Prairie State Wire

Jeanne Ives pointed out a variety of places she suggested that Democrats visit in Chicago during the party's national convention, saying, "Hopefully, the Democrats, who know how to spend other people’s money with no thought, will spend big while in Chicago during their national convention." She made the statement in an Aug. 18 report on Breakthrough Ideas.

"There's no place like Chicago," said Ives, Founder. "Great architecture, great American food or food from any place in the world, great museums, and a great lakefront all await visitors to Chicago. It truly is a world-class city. Hopefully, the Democrats, who know how to spend other people's money with no thought, will spend big while in Chicago during their national convention."

According to Ives, she cited a report from Truth In Accounting to note that every taxpayer in Chicago would have to pay $42,900 to pay off the city’s debt. She also urged Democrats to "spend big in Chicago, where the sales tax rate is 10.25%, and don’t forget to visit the pot shops where sales taxes can exceed 30% on some products!"

The list of suggested locations includes a high school, a shuttered Walmart, and the location where a 7-year-old died as he was on his way to a neighbor’s home.

First up is the Wells Community Academy High School. "At Wells HS, 1% of the students are at grade level in English Language Arts, and 0% of students are at grade level in Math. This school illustrates Democratic values, as CPS has been controlled by Democrats forever. Johnson should include in his presentation that per pupil spending is $30,000. If asked about the low scores (is this even a school?), he can refer them to CTU President Stacy Davis Gates’ recent comment on low test scores," Ives wrote about the school in her Aug. 18 piece.

About the shuttered Walmart, Ives said: "Walmart said in its closing announcement that the stores lost tens of millions each year and hadn’t turned a profit since first opening 17 years ago. Likely causes of unprofitability were high property taxes, losses due to theft, and higher employee costs, including minimum wage, unemployment insurance, and work comp. Perhaps VP Harris can explain if Walmart is one of those nasty corporations that is price-gouging consumers."

According to Ives' list regarding West Jackson Boulevard within walking distance of the United Center where the convention is happening: Jai’mani Amir Rivera was shot in the chest at 3 p.m. Rivera was on his way to visit a neighbor when he was shot on the sidewalk.

Jeanne Ives is a former Illinois State Representative who served six years representing Illinois House District 42. She ran for governor in 2018 and ran for election to represent Illinois’ 6th Congressional District in 2020. She lives in Wheaton, IL.