party of Oak Park:

 

Then, he stopped at the Speak Up for Science Rally in Chicago:

 

JB wrapped up his day with Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky at the Democratic Party of Evanston:

 

Friday, April 13, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – Today, JB for Governor released a new story in the multimedia “Rauner Failed Me” campaign highlighting the real people who have been hurt by Bruce Rauner’s failures as governor.

Katrina, a special education teacher, is the latest Illinoisan to be featured in the campaign. Katrina has been failed by the shortage of educators created by Bruce Rauner’s disastrous agenda, impacting her ability to give her students the tools they need to thrive. Katrina’s story, and the stories of others who have been impacted by Bruce Rauner’s gross mismanagement can be found at the campaign’s website: RaunerFailedMe.com.

 

“Bruce Rauner has led an all-out assault on Illinois’ educators with devastating consequences for our students,” said Pritzker campaign communications director Galia Slayen. “While our failed governor desperately attempts to dodge accountability, families across our state pay the price.”

“Before Bruce Rauner became governor, we had a large amount of substitute teachers and paraprofessionals,” said Katrina Anthony. “Now, if I’m sick, I have to think about how that is going to affect my students. They can’t always find a substitute right away and it’s especially hard to find a substitute who understands my students and has the skills to make them comfortable. I support JB because of his commitment to education, his core values, and especially what he’s done to get children school breakfasts. I fully believe he has the children at heart and I know that will be central to him in Springfield.”

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Friday, April 13, 2018

 

Rauner Proposed Slashing Healthcare for Retired Teachers and State Workers by $599 Million in FY19

 

Chicago, IL – Bruce Rauner’s FY19 budget proposal attempts to “balance” the budget on the backs of working people. With the General Assembly holding budget hearings this week, the Pritzker campaign is highlighting the different communities that would be hurt by this failed governor’s unbalanced budget.

Despite having little legislative support, $599 million in “savings” in Rauner’s FY19 budget come from deep cuts to healthcare for public servants. Rauner proposed eliminating $129 million for retired teachers’ healthcare and reducing healthcare coverage for state workers by $470 million, slashing benefits and raising premiums for hardworking Illinoisans.

“State workers and retired teachers could see their healthcare coverage threatened by yet another unbalanced budget from this failed governor,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “While Bruce Rauner heartlessly slashes healthcare, JB Pritzker has a plan to expand quality, affordable healthcare coverage across the state.”

Read more about JB’s healthcare plan, IllinoisCares, HERE.

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Friday, April 13, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – Today is Bruce Rauner’s favorite holiday: National Blame Someone Else Day. To celebrate the joyous occasion, we compiled the greatest hits of Rauner blaming everyone but himself for his failures as governor:

• First up, the most ridiculous and poignant example. The chief executive of the state said: “I am not in charge. I’m trying to get to be in charge” of the same state he was elected to run.

• After an editorial board grilled Rauner for having accomplished next to nothing during his first term, Rauner blamed lawmakers and more for coming up short.

• When asked if he’d take responsibility for his fatal mismanagement of the Quincy Veterans’ Home, Rauner said “it’s so false” that he’d be responsible and then went on downplay the 13 deaths by saying “these things happen.”

• Following their boss’ lead, Rauner’s agency heads said they’re not in charge either and told lawmakers to ask a local health department and the governor’s legal team to answer for emails within their department.

“Every day is national blame someone else day for Bruce Rauner, a failed leader not in charge of the state,” said Pritzker campaign spokesman Jason Rubin. “No matter the crisis he causes, the agency he mismanages, and the damage he does, it’s clear Rauner will never take responsibility for his abundant failures as governor.”

 

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Thursday, April 12, 2018

 

Rauner Cut $150 Million from Medicaid in FY19

 

Chicago, IL – Bruce Rauner’s FY19 budget proposal attempts to “balance” the budget on the backs of working people. With the General Assembly holding budget hearings this week, the Pritzker campaign is highlighting the different communities that would be hurt by this failed governor’s unbalanced budget.

While 3.2 million Illinoisans rely on Medicaid, Bruce Rauner proposed a $150 million cut to the program in his FY19 budget. The failed governor made a 4% provider rate cut in his latest proposal, threatening the children, seniors, and disabled Illinoisans that rely on Medicaid for their healthcare needs.

“While Donald Trump proposes over a trillion in Medicaid cuts nationally, his local partner Bruce Rauner is following suit and proposing $150 million in cuts here in Illinois,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “This failed governor’s unbalanced budget deals a blow to the healthcare system that millions of Illinoisans rely on to build better lives.”

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Thursday, April 12, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – Today, the Pritzker campaign released the results from Rauner’s leaked ‘Illinois Priorities Survey’ draft. Here’s what Illinoisans think about their failed governor:

To: Interested Parties
From: Pritzker campaign
Re: Leaked ‘Illinois Priorities Survey’
Date: April 12, 2018

A new survey conducted in Illinois details the extent of Bruce Rauner’s failure as governor. After polling underwater for quite some time, the incumbent faced a heated primary campaign that almost cost him his party’s nomination. Called the ‘Worst Republican Governor in America,’ Rauner barely squeaked by with less than a 4-point margin against insurgent challenger Jeanne Ives. Now failing to consolidate the Republican vote, let alone the support of independents or Democrats, an uphill battle faces the nation’s most vulnerable incumbent governor, and the results of this survey show why.

Key findings

Illinoisans strongly rebuked Bruce Rauner’s ‘Junk-tastic’ fiscal management. 90% of respondents said his budget crisis took too long, and 80% said he’s not responsible for the school funding formula he vetoed twice. Write-in responses brought key criticisms to life, describing Rauner as ‘wandering aimlessly’ with ‘non-existent’ fiscal management and his relationship with his primary opponent as ‘ships passing in the night.’ 100% of respondents think Rauner will ‘book flights to Italy’ on November 6, 2018.

Questions

• Q1: As governor of the state, Bruce Rauner is: ‘Not in charge’ led with 78% of the vote. Respondents also submitted the following as write-in options: ‘wandering aimlessly,’ ‘incompetent,’ ‘a total failure,’ ‘sometimes in charge, sometimes not,’ and finally ‘Schroedinger’s Governor – both in charge and not at the same time.’

• Q2: 736 day budget crisis: ‘Too long’ said 90% of respondents. 10% ironically responded ‘not long enough.’

• Q3: The bill backlog tripled and state credit rating is at near-junk status. How’s the governor’s fiscal management? ‘Junk-tastic’ according to 86% of survey takers. Write-in responses include: ‘absolutely AWFUL,’ ‘non-existent,’ ‘unforgivable,’ and ‘BAD.’

• Q4: Who is responsible for historic education funding reform? Almost 80% of respondents believe it’s not ‘the guy who vetoed funding reform bills twice but still ran campaign commercials on it.’

• Q5: How would you describe Bruce Rauner’s handling of the Quincy Legionnaires’ crisis: No majority pulled through, but the following led by 19 points: “Nothing has taken long…there was nothing that’s somehow taken too long, or we didn’t do or we waited on. Nothing whatsoever.” Fittingly in last place, “We’re really on top of the situation.”

• Q6: Do you support Donald Trump the president? Respondents were similarly dismayed at signaling approval for the commander in chief, with only 12% responding ‘yes.’

• Q7: How would you characterize the relationship between Bruce Rauner and Jeanne Ives? Just under 50% of respondents described the pair as ‘best friends forever,’ but a colorful group of write-ins almost edged out the winner. Some include: ‘haters,’ ‘grudge match,’ ‘POOR,’ ‘ships that pass in the night,’ ‘strangers on a train,’ ‘oil and water,’ and ‘bad blood.’

• Q8: Who is your favorite Republican presidential also-ran propping up our campaign? Jeb! ran away as the also-ran favorite, but many respondents want to draft Ben Carson and John Kasich’s support for Rauner’s flailing campaign.

• Q9: What is your favorite Bruce Rauner costume? ‘Governor’ pulled ahead as the top pick with ‘Harley-riding man of the people’ coming in a close second. ‘Carhartt Jacket clad average joe’ trailed at a distant third.

• Q10: On November 6, 2018 Bruce Rauner will: ‘Book flights to Italy’ was the unanimous response.

Methodology

The Pritzker campaign surveyed an anonymous sample of 117 online users on April 11, 2018. The margin of error is +/− 100%. This parody poll was conducted online via Google Forms.

 

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Thursday, April 12, 2018

 

Finger Pointing, Lying Dominate Legislative Hearing

 

Chicago, IL – Bruce Rauner’s agency directors followed their boss’ lead yesterday at a legislative hearing, pointing fingers and blaming others for Rauner’s fatal mismanagement of the Quincy Veterans’ Home.

The directors of Rauner’s public health and Veterans affairs departments were unwilling to talk about the emails at the center of the Legionnaires’ crisis and told lawmakers to direct their questions to the Adams Country Health Department and the governor’s legal team. One agency head even lied about Rauner halting construction of the Chicago Veterans’ Home that has been delayed years by his budget crisis.

“While Bruce Rauner and his agency directors claim they’re not in charge, their fatal mismanagement of the Quincy Veterans’ Home continues another day,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “Illinois Veterans and their families torn apart by this failure of leadership deserve immediate answers, but all they’re getting is the runaround from Rauner and a team of people trying to shield him.”

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Thursday, April 12, 2018

 

At 60% Disapproval, Rauner is 3rd Least Popular Governor in Country

 

Chicago, IL – Morning Consult released their latest tracking poll of governors’ approval ratings, and it’s bad news for Bruce Rauner. The failed governor has a net approval rating of -34, the lowest of any incumbent running for re-election.

With his approval rating plummeting to 26% and disapproval rating soaring to 60%, Morning Consult singled Rauner out in their analysis:

Rauner dropped 10 percentage points in the first three months of the year. He emerged victorious in a March 20 primary contest against state Rep. Jeanne Ives, winning by almost 3 points. Three in 5 Illinois voters disapprove of Rauner’s job performance as he looks to hold off Democratic candidate J.B. Pritzker, a billionaire philanthropist and venture capitalist, in November.

 

“After Bruce Rauner’s disastrous record almost lost him the primary, the most vulnerable incumbent is stumbling through the general election and losing support by the day,” said Pritzker campaign communications director Galia Slayen. “Illinoisans know they can’t afford another four years of a failed governor that fatally mismanages the Quincy Veterans’ Home and drives the state economy into the ground.”

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Wednesday, April 11, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – Bruce Rauner decimated the state’s colleges and universities during his 736-day budget crisis, yet today he’s saying, “we need more resources for higher education.”

Throughout the manufactured budget crisis, colleges and universities across the state were forced to make devastating cuts year after year. Students fled, tuition was hiked, employees were laid off, and even bond ratings and rankings plunged under Bruce Rauner’s failed leadership.

“Bruce Rauner held our state colleges and universities hostage during his budget crisis, holding back vital state dollars while employees were laid off and students fled,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “This failed governor is the reason we don’t have more resources for higher education, as our critical institutions continue to rebuild from his devastating leadership.”

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Wednesday, April 11, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – Today, JB for Governor released a new story in the multimedia “Rauner Failed Me” campaign highlighting the real people who have been hurt by Bruce Rauner’s failures as governor.

Mike, an educator at Williamsville High School, is the latest Illinoisan to be featured in the campaign. Mike’s school has been forced to spend down it’s rainy day fund and slash budgets because of Bruce Rauner’s budget crisis. Mike’s story, and the stories of others who have been impacted by Bruce Rauner’s gross mismanagement can be found at the campaign’s website: RaunerFailedMe.com.

 

“Bruce Rauner has forced instability and crisis on our public education system with devastating effects on teachers like Mike and his students,” said Pritzker campaign communications director Galia Slayen. “Rauner has leveraged our students’ futures, failed Illinois’ educators, and created lasting damage that will take years to recover from.”

“From my standpoint as a teacher, when Bruce Rauner got into office everyone put the brakes on everything because we had no idea what was going to happen,” said Mike Gudwien. “My school had to spend down our rainy day fund, and we’re at rock bottom now. When budgeting becomes guess work, it’s a serious problem. We need a governor like JB who respects teachers and will prioritize public education so that kids get a good education no matter what zip code they grow up in. To govern a state, you have to care about the problems facing the people who live here, and JB gets it.”

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Wednesday, April 11, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – While the Rauner campaign launched an “Illinois Priorities Survey” yesterday, it was wildly different than a first draft sources tipped us off to. Take a look for yourself:

 

“Bruce Rauner forced this state into a 736-day budget crisis, fatally mismanaged the Quincy Veterans’ Home, and decimated the tools Illinoisans need to build better lives,” said Pritzker campaign spokesman Jason Rubin. “After three years of crisis, damage, and pain the results are in: Bruce Rauner has failed.”

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Wednesday, April 11, 2018

 

Rauner’s Unbalanced Budget Cuts Funding, Increases Expenses in Communities Across Illinois

 

Chicago, IL – Bruce Rauner’s FY19 budget proposal attempts to “balance” the budget on the backs of working people. With the General Assembly holding budget hearings this week, the Pritzker campaign is highlighting the different communities that would be hurt by this failed governor’s unbalanced budget.

To balance the state’s budget, Bruce Rauner is reducing shared income tax revenue while offloading state expenses to local governments across the state. Rauner proposed a 10% cut to the Local Government Distribution Fund while forcing cities and towns to pay for road construction and school districts to pick up pension costs. Now, local governments will be left to either slash services or increase property taxes.

“Bruce Rauner’s unbalanced state budget is leaving gaping holes in local government budgets across the state,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “Towns, cities and schools in communities across Illinois will suffer as Rauner tries to balance the budget at their expense and lets his fiscal mismanagement spiral.”

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Rauner Tried to Zero Out Ag Funding, Shut Down Illinois State Museum

 

Chicago, IL – Bruce Rauner is celebrating Illinois Agriculture Legislative Day today at the Illinois State Museum, but his failed record on supporting the agriculture industry begs serious questions:

• Why did Rauner propose eliminating funding for agriculture education? In 2016, Rauner zeroed out funding for the second time.

• Why did Rauner cut tens of millions of dollars for agriculture programs? In late 2017, Rauner cut $21 million from the Department of Agriculture in a budget legislators passed over his reckless vetoes.

• Why did Rauner hold back on disbursing the soil and conservation funds approved by the legislature? Rauner only disbursed $5 million of the $13.5 million appropriated, a nearly 63% reduction.

• Bonus: Why did Rauner close the Illinois State Museum for nine months? A few months into the budget crisis, Rauner closed the museum — which caused two thirds of management to leave — and suggested it charge admission to re-open.

“From gutting agriculture education to slashing funding for agriculture programs, Bruce Rauner has failed hardworking farmers and workers across Illinois,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “Illinoisans deserve a governor who knows one in 17 Illinois jobs is in the agriculture industry and values the working families that drive our agricultural economy — and that’s JB Pritzker.”

Read JB’s plan to nurture our agriculture economy HERE.

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Tuesday, April 10, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – Today, JB Pritzker and Juliana Stratton released the following statements on Equal Pay Day:

“Today and every day, we must fight for equal pay for women across our state and country, and as your governor, I will not relent until we make that a reality in Illinois,” said JB Pritzker. “When white women make 79 cents, African-American women make 65 cents, and Latina women make 54 cents for every dollar a man makes, a fundamental injustice is harming so many of our communities, and it’s time for it to come to an end. Unlike Bruce Rauner who vetoed the Equal Pay Act, I will prioritize signing that critical bill and ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment in Illinois. Let’s end the inequality and finally achieve equal pay for equal work in our state.”

“I sponsored the Equal Pay Act to finally right the wrong of pay inequality, but our failed governor vetoed it and slighted women in every corner of our state by doing so,” said State Representative Juliana Stratton. “We must rise up and demand what’s ours. No woman should ever earn less for doing the same job, period. Equal pay for equal work is a critical foundation from which we will build true equality in all aspects of our state and our country and it will be a top priority for me and JB in Springfield.”

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – Today, JB for Governor released a new story in the multimedia “Rauner Failed Me” campaign highlighting the real people who have been hurt by Bruce Rauner’s failures as governor.

Corina is an educator who is passionate about teaching, but has been failed by Rauner’s budget crisis that denied many of her students the opportunity to thrive in her science classes. Corina’s story, and the stories of others who have been impacted by Bruce Rauner’s gross mismanagement can be found at the campaign’s website: RaunerFailedMe.com.

 

“Bruce Rauner’s crisis driven agenda has denied Corina and her students the tools they need to thrive,” said Pritzker campaign communications director Galia Slayen. “While Corina and educators like her across Illinois advocate for their students, our failed governor continues to strip them of the stability they need in the classroom to be ready for the future.”

“I’ve always prided myself as an advocate for the underdog, and right now that’s the public education system,” said Corina Ousley. “Bruce Rauner’s failure to pass a budget has greatly impacted my ability to give my kids the tools they need to thrive. In Illinois, we aren’t adequately equipping our students for successful careers in technology and I’m really worried about their futures. I want somebody like JB, with a passion for our kids, a passion for education, and an understanding that young people do matter. They’re our future and we need a leader like JB who is ready to invest in their success.”

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Tuesday, April 10, 2018

 

Rauner Slashes $188.2 Million from Department of Human Services

 

Chicago, IL – Bruce Rauner’s FY19 budget proposal attempts to “balance” the budget on the backs of working people. With the General Assembly holding budget hearings this week, the Pritzker campaign is highlighting the different communities hurt by this failed governor’s unbalanced budget.

Following his heartless pattern of slashing services that help Illinoisans build better lives and a budget crisis that stripped services from over a million Illinoisans, Bruce Rauner cut over $188 million from the Department of Human Services’ budget in this year’s proposal. Mental health grants, addiction treatment, child care services, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) are all slated to get less support from the state under Rauner’s failed leadership.

“Year after year, Bruce Rauner decimates human services and undermines the tools Illinois families use to reach their full potential,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “When children living with autism or epilepsy, immigrants, and families seeking housing can’t get the support they deserve, this governor has failed.”

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Monday, April 9, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – Today, Bruce Rauner said “we need to move expeditiously” to take “strong action” on gun violence, but so far he’s vetoed or ignored any concrete solution passed by the legislature and only proposed a task force.

Rauner vetoed the Gun Dealer Licensing Bill a week before his heated primary election, and the fate of three other bills passed by the legislature remain unknown as Rauner takes his time to make up his mind.

 

“While gun violence ravages our communities, Bruce Rauner is talking out of both sides of his mouth and dragging his feet on critical bills passed by the legislature,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “Unlike Bruce Rauner, when JB Pritzker is governor he will treat gun violence like a public health epidemic and take strong action to keep our communities safe.”

Read JB’s plan to combat gun violence HERE.

 

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TRANSCRIPT

Reporter: What about the gun bills that are, you have vetoed? What’s going to happen? I know you’ve got a task force, but there’s a time limit coming up. Folks are going to be pushing in the next couple of weeks to see these passed.

Rauner: Oh, well, I agree with you Mary Ann. We need to move expeditiously. I’m disappointed that so far the Senate Democrats have not chosen to participate in our bipartisan task force yet. I hope that the Senate Democrats will join here shortly. We need to take strong action to reduce the violence in our communities and in our schools, and we can do this. There are good policy moves that we can make that are respectful of our federal constitution, but that will actually significantly increase public safety, reduce gun violence, and we are going to be coming forward in the next few weeks with very specific proposals on a bipartisan basis.

Reporter: What are you going to do with the bill that’s already on your desk right now to change the waiting period for assault weapons?

Rauner: We’ll be talking about that as part of an overall package in the coming few weeks.

 

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Monday, April 9, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – Today, JB for Governor released a new story in the multimedia “Rauner Failed Me” campaign highlighting the real people who have been hurt by Bruce Rauner’s failures as governor.

Paul, an educator from Naperville, is the latest Illinoisan to be featured in the campaign. Paul is proud to be an educator, but he has been failed by Bruce Rauner’s constant attacks on public education, creating instability in his school district and jeopardizing the programs students need to thrive in school. Paul’s story, and the stories of others who have been impacted by Bruce Rauner’s gross mismanagement can be found at the campaign’s website: RaunerFailedMe.com.

 

“Bruce Rauner has created a crisis in public education, jeopardizing funding that Paul and his fellow teachers rely on to help their students build better lives,” said Pritzker communications director Galia Slayen. “While our failed governor throws his hands up and says, ‘I’m not in charge,’ educators and students suffer the consequences of his destructive agenda.”

“I’ve dedicated my life to educating our children, first teaching 3rd graders for 10 years, then 5th graders for four, and now as president of the IPEA,” said Paul Gamboa. “Bruce Rauner’s failed policies have had a great deal of impact on my district. When we make the cuts, the School Board tries to trim the fat and keep cuts out of the classroom, but our district doesn’t have fat left. It’s the critical programs that are suffering. Bruce Rauner says he understands what us and our children are going through, but it’s just lip service. I’m with JB because he understands the needs of our school districts and our teachers. He’s going to fight the systemic issues that our teachers have to deal with every day, and make sure our kids get the support they need to thrive in school.”

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Monday, April 9, 2018

 

Pension Cost Shift Diverts Money from Classrooms, Could Hike Property Taxes

 

Chicago, IL – Bruce Rauner’s FY19 budget proposal attempts to “balance” the budget on the backs of working people. With the General Assembly holding budget hearings this week, the Pritzker campaign is highlighting the different communities hurt by this failed governor’s unbalanced budget.

The crux of Rauner’s budget proposal focuses on a pension cost shift where Rauner “saves” hundreds of millions of dollars by passing the pension responsibility to local school districts. But with no proportional increase in state funding for education, Rauner’s plan forces school districts to make a choice: divert funds from classrooms or increase local property taxes.

“Working families across the state could pay the price for another unbalanced budget from this failed governor,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “If Bruce Rauner did his homework, he’d learn his budget would take money out of classrooms and could force a property tax hike, but instead he’s busy taking credit for a bill he vetoed to prop up his failing reelection bid.”

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Friday, April 6, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – As state bonds go to market, S&P is slamming the “persistent crisis-like budget environment” under Bruce Rauner’s failed leadership.

Rauner has failed to propose a balanced budget as governor, and he forced the state through an unprecedented 736-day budget crisis where bipartisan lawmakers ultimately overrode his reckless vetoes.

“Bruce Rauner creates crises, destroys state finances and slashes services for over a million while trying to force his failed agenda on our state,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “This governor’s fiscal mismanagement has failed Illinois, and people across the state and country are taking notice.”

 

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Friday, April 6, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – One year ago, JB Pritzker announced his campaign for governor. Since then, JB has introduced detailed plans, traveled across the state and connected with thousands of voters, and built a broad, grassroots coalition of Democrats ready to beat Bruce Rauner and win up and down the ticket in November.

“Over the past year, Juliana and I have met thousands of voters in every corner of the state and built a campaign infrastructure ready to beat Bruce Rauner and win big in November,” said JB Pritzker. “We’re going to put Springfield back on the side of working families with real plans and the help of energetic supporters in every county.”

Here’s just a snapshot of what the campaign has accomplished over the past year:

• April 6, 2017: Watch: JB Pritzker announces his run for governor

• April 7, 2017: Crain’s: J.B. Pritzker is Chicago tech’s BFF in race for governor

• April 27, 2017: Illinois Times: Pritzker takes strong stand on abortion rights

• May 13, 2017: JB promotes innovation and entrepreneurship on two-day tech tour

• June 6, 2017: Illinois AFL-CIO endorses JB for Governor

• June 20, 2017: Congressman Luis Gutierrez Endorses JB Pritzker for Illinois Governor

• July 13, 2017: Peoria Journal-Star: JB Pritzker pledges downstate revitalization plan during Pekin visit

• July 23, 2017: WBBM: At Issue: J.B. Pritzker’s Ideas For The State To Help Poor Neighborhoods

• July 31, 2017: Chicago Tribune: Pritzker says he’ll lead Illinois as resistance state to Trump

• August 1, 2017: JB announces IllinoisCares: a plan to lead the nation in expanding access to affordable healthcare

• August 5, 2017: Rockford Register-Star: Pritzker touts record of good works, job creation

• August 9, 2017: JB announces Early Childhood Education plan

• August 10, 2017: Watch: Juliana Stratton joins ticket as lieutenant governor candidate

• August 23, 2017: Chicago Sun-Times: Pritzker nabs another endorsement: Secretary of State Jesse White

• August 30, 2017: Peoria Journal Star: JB Pritzker economic plan focuses on infrastructure, small-business growth

• September 5, 2017: WBBM: JB Pritzker, City Alderman Condemn President Trump’s Order To End DACA

• September 6, 2017: Watch: JB concludes six day “Think Big” Bus Tour

• September 7, 2017: Watch: JB and HB 40 sponsors hand delivers 4,000 postcards to Bruce Rauner’s office

• September 25, 2017: Labor Tribune: Pritzker adds Laborers’ endorsement, promotes jobs plan

• September 27, 2017: WTAX: Guv endorsement: Mendoza for JB

• October 8, 2017: WICS: Illinois Democratic County Chairmen’s Association endorses Governor candidate

• October 9, 2017: Watch: Cheri Bustos endorses JB for Governor

• October 30, 2017: Congressman Mike Quigley endorses JB

• November 1, 2017: Chicago Sun-Times: Gov hopeful Pritzker spends $1 million on Obamacare enrollment ads

• November 2, 2017: JB and Juliana Release Criminal Justice Reform Plan

• November 3, 2017: WREX: Pritzker proposes marijuana legalization, criminal justice reforms

• November 8, 2017: Andy Manar endorses JB for Governor

• November 9, 2017: JB Releases Veterans Plan

• November 16, 2017: WILL: JB Pritzker Picks Up Endorsement From Treasurer Frerichs In Governor’s Race

• November 20, 2017: Crain’s: Illinois governor candidate J.B. Pritzker wants to rebuild Democratic Party

• November 22, 2017: Vandalia Radio: Pritzker Opioid Plan Would Focus On Prevention, Treatment

• December 8, 2017: NBC 5 Chicago: ‘I Will Be in Charge,’ Pritzker Says as Durbin, Duckworth Endorse Him

• December 8, 2017: Crain’s: What a senator’s backing means for Pritzker

• December 9, 2017: Illinois Federation for Teachers endorses JB for Governor

• December 17, 2017: The Southern Illinoisan: At campaign stop, Pritzker tells Southern Illinois Democratic Women he’s ‘ready to resist’

• January 11, 2018: Personal PAC endorses JB

• January 10, 2018: Illinois Education Association endorses JB

• January 22, 2018: Chicago Sun-Times: Pritzker betting the pot on legalizing marijuana in governor’s race

• February 3, 2018: JB and Juliana kick off second “Think Big” bus tour

• February 7, 2018: Equality Illinois PAC endorses JB for Governor

• February 22, 2018: Quad Cities Dispatch-Argus: Pritzker wants to help state’s underserved

• March 8, 2018: State Journal Register: J.B. Pritzker: Use Illinois governor’s office to help people

• March 12, 2018: Chicago Sun-Times: Endorsement: J.B. Pritzker and the future of Illinois

• March 20, 2018: Chicago Sun-Times: J.B. Pritzker runs away with Democratic nomination for governor

• March 21, 2018: Crain’s: Pritzker soars, Rauner survives, setting up November battle

• April 3, 2018: JB and Illinois Educators hold #RaunerFailedMe press conference

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Friday, April 6, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – Three years ago to the day, Bruce Rauner gave us a glimpse into the guiding principle that would define his governorship. Months before he forced the state into a historic budget crisis, Rauner told the Chicago Tribune:

From there on, the mantra would guide Rauner’s every move. First, Rauner manufactured a 736-day budget crisis to force an anti-union agenda on Illinois, slashing services for over a million Illinoisans along the way. Then came a school funding crisis where Rauner vetoed historic school funding legislation twice and inserted a backdoor voucher program for private schools. And, Rauner failed to stop a Legionnaires’ crisis from spiraling out of control, with 13 lives lost and dozens sickened at the Quincy Veterans’ Home and still no plan to keep our Veterans safe.

But as Rauner says, “crisis creates opportunity.” Opportunity for what remains to be seen.

“Three years ago, Bruce Rauner told us all we needed to know about how he’d govern Illinois,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “‘Crisis creates opportunity,’ Rauner said, and crisis is all Illinoisans have seen under Bruce Rauner’s failed leadership.”

 

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Thursday, April 5, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – Bruce Rauner’s cover up of his fatal mismanagement of the Quincy Veterans’ Home stands in stark contrast with his repeated promises to “make Illinois government the most efficient, transparent in America.” In 2016, Rauner said, “the FOIA Act is there for a reason, to provide openness and transparency to the people of Illinois.”

 

Despite his lofty rhetoric, Rauner has repeatedly and consistently violated FOIA law and was sued several times for not releasing official correspondence:

• AP: Gov. Rauner, Who Campaigned On Transparency, Now Secretive

• Chicago Sun-Times: Secretive Rauner Reneges On Campaign Promises

• Chicago Reader: What’s Governor Rauner up to? None of your business 

• Illinois Times: AG dings Rauner for FOIA violation; Not the first time

• Cook County Record: Governor’s Office Accused Of Failing To Comply With Freedom Of Information Act Request

• AP: AG’s office: Rauner improperly withholding calendar details

• Illinois Times: Rauner releases calendar; Governor gives up fight after lawsuit, AG rulings

• Politico: Rauner Administration Blocks Request For First Lady’s State Emails

• Chicago Sun-Times: Ousted Rauner Staffer Sues Gov’s Office Over First Lady’s Emails On Abortion

• WMAY: AG Madigan Claims Rauner Administration Violated FOIA In Munger Appointment

• Crain’s: Rauner Keeping Public In Dark About Rates In Medicaid Reboot

• St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Editorial: Double standards for Gov. Bruce Rauner

“While vowing to be a transparent governor, Bruce Rauner keeps public records under lock and key and has a storied history of covering up his many failures,” said Pritzker communications director Galia Slayen. “Rauner is right about one thing: the FOIA Act is there for a reason, and this failed governor should start answering to the people of Illinois.”

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Wednesday, April 4, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – Today, JB Pritzker held a press conference with Illinois educators who have been failed by Bruce Rauner in Springfield. They highlighted Rauner’s attacks on public education and the impact it has had on Illinois students as part of the #RaunerFailedMe series. Their stories and more can be found on the campaign’s website: www.RaunerFailedMe.com.

“Corina, Mike, Jill, and educators across Illinois represent the very best of this state, but instead of standing with them, Bruce Rauner has put every obstacle in their path.” said JB Pritzker. “When schools are forced into crisis mode because they don’t know if they will be able to open in the fall, the governor has failed. When the quality of a child’s education remains at risk simply because an upgrade to the school funding formula is held hostage, the governor has failed. And when education funding is held up because he wants to pit communities against each other, the governor has failed. We need a governor they can work with, not one they are constantly fighting against. I’m running for governor to put our state on a new path, and I’m ready to put Springfield back on the side of our hardworking teachers and the students they represent.”

“From my standpoint as a teacher, when Bruce Rauner got into office everyone put the brakes on everything because we had no idea what was going to happen,” said Mike Gudwien. “There’s no game plan with him – there’s just uncertainty because we never know if we’re going to have a budget. My school had to spend down our rainy day fund, and we’re at rock bottom now. We’ve got to rebuild, but we’re unsure of the future. We need a governor like JB who respects teachers and will prioritize public education so that kids get a good education no matter what zip code they grow up in.”

“I have personally witnessed the impact on students’ and professors’ lives since Rauner made us go two years without a budget,” said Jill Dupy. “Colleges were forced to make cuts after cuts and downsize. Every department had to cut spending, and that means cutting classes available to students, and cutting jobs for adjunct professors like me. JB has a vision for the state of Illinois, and I support him because of what he’s done—not just what he says he’s going to do.”

“Bruce Rauner’s failure to pass a budget has greatly impacted my ability to give my kids the tools they need to thrive,” said Corina Ousley. “We live in a technological age, and I can’t think of a class that’s more important than science, but too often my classroom is overlooked and given the short end of the stick. In Illinois, we aren’t adequately equipping our students for successful careers in technology and I’m really worried about their futures. I want somebody like JB, with a passion for our kids, a passion for education, and an understanding that young people do matter. They’re our future and we need a leader like JB who is ready to invest in their success.”

Wednesday, April 4, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – Bruce Rauner is guesstimating with no concrete plan to end the Legionnaires’ crisis at the Quincy Veterans’ Home. The wide range of estimates coming from his administration make it clear that Rauner has no idea how much it will cost to replace the water pipes at the facility, let alone the cost of an actual solution.

Here’s how much his administration has claimed a water system replacement would cost in the past few months alone:

• August 2016: $8 million according to a firm hired by the Rauner administration, BRiC Partnership, and a total of $17 million for additional proposals.

• December 2017: Over $500 million according to Rauner IDVA director’s estimate to WBEZ.

• January 2018: $25 million to $30 million according to Rauner IDVA director’s testimony to lawmakers.

• February 2018: $11 million according to an updated BRiC Partnership report, and a total of $24 million for additional proposals.

• March 2018: Rauner’s senior advisor tasked with ending the Quincy crisis said he had no cost estimate for a fix, but will come up with a plan by “sometime this fall.”

• April 2018: $16 million according to a new Rauner administration cost estimate sent to a special task force, and a total of $278 million for all of their proposals.

“Three years, 13 deaths, dozens sickened and Bruce Rauner is still grasping at straws instead of presenting any semblance of a concrete solution to end the Legionnaires’ crisis,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “This is fatal mismanagement as a failed governor refuses to take charge and protect the lives of our state’s heroes.”

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Tuesday, April 3, 2018

 

Rauner Requested $50 Million, But Fix Could Cost $265 Million

 

Chicago, IL – Bruce Rauner’s fatal mismanagement of the Quincy Veterans’ Home could now cost Illinois taxpayers $265 million, over five times the amount Rauner requested for “Legionella control” in his latest budget proposal, according to a new Rauner administration estimate.

A report on the new estimate also showed the project is expected to take at least four years to complete, one year longer than last month’s estimate of at least three years. Yet, just weeks ago, Bruce Rauner said “nothing has taken long…there was nothing that somehow taken too long, or we didn’t do or we waited on. Nothing whatsoever.”

“While Bruce Rauner allows costs to skyrocket and pushes back timelines to fix the Quincy Veterans’ Home, the wellbeing of our nation’s heroes remains at risk,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “This failed governor should have given the Legionnaires’ crisis his full attention from day one, but three years later and after 13 Veterans and spouses died on his watch, Rauner is still failing to address the issue.”

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Tuesday, April 3, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – Today, JB Pritzker held a press conference with Illinois educators who have been failed by Bruce Rauner. They highlighted Rauner’s attacks on public education and the impact it has had on Illinois students as part of the #RaunerFailedMe series. Their stories and more can be found on the campaign’s website: www.RaunerFailedMe.com.

“Bruce Rauner has failed teachers, education support professionals, and students in every corner of this state,” said JB Pritzker. “This governor forced a school funding crisis on Illinois. He vetoed critical school funding legislation, stuck a backdoor school voucher program onto the bill, and then he vetoed another school funding bill. Rauner has taken every opportunity to jeopardize funding for our schools, destabilizing our education system and dividing our state. I’m running for governor to put our state on a new path, and I’m ready to put Springfield back on the side of our hardworking teachers and the students they represent.”

“During the budget crisis, we didn’t know if we could open in the fall or how long we could stay open,” said Gina Harris. “We were scared for our students and whether or not they would be able to get their education. My district already does not have the same resources as more affluent districts, so dealing with Bruce Rauner’s cuts and instability has been really damaging to us. I support JB because he understands this and has a proven record of expanding quality education. What he did with early childhood education shows me that he cares. He’s there, he listens, and he’s supportive of what our students need. That’s the kind of leadership that will go a long way to help students like mine.”

“Bruce Rauner’s failed policies have had a great deal of impact on my district,” said Paul Gamboa. “We don’t know how much money we’re getting year to year. Bruce Rauner says he understands what us and our children are going through, but it’s just lip service. I’m with JB because he understands the needs of our school districts and our teachers.”

“The teacher shortage in Illinois is a real concern,” said Katrina Anthony. “Before Bruce Rauner became governor, we had a large amount of substitute teachers and paraprofessionals. Now, if I’m sick, I have to think about how that is going to affect my students. They can’t always find a substitute right away and it’s especially hard to find a substitute who understands my students and has the skills to make them comfortable. I support JB because of his commitment to education, his core values, and especially what he’s done to get children school breakfasts. That really stood out. I fully believe he has the children at heart and I know that will be central to him in Springfield.”

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Tuesday, April 3, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – From lies about his unbalanced budget proposals to the primary opponent that almost ousted him, Bruce Rauner can’t seem to tell the truth. Fact checkers have taken the failed governor to task and repeatedly corrected his pathological lies. Here is just a sampling of the falsehoods that Politifact has corrected:

“After failing the state for three years, Bruce Rauner has desperately turned to peddling blatant falsehoods to distract from the damage he’s done,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “From conducting private business on public property, to saying he presented a balanced budget, and even lying about where his grandparents are from, it is clear Illinoisans just can’t trust Lyin’ Bruce to tell the truth.”

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Monday, April 2, 2018

 

Rauner Cut Autism Funding on World Autism Day in 2015 and Decimated it Every Year Since

 

Chicago, IL – In his first year in office, Bruce Rauner cut autism funding on World Autism Day and has continued decimating critical services every year since. In 2015, Rauner suspended a $1 million grant for autism programs, and he froze or completely eliminated autism funding in each of his budget proposals. JB Pritzker released the following statement on World Autism Day:

“Today and every day, let’s celebrate the unique talents of those with autism and work together to create a more understanding and accepting society,” said JB Pritzker. “While the world comes together to recognize the accomplishments of people with autism, Bruce Rauner cut autism funding on World Autism Day and continues to undermine critical programs that help Illinoisans build better lives. Bruce Rauner is a failed governor devoid of a moral compass, and when I’m governor, I will stand with our families and ensure autism programs are funded so all Illinoisans can succeed.”

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Monday, April 2, 2018

 

A Day After Rauner Declares “We in Illinois Must Strive Every Day to Make it Veterans Day”

 

Chicago, IL – A day after Bruce Rauner declared “we in Illinois must strive every day to make it Veterans Day,” his Department of Public Health announced late on Friday that two dozen residents and staff at the Quincy Veterans’ Home had fallen ill with what they suspect is norovirus.

The announcement came in the form of a Friday news dump press release, a step above the administration’s “mind-boggling” and “inexcusable” six-day delay in announcing the Legionnaires’ outbreak in 2015. Under Bruce Rauner’s failed leadership, the Quincy Veterans’ Home continues to be plagued with health issues — from recurring fatal outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease to the potential norovirus reported last week.

“With Bruce Rauner still failing to get the Legionnaires’ crisis under control, new health issues are now coming to light at the Quincy Veterans’ Home,” said Pritzker campaign spokesman Jason Rubin. “The lives of our nation’s heroes continue to be jeopardized by staggering incompetence at the highest levels of Bruce Rauner’s administration.”

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Friday, March 30, 2018

 

Rauner Dismisses Questions, Claims

 

Chicago, IL – As Bruce Rauner stumbles into his reelection campaign, the failed governor is under fire after a new audit exposed widespread fiscal mismanagement in his own office.

The audit of the governor’s office revealed the administration had been overstating assets by $7 million while also having other agencies pay staff salaries to disguise the true cost of the governor’s office. Rauner reacted to news of the systemic mismanagement with a dismissive, “everyone in the government is human” as he proceeded to praise the team responsible.

“Bruce Rauner decimated the state economy, manufactured a 736-day budget crisis, and now it’s revealed Rauner can’t even manage the finances of his own office,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “The staggering extent of this failed governor’s mismanagement is only exceeded by his proclivity for lying about it to anyone who is still listening.”

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Friday, March 30, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – JB Pritzker released the following statement three years after Bruce Rauner’s “Good Friday Massacre:”

“Three years ago, Bruce Rauner revealed his true character and moral compass by decimating our state’s social services on Good Friday,” said JB Pritzker. “In his first months in office, Rauner targeted our most vulnerable residents and slashed $26 million in funding for tools that help Illinoisans build better lives. From gutting immigration, autism, and epilepsy services to eliminating addiction prevention and after-school programs, this disgrace of a governor failed so many communities on that dark day in 2015. Illinoisans deserve better, and when I’m governor, I will work with communities to rebuild the programs that Bruce Rauner viciously cut so every Illinoisan can reach their full potential.”

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Thursday, March 29, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – Political commentators are making it clear that Bruce Rauner has a tough shot at re-election after his party is in shambles with last Tuesday’s primary results. NPR Illinois took an in-depth look at what the failed governor faces ahead on the campaign trail:

 

NPR Illinois: Rauner’s Uphill Climb To A Second Term

Commentary: Insights from the 2018 primary election

“Is this embattled Republican governor toast?” — Natasha Korecki, Politico

“Is Gov. Bruce Rauner a lame duck limping?” — Chuck Sweeny, Rockford Register Star

“Illinois Gov Bruce Rauner is dead meat” — Dennis Byrne, ChicagoNow

November 6 is still quite a ways away, but as the writers and pundits suggest, Gov. Bruce Rauner has a long uphill climb in front of him if he hopes to convince Illinois voters to give him a second term after narrowly escaping Rep. Jeanne Ives’ upset bid in the GOP primary. […]

For those keeping score at home, that’s two big strikes against Rauner:

— A likely national Democratic wave, boosting Pritzker and other candidates of a unified party.

— Ugly divisions within Republican ranks, especially among more conservative voters who took Rauner at this word that he had no social agenda when he first ran in 2014 and also among partisans who think governors shouldn’t lie to legislators or churchmen. Trust is easy to lose, but next to impossible to regain.

An equally difficult challenge for the governor will be to convince voters that four more years will be any more productive for the state and its citizenry than the last three. Rauner’s mantra in 2014 was simple– Pat Quinn is a failed governor. Yet Illinois is worse off in many respects after three-plus years of Rauner. The state’s budget deficit is larger, its bond ratings worse, its social service safety net shredded and universities threatened by a 736-day budget stalemate.

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Thursday, March 29, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – After revelations that the Illinois Department of Public Health’s chief of staff took a leave of absence to perform campaign work during the Quincy Veterans’ Home crisis, Bruce Rauner now claims that it was “perfectly appropriate” for the chief of staff to leave.

As news of his fatal mismanagement continues to break, Rauner has consistently shown his indifference to the health of Illinois’ Veterans. The latest comments come after the failed governor claimed, “these things happen” and after emails revealed his administration prioritized public relations spin over taking immediate steps to protect Veterans’ home residents.

“Even after Veterans and their spouses lost their lives, Bruce Rauner’s administration sent one of the highest-ranking officials at the Department of Public Health to campaign instead of taking immediate action to address the Legionnaires crisis,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “This is as ‘perfectly appropriate’ as Rauner failing to take charge of this state.”

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Thursday, March 29, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – Despite pleas from immigrant rights groups, Bruce Rauner supports Donald Trump’s latest attack on immigrant communities in Illinois and across the country.

The Trump Administration announced it would ask respondents of the 2020 census whether they were U.S. citizens, which experts warn would severely reduce the response rate in immigrant communities and undercount the national population.

“Donald Trump is launching a direct attack on immigrant communities in Illinois with the full support of his local partner Bruce Rauner,” said JB Pritzker. “By using the U.S. Census as a political weapon, this bigoted president wants to keep immigrant families in the shadows. As Trump and Rauner seek to divide and attack, I will make Illinois a welcoming state and protect every resident as governor.”

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Wednesday, March 28, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – JB Pritzker won 98 of Illinois’ 102 counties, and community newspapers from across Illinois are reporting on the Election Day victory:

Northwest Herald: More McHenry County Democrats voted early than Republicans

Unofficial election results show that 47,515 McHenry County residents voted in the governor primaries – 25,450 of them voted Republican, and 22,065 voted Democrat.

Billionaire J.B. Pritzker earned 38 percent of the McHenry County vote against his five Democratic opponents, and he now will face Gov. Bruce Rauner in November.

McHenry County Chairman Jack Franks, the first popularly elected Democratic chairman in the board’s history, said Rauner had a lot to do with the county’s shifting numbers.

“It shows a lack of enthusiasm on the Republican side because of the failed leadership of Bruce Rauner, and enthusiasm on the Democratic side because they see an opportunity to take over the governorship,” Franks said.

Riverside-Brookfield Landmark: Pritzker carries Brookfield, North Riverside in guv race

Pritzker carried Brookfield and North Riverside.

In Brookfield, Pritzker received 35 percent of the vote to 33 percent for Biss and 29 percent for Kennedy. Pritzker carried North Riverside by a bigger margin, but still less than his statewide margin. Pritzker received 40 percent of the vote in North Riverside, compared to Kennedy’s 30 percent and Biss’ 27 percent.

Statewide, Pritzker seemed to do best in less affluent areas, piling up huge margins in predominately African-American wards in Chicago.

The Beverly Review: Voters in 19th Ward support Pritzker, Ives

Rauner edged challenger Jeanne Ives, a state representative from Wheaton, in the Republican primary election on March 20, and Pritzker enjoyed a comfortable win over Daniel Biss, Chris Kennedy and three other challengers in the Democratic race. […]

Although Rauner survived to run for a second term, Ives won the 19th Ward with 65 percent of the vote.

Pritzker earned 40 percent of the vote in the 19th Ward, ahead of Kennedy (37 percent) and Biss (19 percent).

Forest Park Review: Forest Park favors Pritzker

Forest Park voters followed the statewide outcome in its support for gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker, who defeated opponents Dan Biss and Chris Kennedy in last week’s gubernatorial primary. […]

Forest Park Democrats sent 38 percent of their votes to Pritzker. Kennedy, who came in second to Pritzker, barely edged out Biss by just 14 votes.

Lincoln Courier: 2018 Logan County Primary Election Recap

Logan County Democrats were more divided in their selection of a gubernatorial candidate with 474 voters (48 percent) selecting J.B. Pritzker. Chris Kennedy, the nephew of former President John F. Kennedy, received 203 (or 20.88 percent of) votes, while Daniel Biss took 24.69 percent with 240 votes.

Tonica News: Vote totals announced from March 20 primary

J.B. Pritzker, Democratic candidate for governor, carried LaSalle County with 49.46 percent of the votes. Chris Kennedy received 25.76 percent; Daniel Biss won 21.76 percent; Bob Daiber had 1.4 percent; Tio Hardiman received 0.5 percent; and Robert Marshall had 1.13 percent.

Statewide, Pritzker won the Democratic nomination with 45.2 percent of the vote.

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Wednesday, March 28, 2018

 

“Sloppiness Cannot be Tolerated”

 

Chicago, IL – After two state audits revealed Bruce Rauner mismanaged over a hundred million dollars in Medicaid payments, the State Journal-Register slammed the failed governor in an editorial:

 

State Journal-Register: Our View: Illinois Can’t Afford These Mistakes

Illinois remains a state with unrivaled financial woes. Its governmental agencies can’t just leave millions sitting on the table.

Yet two state audits — of the Department of Human Services and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services — found that Gov. Bruce Rauner’s administration didn’t recoup $76 million in overpayments to private Medicaid-program insurers dating back five years, as well as paid $71 million for Medicaid services without checking whether the clients were still eligible.

Given that the payments involve Medicaid managed care organizations, it’s critical this doesn’t happen again. MCOs, private insurance-run system for low-income and disabled residents, now handle 80 percent of the state’s 3.4 million Medicaid cases. Sloppiness cannot be tolerated when so many people are dependent on MCO-provided services. […]

We are not a state that can play fast and loose with money when Illinois remains in such a perilous fiscal condition. The state must move to recover the overpayments and figure out how to prevent it from happening again.

 

“While Bruce Rauner mismanages $76 million here and $71 million there, Illinoisans are still reeling from a manufactured budget crisis that cut off vital services across the state,” said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh. “Illinois can’t afford a failed governor who wrecks state finances and destroys our safety net.”

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Wednesday, March 28, 2018

 

Chicago, IL – Today, the Illinois chapter of the National Association of Social Workers endorsed JB Pritzker for governor. NASW-IL advocates for over 20,000 licensed social workers in the state of Illinois, 6,000 of which are active members. The endorsement comes after JB Pritzker secured the Democratic nomination for governor and Democratic candidates from across the state came together to defeat Bruce Rauner and put Springfield back on the side of working families.

“From protecting Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act to their staunch advocacy for human services in Illinois, the National Association of Social Workers Illinois chapter will be a vital partner in our statewide, grassroots campaign,” said JB Pritzker. “I look forward to partnering with social workers as we fight to beat Bruce Rauner and make sure Illinois’ working families have the tools they need to build better lives.”

“The last few years under the failed governorship of Bruce Rauner has been devastating to social services and clients our members serve,” said NASW-IL spokesman Kyle Hillman. “Never again should the safety of our most vulnerable be used as a bargaining chip for right-wing anti-middle class ideology. We stand with JB Pritzker, and look forward to working with him to not only restore our most vital services lost under the current administration — but to tackle some of the tough issues that for far too long Illinois has pushed aside. It is time to think big, it is time for a new direction. Our best chance for a new Illinois is under the leadership of JB Pritzker.”

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Wednesday, March 28, 2018

 

Sends Public Health Aide to Campaign Instead of Managing Crisis

 

Chicago, IL – Yesterday, it was revealed that Bruce Rauner put politics before people yet again when his administration dispatched a key Department of Public Health aide for campaign work during the Quincy Veterans’ Home Legionnaires’ crisis.

The revelation comes as Bruce Rauner has been under fire for his fatal mismanagement of the ongoing crisis, which began in 2015 and has claimed 13 lives. Throughout the crisis, Rauner’s administration has continuously focused on the politics of the issue before the people affected, with emails detailing his administration strategizing on public relations while failing to create a real plan to address the problem.

“As the Legionnaires’ crisis at the Quincy Veterans’ Home spiraled out of control, Bruce Rauner’s administration put politics over people, letting key administration staffers go off to campaigns instead of taking charge to address his crisis,” said Pritzker campaign spokesman Jason Rubin. “For almost three years, Rauner has put our state’s heroes at risk, lied to their families, and done everything in his power to dodge responsibility for his crisis and it’s time he be held accountable for his failure.”

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