Pritzker Lays Out Agenda of Free College, Preschool, Child Care in Second Term
Governor JB Pritzker takes the oath of office for his second term Monday. He is flanked by wife MK, son Don, and daughter Teddi. (Photo: Chicago Tribune)
Governor JB Pritzker was sworn in to his second term Monday, laying out expensive proposals for free college, preschool, and child care as his top priorities.
Taking the oath shortly after noon Monday at the Bank of Springfield Center in Springfield, Pritzker spent nearly the first half of his 25 minute inaugural address looking back on successes of his first term.
“We balanced the budget and got credit upgrades. We raised the minimum wage. We’re modernizing our transportation systems. We legalized cannabis. We protected reproductive freedom in our laws,” Pritzker said. “One of the realities I learned about being a Governor is that there is no permanent playbook to follow. Every four years brings different challenges than the four years past.”
Pritzker laid out a plan for free child care, preschool, and college in his plan.
“Quality childcare affords parents the opportunity to work or attend school and pursue greater economic security. And preschool improves academic success for our children, yields higher graduation rates, raises lifetime earnings potential, and saves taxpayers money,” he said. “That’s why I propose we go all in for our children and make preschool available to every family throughout the state.”
He also wants to make college tuition free for “working class” families.
“That’s why we need to bring down the cost of higher education. Since I took office we’ve increased scholarships by more than 50%,” he said. “Now let’s focus on making tuition free for every working-class family.”
Pritzker didn’t lay out a specific plan, but has previously indicated he supports college for families below the poverty line. He also proposed making child care free and accessible for families across the state.
No price estimate was included in the address, but Pritzker’s ideas likely reach into the millions or tens of millions.
Pritzker also proposed permanent tax relief, but didn’t lay out any details.
“We’ve done a lot on this in recent years. Balancing the budget, paying off debt and eliminating interest on overdue bills has made it possible for us to provide tax relief. Let’s work toward more permanent tax relief,” he said. “Improving our roads has saved hundreds of dollars a year for drivers, which matters even more when you know that one flat tire or one auto repair can lead to a genuine fiscal emergency or even the loss of a job for many people.”
“Where does he think all of this money is coming from?” one Republican legislator asked when we spoke last night. “Money doesn’t grow on trees and the COVID dollars will run out at some point soon.”
Pritzker also laid out enshrining abortion rights in the Illinois constitution.
He’ll present a budget to the General Assembly next month and we’ll see how much of his wish list is serious and how much will stay a wish.
