Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Opportunity Project has issued the following press release:

After a week’s travel in Glasgow, London, and Washington, D.C., the Illinois Opportunity Project offers this recap of what Governor Pritzker missed while he was jet setting across the globe:

• Chicago reached 750 murders for the year, including a recent graduate of the University of Chicago who was robbed and killed in broad daylight. 
• The demoralized Chicago Police Department had their days off cancelled.
• Chicago Public School students had a day off school for “Vaccine Awareness Day” even though only 31% of Illinois students perform at grade level in language arts and only 26% in mathematics. 
• Illinois’ $4.4 billion in unemployment debt continued to increase.
• Illinois drivers paid close to the top ten highest gas prices in the country.
• Property taxes remained at second-highest in the country.

“While Gov. Pritzker and Democratic leaders raised a glass in London, Illinois families were stuck budgeting for the increased prices of groceries, gas, and their energy bills,” said Mark Cavers, IOP President. “As Gov. Pritzker rubbed elbows on the world stage, families here were left to deal with the consequences of his failed policy decisions that have worsened their quality of life.” 

“Illinois families deserve leaders who will deliver real solutions. Instead, they get empty rhetoric and absentee politicians. Faced with the brutal crime, high taxes, and spiraling costs that are hurting families every day, Gov. Pritzker decided that the best way for him to help these families was to leave. We agree.”