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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (FOX 32) - Governor Pritzker Tuesday night said he's scored big victories during his first 100 days in office.
“We've gotten more done in the last 100 days than I think people have expected,” Gov. Pritzker said.
First on the governor's list: raising the minimum wage over the next six years to $15 an hour and fattening paychecks for 1.4 million Illinoisans. He dismisses fears of business groups that it will force the elimination of certain low-wage jobs.
“We are focused on solving the state's fiscal challenges while also growing jobs, while also making sure that we're protecting working families,” Gov. Pritzker said.
With the General Assembly scheduled to adjourn in just five weeks, the most important parts of Pritzker’s agenda remain undone: changing Illinois’ flat-rate income tax to one that imposes big increases on higher-income earners, raising $3.4 billion; legalizing adult-use of cannabis, raising $170 million in the next 12 months; making wagers on sporting events legal.
“It will be good for jobs in the state,” Gov. Pritzker said. “It will be good for revenue. We shouldn't let Indiana, Michigan or other states take revenue that should belong to the state of Illinois. And that's why we need to get it done before May 31."
After four years of deadlock and stalemate under former Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, the General Assembly's Democratic super-majority is moving dozens of important bills forward this spring.
How many will become law? We'll know in the next few weeks.