Who is Picking Up the Tab for Pritzker's Mexico Trip?
Governor JB Pritzker meets a Mexican official during his trade mission to the country this week. (Photo: Governor’s Office)
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When Governor JB Pritzker’s office announced a trade delegation to Mexico, which began Sunday, there was a massive list of state officials, association executives, and business leaders as part of the delegation.
A total of 70 people were included in the group.
So, who is picking up the tab for such a large crowd?
The Governor’s office told The Illinozie Monday that the Governor and delegation members pay their own way on trade missions. We confirmed with multiple members on the trip that their organizations picked up the tab, and not taxpayers, and they all flew commercial.
Taxpayers do pick up the tab for state employees, though. At least 12 state employees, including Pritzker’s Chief of Staff, Anne Caprara, Deputy Governor Andy Manar, DCEO Director Kristin Richards, and Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello are among the delegation.
The Governor’s office says they all follow state travel requirements.
Another five legislators are on the trip. It isn’t clear if the state is paying their travel expenses or if they are personally responsible.
“Trade missions are key part of the Governor's mission to attract more private investment, jobs, and economic growth to the State of Illinois,” a spokesman for the Governor said Monday.
We asked the Governor’s office if he personally chartered a plane to Mexico City and who was on it. They did not respond to that request.
