JB Pritzker#Public image

Pritzker was born in Palo Alto, California, on January 19, 1965. He is the son of Donald Pritzker and Sue Pritzker (née Sandel).{{cite news |date=January 21, 1965 |title=Area Births: Palo Alto-Stanford Hospital |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-peninsula-times-tribune-births/128660932/ |work=Palo Alto Times |location=Palo Alto, CA |page=4 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{cite news |date=May 8, 1972 |title=Donald Pritzker, Hyatt president, dies |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-peninsula-times-tribune-pritzker/128661052/ |work=Palo Alto Times |location=Palo Alto, CA |page=12 |via=Newspapers.com}} A member of the Pritzker family, a Jewish family of Ukrainian descent{{cite news |last1=Rudenko |first1=Yevhen |title=Великі Пріцьки Corporation. Історія села на Київщині, без якого б не було готелів Hyatt та однієї з найбагатших сімей США |trans-title=Velyki Pritskyi Corporation. The history of a village in the Kyiv region, without which there would be no Hyatt hotels and one of the richest families in the USA |url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/articles/2023/10/6/7422824/ |access-date=July 12, 2024 |work=Ukrainska Pravda |date=October 6, 2023 |language=uk}} prominent in business and philanthropy during the late 20th century,{{cite web |url=https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2018/10/05/pritzker-rauner-illinois-governor-2018-221079 |title=The Worst Job in American Politics |website=Politico |date=October 5, 2018 |access-date=October 9, 2018 |last=Meyer |first=Theodoric |quote=Jay Robert "J. B." Pritzker was born far from in Illinois, in California |archive-date=August 2, 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200802071333/https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2018/10/05/pritzker-rauner-illinois-governor-2018-221079|url-status = live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/March-2014/power-jb-pritzker-profile/|title=J.B. Pritzker: The Other Mayor of Chicago|first=Bryan|last=Smith|website=Chicago magazine|access-date=April 8, 2019|archive-date=September 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923102404/https://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/March-2014/power-jb-pritzker-profile/|url-status=live}} Pritzker is named after both of his paternal uncles, Jay Pritzker and Robert Pritzker, and called "JB" for "Jay Bob".{{cite web |last1=Janssen |first1=Kim |title=J.B. and M.K. Pritzker are A-OK with initials, FYI |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chicagoinc/ct-pritzker-initials-0411-chicago-inc-20170410-story.html |website=Chicago Tribune |access-date=January 14, 2019 |date=April 10, 2017 |archive-date=January 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190115023505/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chicagoinc/ct-pritzker-initials-0411-chicago-inc-20170410-story.html |url-status=live }} Pritzker's grandfather Abe Pritzker was a business lawyer.{{Cite news|last=Bender|first=Marylin|date=February 26, 1984|title=How They Deal and Multiply|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/02/26/business/how-they-deal-and-multiply.html|access-date=May 17, 2020|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=August 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200828160235/https://www.nytimes.com/1984/02/26/business/how-they-deal-and-multiply.html|url-status=live}} The Pritzkers have consistently been near the top of the Forbes "America's Richest Families" list since its 1982 inception.{{cite encyclopedia|url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Pritzker-family|title=Pritzker family|encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica|access-date=September 20, 2013|archive-date=October 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181019222059/https://www.britannica.com/topic/Pritzker-family|url-status=live}} Donald Pritzker was the president of Hyatt Hotels; he died in 1972 of a heart attack at age 39.[https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-11-24-fi-24332-story.html Los Angeles Times: "Rooms With a View : Chance Encounter Led to Creation of Rapidly Expanding Hyatt Hotels Chain' by NANCY RIVERA BROOKS] November 24, 1987{{cite news|last1=Times|first1=Special To The New York|title=DONALD N. PRITZKER|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1972/05/09/archives/donald-n-pritzker.html|accessdate=27 October 2016|work=The New York Times|date=9 May 1972}} Sue Pritzker died in an accident at age 49 in 1982.{{Cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1982/05/07/A-woman-who-inexplicably-jumped-to-her-death-from/3440389592000/|title=A woman who inexplicably jumped to her death from... - |website=UPI.com |date=May 7, 1982}} Pritzker's older siblings are Anthony Pritzker and former United States Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker.{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-11-24-fi-24332-story.html|title=Rooms With a View : Chance Encounter Led to Creation of Rapidly Expanding Hyatt Hotels Chain|last=Rivera Brooks|first=Nancy|date=November 24, 1987|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=November 18, 2022|archive-date=August 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819091822/http://articles.latimes.com/1987-11-24/business/fi-24332_1_pritzker-family|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.chicagojewishnews.com/2017/06/the-pritzker-family-is-one-of-the-most-prominent-in-chicagos-jewish-community-an-exclusive-interview-with-j-b-pritzker-who-wants-to-be-the-next-governor-of-illinois/|title=The Pritzker family is one of the most prominent in Chicago's Jewish community. An exclusive interview with J.B. Pritzker, who wants to be the next governor of Illinois.|last=Castle|first=George|date=June 28, 2017|work=Chicago Jewish News|access-date=February 10, 2018|archive-date=October 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005135219/https://www.chicagojewishnews.com/2017/06/the-pritzker-family-is-one-of-the-most-prominent-in-chicagos-jewish-community-an-exclusive-interview-with-j-b-pritzker-who-wants-to-be-the-next-governor-of-illinois/|url-status=live}}

Pritzker has said that certain overseas trusts for which he was the designated beneficiary were set up by his grandfather and are used only for charitable contributions, yielding no personal benefit to him.{{Cite news|last=Woodman|first=Spencer|date=March 15, 2018|title=Paradise Papers helps reveal Illinois governor candidate's offshore connections|language=en-US|work=International Consortium of Investigative Journalists|url=https://www.icij.org/investigations/paradise-papers/paradise-papers-help-reveal-jb-pritzkers-offshore-connections/}}

Pritzker was raised in Atherton, California. He attended Milton Academy, a boarding school in Milton, Massachusetts, and graduated from Duke University with a Bachelor of Arts in political science. In 1993, he earned his Juris Doctor from Northwestern University School of Law.{{Cite web|url=https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/biography/18341/jb-pritzker|title=JB Pritzker's Biography|website=Vote Smart|access-date=September 26, 2022|archive-date=September 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926210200/https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/biography/18341/jb-pritzker|url-status=live}} He is an attorney and a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and the Chicago Bar Association.{{Cite web |date=2023 |title=Lawyer Search |url=https://www.iardc.org/Lawyer/Search |website=Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission of the Supreme Court of Illinois}}

Pritzker served as chairman of ChicagoNEXT,{{Cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2012/10/16/chicago-creates-council-to-attract-tech-jobs/|title=Chicago creates council to attract tech jobs|last=Yerak|first=Becky|date=October 16, 2012|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=September 24, 2017|archive-date=September 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924204340/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-10-16/business/chi-chicago-creates-council-for-attract-tech-jobs-20121016_1_tech-jobs-pritzker-group-new-council|url-status=live}} Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel's council on innovation and technology, and he founded 1871, a nonprofit digital start-up incubator{{Cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2012/05/02/a-new-tech-hub-for-startups-at-merchandise-mart/|title=A new tech hub for startups at Merchandise Mart|last=Wong|first=Wailin|date=May 2, 2012|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=September 24, 2017|archive-date=August 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819114557/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-05-02/business/ct-biz-0503-1871-opening-20120502_1_local-startups-hub-chicagoland-entrepreneurial-center|url-status=live}} (named for the year of the Great Chicago Fire). He was involved in the creation of the Illinois Venture Capital Association and the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center. He also co-founded Chicago Ventures and funded the start-up of Techstars Chicago and Built in Chicago.{{cite news|title=2014 big ideas: J.B. Pritzker, co-founder, Pritzker Group|url=http://bluesky.chicagotribune.com/originals/chi-big-ideas-jb-pritzker-bsi-20131227,0,0.story|work=Blue Sky Innovation|access-date=April 15, 2018|archive-date=April 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180416073900/http://bluesky.chicagotribune.com/originals/chi-big-ideas-jb-pritzker-bsi-20131227,0,0.story|url-status=usurped}}

With his brother Tony, Pritzker co-founded Pritzker Group Private Capital, which owns and operates middle-market companies. The group includes a number of companies, including pallet rental leader PECO Pallet and medical device maker Clinical Innovations. Pritzker received the Entrepreneurial Champion Award from the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce in 2008 for his efforts to promote economic development and job creation.{{cite web

|url = http://www.chicagolandec.org/content/news/news_detail.asp?NEW_ID=217

|title = J.B. Pritzker Honored as Entrepreneurial Champion; SAVO Receives 2008 Merrick Momentum Award to Recognize Business Success and Growth Potential

|work = Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center (official website)

|author = Scott Issen

|access-date = November 30, 2009

|archive-date = March 1, 2012

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120301111002/http://www.chicagolandec.org/content/news/news_detail.asp?NEW_ID=217

|url-status = dead

}}{{cite web|title=Board Meeting Minutes – Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce|url=http://airwaysdigital.com/old/CCC/02-08reports.pdf|access-date=April 15, 2018|date=October 25, 2007|archive-date=September 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920094413/http://airwaysdigital.com/old/CCC/02-08reports.pdf|url-status=live}}

In the 1980s, Pritzker served on the legislative staffs of U.S. Representative Tom Lantos, U.S. Senator Terry Sanford, and U.S. Senator Alan J. Dixon, making trade and transportation issues a top priority.[https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-republican-register-jb-pritzker/135814051/ J.B. Pritzker announces bid for Congress]. Daily Republican-Register. Associated Press. September 8, 1997. After his career in Washington D.C., Pritzker founded Democratic Leadership for the 21st Century,{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/10/14/us/seeking-electoral-edge-parties-court-the-young.html|title=Seeking Electoral Edge, Parties Court the Young|last=Ifill|first=Gwen|date=October 14, 1991|work=The New York Times|access-date=November 30, 2009|archive-date=November 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118020714/https://www.nytimes.com/1991/10/14/us/seeking-electoral-edge-parties-court-the-young.html|url-status=live}} a national organization dedicated to attracting voters under 40 to the Democratic Party.

Anticipating that Sidney R. Yates (the longtime Democratic incumbent in Illinois's 9th district in the United States House of Representatives) might retire instead of seeking reelection, Pritzker laid the groundwork for possible 1994 and 1996 campaigns for his seat. Both times, Yates waffled for months about whether he would retire, then ran for reelection. Each time, after Yates announced his intention to run, Pritzker abandoned his plans to run. In both of these elections (as well as in 1992), State Representative Jan Schakowsky similarly explored a potential run if Yates were to retire, and similarly opted not to run once Yates announced his intention to seek reelection.{{cite web |last1=Lee |first1=Stephen |title=Yates May Not Run–Next Time |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-yates-may-not-run-next/171747376/ |via=Newspapers.com |publisher=Chicago Tribune |url-access=subscription |access-date=20 November 2024 |language=en |date=November 20, 1996}} Pritzker had established a campaign committee in 1993. By the end of the 1996 cycle, the committee raised more than $120,000, and spent most of this money on operating expenditures.{{cite web |title=PRITZKER '96 Financial Summary |url=https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/H6IL09061/?cycle=1996&election_full=false |website=Federal Elections Commission | date=January 1995 |access-date=20 November 2024 |language=en }}

In 1998, Yates opted to forgo reelection, and Pritzker ran in the Democratic primary to succeed him, reconstituting his campaign committee in April 1997.{{cite web |title=Pritzker for Congress statement of organization (filed April 16, 1997) |url=https://docquery.fec.gov/pdf/735/97031970735/97031970735.pdf |website=Federal Elections Commission |access-date=20 November 2024}} Also running in the primary were Schakowsky and state senator Howard W. Carroll. The district represented the northern lakefront of Chicago, as well as the suburbs of Evanston and Skokie. It had a large Jewish electorate and had long been regarded as the "Jewish seat" in Illinois's congressional delegation. Yates was Jewish, as were all three Democratic contenders to succeed him.{{cite journal |last1=Ylisela |first1=James, Jr. |title=Old Sid Is Looking Better Than Ever in the 9th District Race |journal=Illinois Issues |date=March 1998 |issue=37 |url=https://www.lib.niu.edu/1998/ii980337.html |access-date=20 November 2024}} Originally also running was a (non-Jewish) fourth candidate: Charles A. "Pat" Boyle,{{cite web |last1=Tribune |first1=Chicago |title=Democrats Suit Up for Yates' Seat in the 9th |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1998/02/04/democrats-suit-up-for-yates-seat-in-the-9th |website=Chicago Tribune |access-date=20 November 2024 |date=4 February 1998}} but Boyle's candidacy was largely overlooked.

The district had been described as being among the most liberal in the country.{{cite web |title=Yates, 'Boy Alderman' May Face Off |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1989/10/09/yates-boy-alderman-may-face-off |website=Chicago Tribune |access-date=22 November 2024 |date=9 October 1989}} Journalist James Ylisela Jr. observed that Pritzker, Schakowsky, and Carroll largely all ran on platforms aligned with the "liberal Democratic Party agenda" that Yates had championed. But the Chicago Tribune wrote that Pritzker and Caroll ran on more moderate platforms than Schakowsky, and therefore potentially wound up competing with each other for many of the same voters.{{cite web |title=Schakowsky Wins 3-Way Fight to Replace Yates |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1998/03/18/schakowsky-wins-3-way-fight-to-replace-yates |website=Chicago Tribune |access-date=22 November 2024 |date=18 March 1998}}

At the time, the election was one of the most expensive congressional primaries in U.S. history, and Pritzker spent nearly $1 million of his own money on his campaign (including $500,000 on television ads in the Chicago market).{{Cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1998/02/26/pritzker-pumps-500000-into-tv-ads/|title=Pritzker Pumps $500,000 Into Tv Ads|last1=Spencer|first1=LeAnn|date=February 26, 1998|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=May 9, 2017|last2=Gregory|first2=Ted|archive-date=September 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924224816/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1998-02-26/news/9802260318_1_pritzker-9th-district-campaign-tv-ads|url-status=live}} He finished third among five candidates in the Democratic primary, with 20.5% of the vote to Schakowsky's 45.1% and Carroll's 34.4%."[https://www.cookcountyclerk.com/sites/default/files/March1998.pdf Official Final Results] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029115756/https://www.cookcountyclerk.com/sites/default/files/March1998.pdf |date=October 29, 2020 }}", Cook County Clerk. p. 2. Retrieved January 25, 2018.

Governor Rod Blagojevich appointed Pritzker to chair the Illinois Human Rights Commission. He held that position from 2003 to 2006.{{Cite web |date=2003 |title=Journal of the Illinois State Senate |url=https://www.ilga.gov/senate/transcripts/strans93/09300035.pdf}}{{cite news |last=Anderson |first=Jon |date=December 24, 2022 |title=Gregory's stand-up stirs proud memories |page=2C3 |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |id={{ProQuest| }} }} After he left the chairmanship, Blagojevich appointed former White House counsel and federal judge Abner J. Mikva to succeed him.{{cite web |date=July 26, 2006 |title=Gov. Blagojevich appoints Judge Abner Mikva Chairman of the Illinois Human Rights Commission: Former judge to replace outgoing J.B. Pritzker |url=http://www.illinois.gov/PressReleases/ShowPressRelease.cfm?SubjectID=3&RecNum=5111 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100530154259/http://www.illinois.gov/PressReleases/ShowPressRelease.cfm?SubjectID=3&RecNum=5111 |archive-date=May 30, 2010 |access-date=November 30, 2009 |work=Illinois Government News Network}}

In the 2008 presidential election, Pritzker served as national co-chair of Hillary Clinton's campaign. He was a delegate to the 2008 Democratic National Convention and the 2016 Democratic National Convention. He supported Barack Obama in the 2008 general election and helped bring the Clinton and Obama campaigns in Illinois together.{{cite news|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/08/jb-pritzker-and.html?cid=133587601|title=J.B. Pritzker and Penny Pritzker end their Clinton-Obama rift|last=Morain|first=Dan|date=August 25, 2008|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=May 5, 2010|archive-date=May 4, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100504190123/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/08/jb-pritzker-and.html?cid=133587601|url-status=live}}

In May 2017, the Chicago Tribune{{Cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-jb-pritzker-rod-blagojevich-fbi-wiretap-recordings-met-0601-20170531-story.html|title=J.B. Pritzker sought political office from Blagojevich, 2008 FBI wiretaps show|last1=Lightly|first1=Todd|date=May 31, 2017|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=May 27, 2018|last2=Coen|first2=Jeff|last3=Heizmann|first3=David|archive-date=November 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118020716/https://www.chicagotribune.com/error/404/|url-status=live}} published an 11-minute FBI wiretap of Pritzker and Blagojevich in 2008 discussing campaign contributions and options for Pritzker to be appointed to statewide office.{{Cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-jb-pritzker-rod-blagojevich-fbi-wiretap-recordings-met-0601-20170531-story.html|title=J.B. Pritzker sought political office from Blagojevich, 2008 FBI wiretaps show|last1=Lighty|first1=Todd|date=May 31, 2017|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=January 23, 2018|last2=Coen|first2=Jeff|last3=Heinzmann|first3=David|archive-date=January 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180122131018/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-jb-pritzker-rod-blagojevich-fbi-wiretap-recordings-met-0601-20170531-story.html|url-status=live}} At the time, Pritzker was described as a "businessman with political ambitions". On the tapes, Blagojevich asked Pritzker if he would like to be appointed state treasurer, to which Pritzker, who has a background in finance, responded, "Yeah, that's the one I would want." Pritzker's general election opponent Governor Bruce Rauner and Pritzker's Democratic primary opponents took issue with his conduct.{{Cite news|url=https://abc7chicago.com/politics/rauner-plans-to-air-entire-blagojevich-pritzker-wiretap/2963761/|title=Gov. Rauner plans to air entire Blagojevich-Pritzker wiretap|last=Wall|first=Craig|date=January 18, 2018|work=ABC7 Chicago|access-date=January 23, 2018|archive-date=January 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180122022355/http://abc7chicago.com/politics/rauner-plans-to-air-entire-blagojevich-pritzker-wiretap/2963761/|url-status=live}} Pritzker responded to the allegations: "I've not been accused of any wrongdoing. I have not done anything wrong."{{Cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-kennedy-pritzker-biss-democrat-illinois-forum-tribune-20180119-story.html|title=Pritzker bears brunt of attacks at Democratic governor forum over property tax breaks, Blagojevich wiretaps|last1=Pearson|first1=Rick|date=January 19, 2018|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=January 23, 2018|last2=Geiger|first2=Kim|archive-date=January 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180123092620/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-kennedy-pritzker-biss-democrat-illinois-forum-tribune-20180119-story.html|url-status=live}} Law enforcement made no allegations of wrongdoing against Pritzker, and he has said: "over decades of my life, I have been doing public service, and the opportunity to continue to do public service as treasurer of the state was something that had been brought up, and so there was a conversation about that."{{Cite news|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago-news/blago-wiretaps-show-pritzker-looking-for-political-appointment/|title=Blago wiretaps show Pritzker looking for political appointment|last=Brown|first=Mark|date=May 31, 2017|work=Chicago Sun-Times|access-date=May 27, 2018|archive-date=August 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819114926/https://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago-news/blago-wiretaps-show-pritzker-looking-for-political-appointment/|url-status=dead}} Pritzker later apologized for a number of controversial and incendiary comments he made in that conversation. He and Blagojevich discussed filling Barack Obama's U.S. Senate seat, with Pritzker saying that appointing then-Secretary of State Jesse White would "cover you on the African-American thing" and that he was the "least offensive" candidate.{{Cite news|last1=Pearson|first1=Rick|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-met-jb-pritzker-apologizes-african-american-voters-20180206-story.html|title=Pritzker apologizes for remarks on African-American politicians, as rivals say he's now unelectable|date=February 7, 2018|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=March 28, 2020|last2=Byrne|first2=John|department=Politics|last3=Garcia|first3=Monique|archive-date=March 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328134017/https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-met-jb-pritzker-apologizes-african-american-voters-20180206-story.html|url-status=live}} After the tape was released, White continued to support Pritzker in his 2018 gubernatorial campaign and accepted his apology, saying he knew "where his heart is" and "I consider him a very good friend".{{Cite web |date=2022-11-03 |title=White Defends Pritzker After Ad Shows Gov. in 2008 Calling Him 'Least-Offensive' Black Senate Candidate |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/illinois-midterm-election-2022/white-defends-pritzker-after-ad-shows-gov-in-2008-calling-him-least-offensive-black-senate-candidate/2985957/ |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=NBC Chicago |language=en-US}}

{{Update|part=section|date=March 2025|reason=Post-2019 developments}}

File:President Donald J. Trump Meets with Governors-Elect (32440543748).jpg in 2018]]

File:P20210707AS-1936 (51361576136).jpg and Governor Pritzker in 2021]]

{{main|2018 Illinois gubernatorial election}}

File:JB logo full color.png

On April 6, 2017, Pritzker announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for governor of Illinois.{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-jb-pritzker-governor-announcement-met-20170406-story.html|title=J.B. Pritzker joins Illinois governor race, facing big Democratic field to take on Rauner|last1=Pearson|first1=Rick|date=April 6, 2017|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=November 18, 2022|archive-date=April 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425141905/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-jb-pritzker-governor-announcement-met-20170406-story.html|url-status=live}} He was endorsed by Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, Illinois Congressman Luis Gutiérrez, former Illinois Congressman Glenn Poshard, more than a dozen members of the Illinois General Assembly, 21 local labor unions, and the Illinois AFL–CIO.{{Cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-jb-pritzker-illinois-afl-cio-endorsement-met-0607-20170606-story.html|title=Illinois labor group endorses Pritzker, cementing Democratic front-runner status|last1=Pearson|first1=Rick|date=June 6, 2017|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=June 7, 2017|last2=Garcia|first2=Monique|archive-date=June 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606212850/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-jb-pritzker-illinois-afl-cio-endorsement-met-0607-20170606-story.html|url-status=live}}

On August 10, 2017, Pritzker announced that his running mate would be freshman State Representative and fellow Chicago resident Juliana Stratton.{{Cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-jb-pritzker-running-mate-met-20170809-story.html|title=Pritzker announces state Rep. Stratton as running mate|last=Pearson|first=Rick|date=August 10, 2017|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=August 12, 2017|archive-date=November 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118020720/https://www.chicagotribune.com/error/404/|url-status=live}} By December 2017, Pritzker had spent $42{{nbsp}}million of his own money on his campaign without receiving funding from any other source.{{cite news|url=http://nprillinois.org/post/moneyball-2018-illinois-governors-race#stream/0|title='Moneyball' : The 2018 Illinois Governor's Race|last1=McDermott|first1=Kevin|date=January 11, 2018|access-date=January 11, 2018|agency=NPR Illinois|archive-date=November 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118020724/https://www.nprillinois.org/politics/2018-01-11/moneyball-the-2018-illinois-governors-race#stream/0|url-status=live}} On March 20, 2018, he won the Democratic primary by a large margin, receiving 45.13% of the vote and defeating five opponents.{{cite web|url=https://www.elections.il.gov/electionoperations/votetotalsearch.aspx|title=Election Results|website=elections.il.gov|access-date=October 22, 2023|archive-date=November 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118144557/https://www.elections.il.gov/electionoperations/votetotalsearch.aspx|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://theintercept.com/2018/03/20/pritzker-democratic-nomination-illinois-gubernatorial-race/|title=Billionaire J.B. Pritzker Wins Illinois Democratic Nomination for Governor|first=Zaid|last=Jilani|date=March 21, 2018|website=The Intercept}} On November 6, 2018, Pritzker defeated incumbent Republican governor Bruce Rauner in the general election, receiving 54.53% of the vote to Rauner's 38.83%.{{Cite web|url=https://news.wttw.com/2018/11/06/jb-pritzker-defeats-gov-bruce-rauner-race-illinois-governor|title=J.B. Pritzker Defeats Gov. Bruce Rauner in Race for Illinois Governor|website=WTTW News|last=Schutz |first=Paris|date=November 6, 2018}} Pritzker was well ahead of Rauner in most polls from the summer of 2018 onward, and won by the largest margin in a gubernatorial race since 1994.{{citation needed|date=October 2023}}

Pritzker spent $171.5 million of his own money on his campaign, primarily on digital outreach, television advertising, and staff.{{cite magazine |first=Natasha|last=Korecki|title=The Best Campaign Money Can Buy |url=https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2018/11/15/jb-pritzker-illinois-governors-race-2018-strategy-spending-2020-222574 |magazine=Politico Magazine |date=November 15, 2018 |access-date=November 15, 2018 |archive-date=November 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181115123051/https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2018/11/15/jb-pritzker-illinois-governors-race-2018-strategy-spending-2020-222574 |url-status=live }}

Pritzker was inaugurated as Illinois's 43rd governor on January 14, 2019.{{cite web|first=Mike |last=Riopell|date=January 14, 2019|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-met-jb-pritzker-illinois-governor-inauguration-20190111-story.html|title=J. B. Pritzker sworn in as Illinois' 43rd Governor, replacing Bruce Rauner|newspaper=Chicago Tribune}} With an estimated net worth of $3.6 billion in January 2019, he became the richest politician in the U.S.{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/jay-robert-jb-pritzker/|title=The World's Billionaires – Jay Robert (J.B.) Pritzker|date=June 3, 2019|website=Forbes|language=en|access-date=June 3, 2019|archive-date=October 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029115559/https://www.forbes.com/profile/jay-robert-jb-pritzker/|url-status=live}} His second term in office began on January 9, 2023.{{Cite web |date=2023-01-09 |title=From free college to universal preschool, Pritzker pledges second-term 'agenda as ambitious and bold as our people are' |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/elections/2023/1/9/23546853/pritzker-inauguation-free-college-tuition-preschool-second-term-agenda-abortion-assault-weapons-ban |access-date=2023-01-09 |website=Chicago Sun-Times |language=en}}

{{main|2022 Illinois gubernatorial election}}

In June 2021, it was reported that Pritzker was considering retiring after one term in office.Wall, Craig (June 3, 2021). [https://abc7chicago.com/jb-pritzker-illinois-governor-poli Illinois Governor JB Pritzker hints he may not seek reelection to 2nd term]. ABC7 Chicago But on July 19, he confirmed on Twitter that he would run for reelection, with Stratton again as his running mate.{{cite web |title=Governor JB Pritzker announces re-election bid for 2022 |url=https://wgntv.com/news/governor-jb-pritzker-announces-re-election-bid-for-2022/ |website=WGN-TV |access-date=19 July 2021 |date=19 July 2021 |archive-date=November 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118020717/https://wgntv.com/news/governor-jb-pritzker-announces-re-election-bid-for-2022/ |url-status=live }} He won the June 28 Democratic primary and defeated Republican nominee Darren Bailey in the November 8 general election,{{Cite news |date=June 28, 2022 |title=Here are the key primary election results from Illinois |language=en |work=NPR |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/06/28/1107092975/illinois-primary-election-results |access-date=June 29, 2022 |archive-date=August 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826034713/https://www.npr.org/2022/06/28/1107092975/illinois-primary-election-results |url-status=live }} 54.91% to 42.37%.{{Cite web|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2022/11/8/23448412/j-b-pritzker-declares-victory-over-gop-challenger-darren-bailey|title=Pritzker scores double-digit win over Bailey — vowing MAGA right wingers 'will never get an inch of Illinois'|date=November 9, 2022|website=Chicago Sun-Times}} He is the first Illinois governor to have been elected to a second term since 2006, when Rod Blagojevich was reelected. If Pritzker serves two full terms, he will be the first governor to do so since Jim Edgar and the first Democratic governor in Illinois history to do so, as every other Democratic governor was impeached, died, or resigned before finishing a second term.{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/politics-illinois-us-republican-party-jim-edgar-f661ba224df5bc247dd18f587062e8c9|title=Multibillionaire Pritzker takes 2nd oath as Illinois gov|date=January 9, 2023|website=Associated Press}}

In 2024, Pritzker was mentioned as a possible running mate for Kamala Harris in her 2024 presidential campaign, but Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was chosen instead. Harris lost the general election.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/harris-campaign-met-6-potential-vp-picks-selection-process-nears-end-rcna164706|title=Harris campaign has met with 6 potential VP picks as the selection process nears its end|publisher=NBC News|accessdate=August 1, 2024|date=August 1, 2024}}{{cite news |last1=Kapos |first1=Shia |date=5 August 2024 |title=What if Pritzker becomes VP? |url=https://www.politico.com/newsletters/illinois-playbook/2024/08/05/what-if-pritzker-becomes-vp-00172621 |work=Politico |access-date=8 August 2024}}{{cite news |last1=Petrella |first1=Dan |last2=Olander |first2=Olivia |date=1 August 2024 |title=Gov. J.B. Pritzker interviewed twice for Kamala Harris VP slot, source says |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/08/01/gov-j-b-pritzker-interviewed-twice-for-kamala-harris-vp-slot-source-says/ |work=Chicago Tribune |access-date=8 August 2024}}

{{Infobox cabinet members

| float = none

| above = The Pritzker Cabinet{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-breese-journal-governor-signs-bills/136050857/|title=Governor signs bills, executive orders affecting transparency, gun laws, women's rights|work=The Breese Journal|date=January 24, 2019}}

| border_color1 = #000

| office1 = Governor

| name1a = JB Pritzker

| term1a = 2019–present

| office2 = Lieutenant Governor

| name2a = Juliana Stratton

| term2a = 2019–present

| border_color3 = #000

| office5 = Director of Revenue

| name5a = David C. Harris

| term5a = 2019–present

| office6 = Secretary of Transportation

| name6a = Omer Osman

| term6a = 2019–present

| office7 = Director of Children and Family
Services

| name7a = Marc D. Smith[https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-pantagraph-pritzker-launches-review/136009594/ Pritzker launches review of DCFS]. The Pantagraph. March 28, 2019.

| term7a = 2019–present

| office8 = Director of Agriculture

| name8a = John M. Sullivan

| term8a = 2019–2020

| name8b = Jerry Costello

| term8b = 2020–present

| office9 = Director of Veterans' Affairs

| name9a = Col. Jaime Martinez

| term9a = 2019[https://www.newspapers.com/article/mount-carmel-register-pritzker-names-pub/136014092/ Pritzker names Public Health, Veterans' Affairs directors]. Mount Carmel Register. The Associated Press. February 1, 2019.

| name9b = Linda Chapa LaVia

| term9b = 2019–2021

| name9c = Terry Price

| term9c = 2021–present[https://www.newspapers.com/article/southern-illinoisan-1-may-2021-southern/136013774/ 1 May 2021 Southern Illinoisan p.8.]

| office10 = Director of Natural Resources

| name10a = Colleen Callahan

| term10a = 2019–2023

| name10b = Natalie P. Finnie

| term10b = 2023–present

| office11 = Director of Public Health

| name11a = Ngozi Ezike

| term11a = 2019–2022

| name11b = Amaal Tokers

| term11b = 2022–present (acting)Kinnicutt, Grace (April 21, 2022). [https://www.newspapers.com/article/herald-and-review-public-transit-mask-ru/136012881/ Public transit mask rule lifted]. Herald and Review.

| office12 = Secretary of Human Services

| name12a = Grace B. Hou

| term12a = 2019–presentFinke, Doug (February 21, 2019). [https://www.newspapers.com/article/herald-and-review-governor-names-3-cabin/136011329/ Governor names 3 cabinet directors]. Herald and Review.

| office13 = Director of Labor

| name13a = Michael Kleinik

| term13a = 2019–2022

| name13b = Jane R. Flanagan

| term13b = 2022–present[https://www.newspapers.com/article/mount-carmel-register-increase-coming-fo/136051028/ Increase coming for Illinois minimum wage on Jan. 1]. Mount Carmel Register. December 30, 2022

| office14 = Director of Healthcare and Family
Services

| name14a = Theresa Eagleson

| term14a = 2019–present

| office15 = Director of Central Management
Services

| name15a = Janel Forde

| term15a = 2019–present

| office16 = Fire Marshal of Illinois

| name16a = James Rivera{{cite web |url=https://www.mystateline.com/news/local-news/belvidere-firefighters-who-responded-to-apollo-theater-collapse-honored-by-gov-pritzker/ |title=Belvidere firefighters, who responded to Apollo Theater collapse, honored by Gov. Pritzker |date=14 May 2024 |first1=John |last1=Clark |access-date=4 December 2024 |publisher=Mystateline}}

| term16a = circa 2023–present

| office18 = Director of Commerce and
Economic Opportunity

| name18a = Erin Guthrie

| term18a = 2019–present

}}

On June 5, 2019, Pritzker signed a bipartisan $40 billion balanced budget for the 2019–20 fiscal year. The budget included $29 million in additional funding for efforts to encourage participation in the U.S. Census. Public spending increases were paid for by tax increases. A separate bill Pritzker signed imposed sales taxes on online retailers, a tax on insurance companies, and decoupled the Illinois state income tax from a federal tax cut for companies that bring their foreign profits to the U.S. The budget neglected any potential revenue that might be collected from the legalization of recreational marijuana. In addition, people who owed taxes from between June 30, 2011, and July 1, 2018, were able to take advantage of a "tax amnesty" program that allowed them to pay without penalty.{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-met-cb-illinois-budget-20190605-story.html|title=Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a $40 billion state budget into law. Here's a look at what your tax dollars are buying.|date=June 6, 2019|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=July 11, 2019|archive-date=November 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118020720/https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-met-cb-illinois-budget-20190605-story.html|url-status=live}} The governor's office had expected a $150 million surplus, which it planned to use to pay down the state's $6 billion backlog of unpaid bills.

{{See also|Abortion in Illinois}}

In June 2019, Pritzker signed into law Senate Bill 25, or the Reproductive Health Act. The act repealed the Illinois Abortion Law of 1975, which penalized doctors for performing abortions considered "unnecessary", and the "Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act". This new bill ensured the "fundamental right to make autonomous decisions about one's own reproductive health", specifically the right to choose whether to carry a pregnancy to term or to terminate it, and denies a zygote, an embryo, or a fetus "independent rights under the law" of the State of Illinois. Pritzker encouraged states that have passed restrictions on abortion to reconsider their positions and added that women from other states can seek refuge in his.{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/06/01/politics/illinois-nevada-abortion-protections-bill/index.html|title=Illinois and Nevada approve abortion rights bills that remove long-standing criminal penalties|last1=Stracqualursi|first1=Veronica|date=June 1, 2019|work=CNN|access-date=July 11, 2019|last2=Boyette|first2=Chris|archive-date=June 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190619054939/https://www.cnn.com/2019/06/01/politics/illinois-nevada-abortion-protections-bill/index.html|url-status=live}}

After Roe v. Wade was overturned, Illinois became an abortion access state for people in the South and Midwest whose states ban abortion, with 30% of abortions being for out-of-state residents. Abortions in Illinois increased by over 45% in the year after Roe was overturned, primarily due to patients traveling from states with abortion bans.{{cite web|url=https://www.stlpr.org/health-science-environment/2023-11-28/abortions-shoot-up-in-illinois-as-more-states-ban-procedure|title=Abortions shoot up in Illinois as more states ban procedure|date=28 November 2023|access-date=24 February 2024}}

On May 31, 2019, the Illinois General Assembly passed the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act legalizing and regulating the production, consumption, and sale of adult-use cannabis. On June 25, 2019, Pritzker signed the legislation into law, which went into effect on January 1, 2020.{{cite news |last1=Sfondeles |first1=Tina |date=31 May 2019 |title=High time? Pritzker vows to sign legal recreational pot bill heading to his desk |work=Chicago Sun-Times |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/cannabis/2019/5/31/18647398/high-time-legal-recreational-pot-bill-on-way-to-governors-desk |access-date=7 June 2019 |archive-date=September 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901232707/https://chicago.suntimes.com/cannabis/2019/5/31/18647398/high-time-legal-recreational-pot-bill-on-way-to-governors-desk |url-status=live}}{{cite magazine |date=May 31, 2019 |title=Illinois Poised to Be 11th State to Legalize Marijuana Use |url=https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/illinois/articles/2019-05-31/illinois-lawmakers-final-day-budget-marijuana-gambling |magazine=U.S. News & World Report |access-date=7 June 2019}}{{cite news |last1=McCoppin |first1=Robert |date=25 June 2019 |title=Legal marijuana is coming to Illinois as Gov. Pritzker signs bill he calls an 'important and overdue change to our state' |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/ct-governor-to-sign-recreational-marijuana-law-20190624-ee2bswlsq5eqvkcbuq6oz6id5i-story.html |access-date=25 June 2019 |archive-date=November 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221108160936/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/ct-governor-to-sign-recreational-marijuana-law-20190624-ee2bswlsq5eqvkcbuq6oz6id5i-story.html |url-status=live}} Illinois was the 11th U.S. state to legalize recreational use of cannabis. Criminal records of people caught possessing less than 30 grams were cleared. Tax revenue collected from cannabis sales is used to invest in impoverished communities affected by the War on Drugs and in drug rehabilitation programs.{{Cite news |last=Molina |first=Tara |date=June 25, 2019 |title=Gov. JB Pritzker Signs Bill Legalizing Recreational Marijuana In Illinois |work=CBS Chicago |url=https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2019/06/25/gov-jb-pritzker-signs-bill-legalizing-recreational-marijuana-in-illinois/ |access-date=July 11, 2019 |archive-date=June 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190628092855/https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2019/06/25/gov-jb-pritzker-signs-bill-legalizing-recreational-marijuana-in-illinois/ |url-status=live }} After the first month of legalization, cannabis sales generated approximately $10.4 million in tax revenue.{{Cite web |last=Marotti |first=Ally |title=Recreational marijuana sales in Illinois generated more than $10 million in tax revenue in January |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/marijuana/illinois/ct-biz-illinois-legal-weed-tax-revenue-20200224-iorl7m53qfburbrh7lv7gzszhm-story.html |access-date=2020-05-18 |website=chicagotribune.com |date=February 25, 2020 |archive-date=September 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220924071913/https://www.chicagotribune.com/marijuana/illinois/ct-biz-illinois-legal-weed-tax-revenue-20200224-iorl7m53qfburbrh7lv7gzszhm-story.html |url-status=live}} Cannabis sales generated over $52 million by July 2020{{Cite web |last=Marotti |first=Ally |title=Higher than expected: Illinois' $52.8M take from weed sales exceeds what state projected |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-illinois-marijuana-taxes-20200714-2cncxxi4orci5i7lmunbmhxntu-story.html |access-date=2020-08-16 |website=chicagotribune.com |date=July 15, 2020 |archive-date=May 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531101712/https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-illinois-marijuana-taxes-20200714-2cncxxi4orci5i7lmunbmhxntu-story.html |url-status=live }} and $445.3 million by the end of 2022.{{cite press release |url=https://www.illinois.gov/news/press-release.25213.html |title=Gov. Pritzker Announces Record-Breaking $445 Million in FY 2022 for Total Tax Reported for Adult-Use Cannabis |publisher=Governor of Illinois |date=July 25, 2022 |access-date=August 13, 2024}}

On December 31, 2019, Pritzker pardoned approximately 11,000 people for low-level cannabis convictions.{{Cite web |date=2019-12-31 |title=Governor JB Pritzker issues 11K pardons for marijuana convictions |url=https://abc7chicago.com/5801970/ |access-date=2020-01-01 |website=ABC7 Chicago |archive-date=October 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211015072304/https://abc7chicago.com/5801970/ |url-status=live }}

File:University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Mechanical Engineering Laboratory, East of Bardeen Quad.jpg

In the balanced budget for the 2019–20 fiscal year, worth $40 billion, the State of Illinois authorized more spending on education, including grade schools, community colleges, and state universities. Funding for grade schools rose by nearly $379 million, more than the $29 million required by the new state funding for education formula passed the previous year. Funding for community colleges increased by $14 million, for public universities by $53 million. Grants for low-income students received a $50 million bump. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, facing financial pressure, received $80 million for hiring new staff and improving services.

On top of that, the Rebuild Illinois capital plan spent some $3.2 billion for public colleges and universities over six years. $78 million of that money was allocated to emergency repairs and delayed maintenance. For years, public institutions of higher learning in Illinois had struggled financially and lobbied for increased funding without much success. Budget cuts and ballooning costs had driven Illinois residents out of state. Tuition fees, room and board had doubled in virtually every state college or university since the 2003–04 academic year.{{Cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-cb-illinois-colleges-state-budget-20190619-ciz3kc7uxvg75ntwvhyfutx4ca-story.html|title=How much money are Illinois colleges getting in the new budget? 'It's definitely good news for colleges and universities.'|last=Rhodes|first=Dawn|date=June 19, 2019|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=July 11, 2019|archive-date=June 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629150030/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-cb-illinois-colleges-state-budget-20190619-ciz3kc7uxvg75ntwvhyfutx4ca-story.html|url-status=live}} According to the Illinois Board of Higher Education, in 2017, 48.4% of Illinois public high school graduates went on to attend out-of-state institutions. That number was 46.6% in 2016, and 29.3% in 2002. Moreover, data show that Illinoisans chose not just colleges and universities from nearby states such as Iowa and Indiana, but also as far away as Alabama and Utah, lured by financial aid and scholarship packages.{{Cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/ct-met-illinois-students-college-enrollment-out-of-state-20190312-story.html|title=Illinois losing even more high school graduates to out-of-state colleges|last=Rhodes|first=Shawn|date=March 12, 2019|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=July 11, 2019|archive-date=July 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190712012130/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/ct-met-illinois-students-college-enrollment-out-of-state-20190312-story.html|url-status=live}}

Below is a sample of state colleges and universities in line for additional funding.

In addition, community colleges statewide received $1.03 billion while private colleges and universities got $400 million for capital projects. AIM High, a merit-based scholarship program for Illinoisans, saw its funding rise to $35 million, up $10 million.

Pritzker created the College Student Credit Card Marketing and Debt Task Force (House Bill 1581), whose task it is to look for ways to help students reduce their credit card debts after graduation from an institution of higher education in the state. The task force was to report its findings to the General Assembly by December 4, 2019.

Pritzker created a job training program for community colleges funded based on the percentage of low-income students attending. It launched in 2020.

In July 2019, Pritzker signed House Bill 2512. Approved unanimously by both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly, it requires state universities to report what students pay in tuition fees to the Illinois Board of Higher Education. This is intended to increase transparency in the costs of higher education.

Pritzker joined the United States Climate Alliance that was created after President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the Paris Agreement.{{cite news|url=http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2019-01-24/pritzker-signs-order-making-illinois-18th-state-join-us-climate-alliance.html|title=Pritzker signs order making Illinois 18th state to join U.S. Climate Alliance|last1=Zigterman|first1=Ben|date=January 24, 2019|work=News Gazette|access-date=June 6, 2019|archive-date=June 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607024539/http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2019-01-24/pritzker-signs-order-making-illinois-18th-state-join-us-climate-alliance.html|url-status=live}}

{{see also|COVID-19 pandemic in the United States|COVID-19 pandemic in Illinois}}

File:Construction complete of Hall C at McCormick Place’s COVID 19 ACF (50196354582).jpg (left) is accompanied by Pritzker (right) during an April 2020 visit to inspect a temporary hospital facility being erected at Chicago's McCormick Place amid the COVID-19 pandemic.]]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pritzker took several measures to mitigate the pandemic in Illinois.

On March 13, 2020, Pritzker declared that public and private schools in Illinois would be closed from March 17 through March 31.{{cite web|url=https://thesouthern.com/news/local/education/pritzker-closes-schools-statewide-for-weeks/article_9b1e7e57-5a6c-5ebf-b405-3c3fbe27e973.html|title=Pritzker closes schools statewide for 2 weeks|last1=Nowicki|first1=Jerry|date=13 March 2020|website=The Southern|language=en|access-date=22 March 2020|agency=Capitol News Illinois|archive-date=May 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531161927/https://thesouthern.com/news/local/education/pritzker-closes-schools-statewide-for-weeks/article_9b1e7e57-5a6c-5ebf-b405-3c3fbe27e973.html|url-status=live}} On March 15, he announced that all bars and restaurants must close until March 30. Restaurant businesses with delivery and takeout options would still be able to serve.{{Cite web|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/coronavirus/2020/3/15/21180375/coronavirus-bars-restaurants-closed-pritzker-trump-pence-cdc-covid-19|title=Pritzker orders all bars and restaurants to close to dine-in customers by end of day Monday|date=March 15, 2020|access-date=November 18, 2022|archive-date=March 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200316022701/https://chicago.suntimes.com/coronavirus/2020/3/15/21180375/coronavirus-bars-restaurants-closed-pritzker-trump-pence-cdc-covid-19|url-status=live}}

On March 16, 2020, Pritzker issued an executive order limiting permitted crowd sizes to 50 people.{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-illinois-monday-briefing-20200317-xdtzr2xrabhu3bepgwso45w6vi-story.html|title=Gov. J.B. Pritzker limits crowds to under 50 as coronavirus cases in Illinois climb to 105|last1=Munks|first1=Jamie|date=16 March 2020|website=Chicago Tribune|access-date=22 March 2020|archive-date=June 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601104438/https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-illinois-monday-briefing-20200317-xdtzr2xrabhu3bepgwso45w6vi-story.html|url-status=live}} Despite pressure from Chicago election officials, he refused to postpone the state's March 17 primary elections, since it was not something that he had the authority to do.{{cite web |last1=Association |first1=Kiannah Sepeda-Miller — Better Government |title=Fact-check: Postponing primary not in Pritzker's power |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2020/3/24/21192803/fact-check-pritzker-authority-postpone-primary-election |website=Chicago Sun-Times |access-date=17 April 2020 |language=en |date=24 March 2020 |archive-date=June 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220604213734/https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2020/3/24/21192803/fact-check-pritzker-authority-postpone-primary-election |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://news.wttw.com/2020/03/17/election-day-chicago-officials-urged-gov-pritzker-postpone-election|title=Election Day: Chicago Officials Urged Gov. Pritzker to Postpone Election|last1=Schutz|first1=Paris|date=17 March 2020|website=WTTW News|language=en|access-date=22 March 2020|archive-date=June 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605050546/https://news.wttw.com/2020/03/17/election-day-chicago-officials-urged-gov-pritzker-postpone-election|url-status=live}}

On March 20, 2020, Pritzker issued a stay-at-home order to take effect the next day. Under this order, all non-essential businesses were required to close while essential businesses such as grocery stores, gas stations, hospitals, pharmacies remained open. The order originally ended on April 8.{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-illinois-shelter-in-place-lockdown-order-20200320-teedakbfw5gvdgmnaxlel54hau-story.html|title=Gov. J.B. Pritzker issues order requiring residents to 'stay at home' starting Saturday|date=20 March 2020|website=Chicago Tribune|access-date=22 March 2020|archive-date=June 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200624181300/https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-illinois-shelter-in-place-lockdown-order-20200320-teedakbfw5gvdgmnaxlel54hau-story.html|url-status=live}} The state government coordinated a public health response. The State of Illinois worked with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Wal-Mart, and Walgreens to provide testing sites in Illinois's hardest-hit communities.{{cite web |url=http://www.dph.illinois.gov/news/public-health-officials-announce-163-new-cases-coronavirus-disease |title=Public Health Officials Announce 163 New Cases of Coronavirus Disease {{!}} IDPH |website=www.dph.illinois.gov |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320204716/http://www.dph.illinois.gov/news/public-health-officials-announce-163-new-cases-coronavirus-disease |archive-date=2020-03-20}} By June, amid unrest by some municipalities unhappy with Pritzker's lockdown orders, Mayor Keith Pekau of Orland Park, a suburb southwest of Chicago, and a local restaurateur sued Pritzker in federal court, alleging that the lockdown orders violated state law and the state constitution. U.S. District Judge Andrea Wood ruled against the plaintiffs, allowing the lockdown orders to stay in place. In her ruling, she cited Jacobson v Massachusetts, a 1905 U.S. Supreme Court case that upheld the authority of U.S. states to compel people to get vaccinations.{{Cite web|last=Bilyk|first=Jonathan|title=Judge nixes Orland Park suit vs Pritzker; Pre-shutdown due process hearings would make COVID response 'ineffective'|url=https://cookcountyrecord.com/stories/544621472-judge-nixes-orland-park-suit-vs-pritzker-pre-shutdown-due-process-hearings-would-make-covid-response-ineffective|access-date=2022-02-11|website=Cook County Record|language=en|archive-date=November 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118020723/https://cookcountyrecord.com/stories/544621472-judge-nixes-orland-park-suit-vs-pritzker-pre-shutdown-due-process-hearings-would-make-covid-response-ineffective|url-status=live}}

On March 25, 2020, Pritzker announced the extension of Illinois's tax filing deadline from April 15 to July 15. He also announced three new emergency assistance programs that allowed small businesses to access more than $90 million in aid.{{Cite web|url = https://newschannel20.com/news/local/more-than-90-million-to-support-illinois-small-businesses|title = More than $90 million to support Illinois small businesses|date = March 25, 2020|access-date = November 18, 2022|archive-date = July 6, 2022|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220706195556/https://newschannel20.com/news/local/more-than-90-million-to-support-illinois-small-businesses|url-status = live}}

On April 23, 2020, Pritzker extended the stay-at-home order through May 29 with some modifications.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus/pritzker-expected-to-extend-illinois-stay-at-home-order-thursday-sources/2260588/|title=Illinois' Stay-at-Home Order Modified, Extended Through May, Pritzker Announces|date=April 23, 2020 |access-date=November 18, 2022|archive-date=April 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200424150511/https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus/pritzker-expected-to-extend-illinois-stay-at-home-order-thursday-sources/2260588/|url-status=live}} Churches were prohibited from holding meetings that had more than 10 people in attendance. Some churches defied Pritzker, held meetings, and filed federal lawsuits.{{Cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/coronavirus-order-reopen-illinois-church-defy|title=Illinois churches defy Gov. Pritzker's 'absurd' restrictions on in-person services|website=Fox News|date=May 12, 2020|access-date=November 18, 2022|archive-date=June 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605115036/https://www.foxnews.com/us/coronavirus-order-reopen-illinois-church-defy|url-status=live}}

On May 1, 2020, Pritzker enacted a statewide mask mandate.{{Cite web|url=https://abc7chicago.com/illinois-face-mask-law-requirement-order-mandate/6132820/|title=Illinois Mask Requirements: New face mask order changes mandate amid coronavirus pandemic|date=April 27, 2020|access-date=November 18, 2022|archive-date=November 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118020726/https://abc7chicago.com/illinois-face-mask-law-requirement-order-mandate/6132820/|url-status=live}}

On May 5, 2020, Pritzker announced his reopening plan, "Restore Illinois". The plan had five phases and split the state's 11 existing Emergency Medical Services Regions into four reopening regions. The regions could reopen independently of one another. All regions were then in Phase Two, which allowed retail curbside pickup and delivery along with outdoor activities such as golf, boating, and fishing. Phase Three would allow manufacturing, offices, retail, barbershops, and salons to reopen with capacity limits, along with gatherings of fewer than 10 people. In Phase 4, gatherings of up to 50 people were allowed, restaurants and bars could reopen, travel resumed, and child care and schools reopened under guidance from the IDPH. In Phase 5, the economy fully reopened. Conventions, festivals and large events were permitted, and all businesses, schools, and places of recreation could be fully open.{{Cite web|url=https://wrex.com/2020/05/05/pritzker-announces-5-phase-reopen-illinois-plan/|title=Pritzker announces 5-phase plan to re-open Illinois|date=May 5, 2020 |access-date=November 18, 2022|archive-date=November 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118020728/https://www.wrex.com/coronavirus/pritzker-announces-5-phase-plan-to-re-open-illinois/article_5def95a9-4385-52cd-8813-84325616698b.html|url-status=live}}

On July 15, 2020, Pritzker announced a new COVID-19 mitigation plan in the event of a resurgence of COVID-19. The metrics that would be used to determine whether COVID-19's spread in a region required additional mitigations were a sustained increase in 7-day rolling average (7 out of 10 days) in the positivity rate and one of the following: a sustained 7-day increase in hospital admissions for a COVID-19 or the reduction in hospital capacity. Another metric was three consecutive days averaging greater than or equal to 8% positivity rate.{{Cite web|url=https://wsiltv.com/2020/07/15/illinois-releases-new-covid-19-mitigation-plan/|title=Illinois releases new COVID-19 mitigation plan|date=July 15, 2020 |access-date=November 18, 2022|archive-date=September 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902235632/https://wsiltv.com/2020/07/15/illinois-releases-new-covid-19-mitigation-plan/|url-status=live}}

File:J.B. Pritzker press conference 210226-Z-AZ071-3003.jpg

On December 4, 2020, Pritzker announced that Illinois would receive 109,000 initial doses of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine once the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the vaccine.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/illinois-slated-to-get-109k-doses-of-pfizer-vaccine-if-approved-heres-where-it-will-go/2387046/|title=Illinois Slated to Get 109K Doses of Pfizer's Vaccine if Approved – Here's Where it Will Go|date=December 4, 2020 |access-date=November 18, 2022|archive-date=June 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601010408/https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/illinois-slated-to-get-109k-doses-of-pfizer-vaccine-if-approved-heres-where-it-will-go/2387046/|url-status=live}}

On February 26, 2021, Pritzker, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, and the Biden administration announced that eligible Illinoisans could get vaccinated starting March 10 at a new mass vaccination site at the United Center.{{Cite web|title=press-release|url=https://www.illinois.gov/news/press-release.html|website=www.illinois.gov|access-date=November 18, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110220001/https://www.illinois.gov/news/press-release.html|url-status=live}}

On July 29, 2021, Pritzker announced that everyone who enters a state building was required to wear a face mask regardless of vaccination status.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/pritzker-requires-masks-for-everyone-in-illinois-state-buildings/2571807/|title=Pritzker Requires Masks for Everyone in Illinois State Buildings|date=July 30, 2021 |access-date=November 18, 2022|archive-date=September 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927082325/https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/pritzker-requires-masks-for-everyone-in-illinois-state-buildings/2571807/|url-status=live}}

On August 5, 2021, Pritzker announced that face masks must be worn at all times while inside P-12 schools, daycares, and long-term care facilities regardless of vaccination status. He also announced that face masks were required for all P-12 indoor sports, and that all state employees in congregate facilities must be vaccinated by October 4.{{Cite web |url=https://www.mywabashvalley.com/news/governor-announces-masks-will-be-required-in-all-illinois-schools-long-term-care-facilities/ |title=Governor announces masks will be required in all Illinois schools |date=August 4, 2021 |access-date=November 18, 2022 |archive-date=July 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220727192804/https://www.mywabashvalley.com/news/governor-announces-masks-will-be-required-in-all-illinois-schools-long-term-care-facilities/ |url-status=live}}

On August 26, 2021, Pritzker announced that a statewide indoor mask mandate would be reimposed to handle the surge caused by the Delta variant beginning on August 30. He also announced a vaccine mandate for all education employees in P-12 and higher education statewide and for all higher education students and healthcare workers. Pritzker announced that anyone who did not get a COVID-19 vaccine by September 5 would have to do weekly COVID testing.{{Cite web|url = https://abc7chicago.com/pritzker-vaccine-mandate-is-it-mandatory-to-wear-a-mask-in-illinois-gov-indoor/10976757/|title = Gov. Pritzker mask mandate: Governor announces new COVID policy involving masks, vaccines|date = August 26, 2021|access-date = November 18, 2022|archive-date = November 18, 2022|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221118020724/https://abc7chicago.com/pritzker-vaccine-mandate-is-it-mandatory-to-wear-a-mask-in-illinois-gov-indoor/10976757/|url-status = live}}

On September 19, 2021, Pritzker began imposing a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for college students, educators and most health care workers.{{Cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/pritzker-vaccine-mandate-itself-despite-230000526.html|title=Pritzker: Vaccine mandate will 'work itself out' despite concerns about testing costs = September 21, 2021| work=Yahoo News | date=September 21, 2021 |access-date=November 18, 2022|archive-date=October 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023045343/https://news.yahoo.com/pritzker-vaccine-mandate-itself-despite-230000526.html|url-status=live}}

On February 28, 2022, Pritzker lifted most of Illinois's COVID-19 restrictions, including the statewide mask mandate, which came just a few days after the CDC issued new, more relaxed masking guidance.

On July 14, 2022, Pritzker announced the lifting of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for college students.{{Cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-pritzker-covid-vaccination-orders-changed-20220714-ufvx7mc5pbhf7mp6dp3eq4xsmq-story.html|title=Gov. J.B. Pritzker ends COVID vaccine mandates at colleges as he tweaks many statewide pandemic restrictions = July 13, 2022| website=Chicago Tribune | date=July 13, 2022 |access-date=November 18, 2022|archive-date=October 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221021220809/https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-pritzker-covid-vaccination-orders-changed-20220714-ufvx7mc5pbhf7mp6dp3eq4xsmq-story.html|url-status=live}}

On April 1, 2019, Pritzker created Illinois's Youth Parole system.{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-met-jb-pritzker-parole-reform-20190401-story.html|title=Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs law creating parole review for young offenders with lengthy sentences|last1=Petrella|first1=Dan|date=April 1, 2019|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=June 6, 2019|archive-date=June 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607014912/https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-met-jb-pritzker-parole-reform-20190401-story.html|url-status=live}}

Pritzker signed into law Senate Bill 1890, whose goal is to crack down on human trafficking. It requires hospitality business owners to train their employees to recognize victims of trafficking and to teach them the protocols of reporting to authorities. It also establishes penalties for human trafficking, including a fine of up to $100,000 and a Class 1 Felony charge.

While serving in the Illinois Senate, Barack Obama sponsored an initiative that would collect data on traffic stops. This was codified when Pritzker signed House Bill 1613 into law. It creates a task force to collect and analyze data on traffic stops to address racial disparities. The task force was to report to the governor and the General Assembly by March 1, 2022, and every three years thereafter.

According to the governor's office, the 2019–20 budget funded two classes of Illinois State Police cadets.

In July 2019, Pritzker signed a bill that increases penalties for drivers who got involved in a road incident with injuries while texting. Under this bill, a person who causes serious injuries due to driving while texting could be fined at least $1,000 and have their driver's license suspended for a year. The law took effect immediately.{{Cite news|url=https://www.kfvs12.com/2019/07/19/pritzker-signs-more-than-dozen-illinois-bills-into-law/|title=Pritzker signs more than 2 dozen Illinois bills into law|last=Long|first=James|date=July 19, 2019|work=KVFS 12|access-date=July 24, 2019|archive-date=July 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724122326/https://www.kfvs12.com/2019/07/19/pritzker-signs-more-than-dozen-illinois-bills-into-law/|url-status=live}} In the same month, he signed House Bill 2045, ending the practice of collecting a $5 copay for offsite medical and dental treatments from people detained at a juvenile correction facility. This took effect in January 2020.

On December 31, 2020, Pritzker announced the expungement of approximately 500,000 non-felony cannabis-related arrest records.{{Cite web|last=Ramos|first=Manny|date=2020-12-31|title=Pritzker marks New Year's Eve by expunging nearly half a million marijuana arrest records, pardoning thousands more|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/cannabis/2020/12/31/22208659/cannabis-marijuana-illinois-expunge-pardon-pritzker-legal-pot|access-date=2021-01-01|website=Chicago Sun-Times|language=en|archive-date=November 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118020733/https://chicago.suntimes.com/cannabis/2020/12/31/22208659/cannabis-marijuana-illinois-expunge-pardon-pritzker-legal-pot|url-status=live}}

On February 22, 2021, Pritzker signed a criminal justice reform bill that, among other things, makes Illinois the first U.S. state to eliminate cash bail. The provision was scheduled to go into effect in January 2023, but was put on hold, pending the Illinois Supreme Court's review.{{Cite news|last=Cramer|first=Maria|date=2021-02-23|title=Illinois Becomes First State to Eliminate Cash Bail|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/23/us/illinois-cash-bail-pritzker.html|access-date=2021-02-24|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221026230927/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/23/us/illinois-cash-bail-pritzker.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |date=2023-01-06 |title=Illinois Supreme Court won't hear arguments on SAFE-T Act, ending cash bail until March |url=https://abc7chicago.com/illinois-no-cash-bail-law-safe-t-act-supreme-court-2023/12661070/ |access-date=2023-01-24 |website=ABC7 Chicago |language=en}} In July 2023, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled that the elimination of cash bail was constitutional and would go into effect in September 2023.{{Cite web |last=Franklin |first=Jonathan |date=July 18, 2023 |title=Illinois Supreme Court rules in favor of ending the state's cash bail system |url=https://www.npr.org/2023/07/18/1188349005/illinois-ends-cash-bail-system-state-supreme-court |access-date=July 1, 2024 |website=NPR}}

To help pay for his 2019 capital spending bill, Pritzker expanded gambling, allowing more casinos and legalized sports betting. This did not mean new casinos could be built and sports betting could begin right away: granting licenses for such activities is the job of the Illinois Gaming Board, and the process is a complex one, lasting several months or more and involving extensive criminal background checks, among other requirements. According to the governor's office, gambling will bring an additional $350 million in revenue each year.{{Cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-jb-pritzker-gambling-construction-bills-gas-tax-signed-20190628-inux5umelbewje5zzdrpphz3ze-story.html|title=Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs bills that ignite $45 billion construction program, massive gambling expansion and doubling of gas tax|last1=Munks|first1=Jamie|date=June 28, 2019|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=July 11, 2019|last2=Petrella|first2=Dan|archive-date=July 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190710115047/https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-jb-pritzker-gambling-construction-bills-gas-tax-signed-20190628-inux5umelbewje5zzdrpphz3ze-story.html|url-status=live}} This gambling expansion bill extends to Chicago, something the city wanted. Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot emphasized economic development in the city's South and West sides during her campaign. She has argued that a new casino, privately owned, and associated hospitality and entertainment venues will bring money into the city.{{Cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-chicago-casino-locations-evaluated-20190717-2ikeyr7innf33ohgzxnnm7t6nu-story.html|title=Lightfoot names five sites, all on South and West sides, as possible casino locations|last1=Kamin|first1=Blair|date=July 17, 2019|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=July 17, 2019|last2=Ori|first2=Ryan|archive-date=November 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118021829/https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-chicago-casino-locations-evaluated-20190717-2ikeyr7innf33ohgzxnnm7t6nu-story.html|url-status=live}}

On May 5, 2022, Lightfoot announced that she had selected Bally's Corporation's bid to construct a casino resort near the Chicago River.{{cite web|url=https://abc7chicago.com/chicago-casino-mayor-lori-lightfoot-ballys-press-conference/11819679/|title=Mayor Lori Lightfoot announces Bally's proposal as final pick for Chicago casino|publisher=ABC News|accessdate=May 5, 2022|date=May 5, 2022|archive-date=June 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220607220739/https://abc7chicago.com/chicago-casino-mayor-lori-lightfoot-ballys-press-conference/11819679/|url-status=live}}

File:P20220711AS-0201 (52324232682).jpg following the Highland Park shooting, in July 2022]]

On January 17, 2019, Pritzker signed a bill requiring state certification for gun dealers,{{cite news|url=https://www.thelansingjournal.com/news/2019/01/20/gov-pritzker-signs-sb-337-requiring-state-certification-for-gun-dealers/|title=Gov. Pritzker signs SB 337, requiring state certification for gun dealers|website=The Lansing Journal|date=January 17, 2019|access-date=June 6, 2019|archive-date=November 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118021905/https://thelansingjournal.com/2019/01/20/gov-pritzker-signs-sb-337-requiring-state-certification-for-gun-dealers/|url-status=live}} which passed during the tenure of his predecessor, Bruce Rauner. It also requires gun dealers to ensure the physical security of their stores, to keep a detailed list of items on sale, and employees of such stores to undergo annual training. These requirements come on top of the mandatory federal license issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Proponents say Senate Bill 337 prevents guns from falling "into the wrong hands" while opponents argue it creates additional bureaucracy, imposes a financial burden on gun business owners, and will neither enhance public safety nor reduce crime. The Illinois State Rifle Association argued that the bill violates the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution because it interferes with the right to bear arms, and filed a lawsuit alongside eight gun dealers.{{cite news|last=St. Clair|first=Stacy|date=July 17, 2019|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-illinois-rifle-association-sues-over-gun-dealer-license-law-20190717-myo5rg67gfemrm5wcrjs66ylwi-story.html|title=Illinois gun rights group sues over new firearms dealer law: 'All this does is create more red tape'|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|access-date=July 17, 2019}}

On May 25, 2022, in response to Texas governor Greg Abbott's comments in the aftermath of the Robb Elementary School shooting that Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City crime proves harsher gun laws are not a solution, Pritzker said that a "majority of guns used in Chicago shootings come from states with lax gun laws".{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-politics/pritzker-criticizes-texas-governor-after-he-cites-chicago-crime-during-address/2842100/|title=Pritzker Criticizes Texas Governor After He Cites Chicago Crime During Address|website=NBC Chicago|publisher=NBC|date=May 25, 2022|access-date=May 27, 2022|archive-date=May 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220526214823/https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-politics/pritzker-criticizes-texas-governor-after-he-cites-chicago-crime-during-address/2842100/|url-status=live}} Other city and state officials, including Mayor Lightfoot and Attorney General Kwame Raoul, also criticized Abbott's comments. UIC professor of political science Alexandra Filindra, described as an expert on gun policy, said preventing gun violence must be done on the federal level, that gun rights can coexist with restrictive laws, and that acquisition of weapons in general became easier after the 2008 U.S. Supreme Court decision District of Columbia v. Heller.{{cite news|last1=Nagy|first1=Liz|last2=Schulte|first2=Sarah|date=May 26, 2022|url=https://abc7chicago.com/gun-laws-chicago-texas-governor-greg-abbott/11893976/|title='Shame on you': Pritzker, Lightfoot criticize Abbott after remarks about Chicago gun laws|website=ABC7 Chicago|publisher=ABC|access-date=May 27, 2022|archive-date=May 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220526232218/https://abc7chicago.com/gun-laws-chicago-texas-governor-greg-abbott/11893976/|url-status=live}}

On January 11, 2023, Pritzker signed a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. He said of the legislation, "With this legislation we are delivering on the promises Democrats have made and, together, we are making Illinois's gun laws a model for the nation."{{cite web |last1=Kozlov |first1=Dana |title=Gov. JB Pritzker signs Illinois assault weapons ban |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/gov-jb-pritzker-signs-illinois-assault-weapons-ban/ar-AA167YYT |website=www.msn.com |publisher=MSN |access-date=12 January 2023}} The new law took effect immediately, with approximately 2.5 million Illinois gun owners affected.{{cite web |last1=Druker |first1=Simon |title=Illinois governor signs assault weapon, large magazine ban |url=https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2023/01/11/illinois-passes-assault-style-weapons-large-capacity-magazine-ban/5091673456071/ |website=www.upi.com |publisher=UPI |access-date=12 January 2023}} Gun rights organizations pledged to challenge the law in court, saying, "Almost the entire bill is a constitutional issue", according to the Illinois State Rifle Association.{{cite web |last1=Hickey |first1=Megan |title=Gun rights advocates say legal challenges are coming if Illinois assault weapons ban passes |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/illinois-assault-weapons-ban-legal-challenges/ |website=www.cbsnews.com |date=January 9, 2023 |publisher=CBS News |access-date=12 January 2023}} An Effingham County judge issued a temporary injunction preventing implementation of the law on January 20, 2023.{{Cite web |last=Tribune |first=Jeremy Gorner Chicago |title=SECOND UPDATE: Effingham County judge blocks Illinois' gun ban for plaintiffs |url=https://www.effinghamdailynews.com/news/local_news/second-update-effingham-county-judge-blocks-illinois-gun-ban-for-plaintiffs/article_63aa30fe-9917-11ed-a9e6-03a61257bcab.html |access-date=2023-01-24 |website=Effingham Daily News |date=January 20, 2023 |language=en}} The Illinois Supreme Court ruled the law constitutional and allowed it to take effect.{{Cite web |last=Wild |first=Whitney |date=2023-08-11 |title=Illinois Supreme Court upholds state's assault-style weapons ban {{!}} CNN Politics |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/11/politics/illinois-assault-weapons-ban/index.html |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=CNN |language=en}} Lawsuits are also pending in federal court and in Crawford County.{{Cite web |last1=Square |first1=Greg Bishop {{!}} The Center |last2=Square |first2=Greg Bishop {{!}} The Center |date=2023-01-24 |title=Nearly 1,700 plaintiffs file joint lawsuit against Illinois 'assault weapons' ban |url=https://www.lakemchenryscanner.com/2023/01/23/nearly-1700-plaintiffs-file-joint-lawsuit-against-illinois-assault-weapons-ban/ |access-date=2023-01-24 |website=Lake and McHenry County Scanner |language=en-US}}

In 2019, Pritzker approved a tax on private insurance that will go into the state's Medicaid program.

On January 24, 2019, Pritzker signed an executive order expanding access to Illinois welcome centers for immigrants and refugees.{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-aurora-pritzker-st-0125-story.html|title=Gov. Pritzker comes to Aurora to sign order supporting immigrant rights|last1=Lord|first1=Steve|work=Aurora Beacon-News|access-date=26 January 2019|archive-date=January 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190125162121/https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-aurora-pritzker-st-0125-story.html|url-status=live}} Welcome centers help guide immigrants on a path to citizenship and refugees with access to health care, education, jobs, and legal services.

On June 21, 2019, Pritzker signed a bill banning the operation of private immigration detention centers in Illinois.{{cite news|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/449835-illinois-governor-signs-bill-banning-private-immigrant-detention-centers|title=Illinois governor signs bill banning private immigrant detention centers|last1=Axelrod|first1=Tal|date=22 June 2019|work=TheHill|access-date=23 June 2019|language=en|archive-date=July 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706195602/https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/449835-illinois-governor-signs-bill-banning-private-immigrant-detention-centers/|url-status=live}} Another bill forbids state and local police to cooperate with U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) to deport illegal immigrants. College students who are undocumented immigrants or identify as transgender may apply for state financial aid for college. (Federal aid requires proof of citizenship and those who were assigned male at birth to register for the draft.){{Cite news|url=https://www.nprillinois.org/post/pritzker-says-new-laws-make-illinois-firewall-against-trump-immigration|title=Pritzker Says New Laws Make Illinois 'Firewall' Against Trump On Immigration|last=Mackey|first=Brian|date=June 21, 2019|work=NPR Illinois|access-date=July 13, 2019|archive-date=July 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713185341/https://www.nprillinois.org/post/pritzker-says-new-laws-make-illinois-firewall-against-trump-immigration|url-status=live}}

Pritzker erased the drug conviction of an Army veteran in August 2019. Miguel Perez Jr. suffered a brain injury while serving in Afghanistan and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. He was deported to Mexico in 2018 after spending seven years in prison. He had pleaded guilty to a drug crime and held a green card as a permanent U.S. resident. Perez's supporters hope the pardon will help him return to the U.S.{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2019-08-31/illinois-governor-pardons-army-vet-deported-mexico|title=Illinois governor pardons Army vet deported to Mexico|last=Associated Press|date=2019-09-01|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US|access-date=2019-09-01|archive-date=June 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220604090929/https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2019-08-31/illinois-governor-pardons-army-vet-deported-mexico|url-status=live}}

File:Amtrak126305roosevelt (3542716997) b.jpg

In late June 2019, Pritzker signed the bipartisan capital bill named Rebuild Illinois, worth $45 billion to be spent in six years and estimated to create 540,000 jobs. It was the first capital spending bill in Illinois in 10 years.{{Cite news|url=https://www.peoriapublicradio.org/post/ray-lahood-praises-passage-illinois-capital-bill|title=Ray LaHood Praises Passage of Illinois Capital Bill|last1=Cullen|first1=Marry|date=July 3, 2019|work=Peoria Public Radio|access-date=July 6, 2019|publisher=WCBU|last2=Shelley|first2=Tim|archive-date=July 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190706201005/https://www.peoriapublicradio.org/post/ray-lahood-praises-passage-illinois-capital-bill|url-status=live}} The plan includes $33.2 billion for transportation projects, including $25 billion for road upgrades, with local governments deciding which roads they want to prioritize, $3.5 billion for public and private schools and universities, $1 billion for environmental protection, $420 million for expanding broadband Internet service to rural Illinois, $465 million for health care and human services facilities, and $1.8 billion for libraries, museums, and minority-owned businesses. Financing for this plan will come from multiple sources. The gas tax was set to match inflation since the last gas tax increase in 1990, increasing from 19 cents per gallon to 38 cents; the special fuel tax on diesel, liquefied natural gas, and propane increased to 7.5 cents per gallon. Fuel taxes will be indexed to inflation. Vehicle registration fees increased by $50. The state's bonding authority will increase from $22.6 billion to $60.8 billion. Newly authorized casinos are expected to create thousands of jobs and deliver hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenue for construction projects. Cook County municipalities may raise their own gas taxes by up to three cents per gallon, though Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said she opposed raising the gas tax in her city and increasing Chicago Transit Authority fares. The capital bill also stipulates the creation of an apprenticeship program in the construction industry to provide part of the labor force necessary.{{Cite news|url=https://www.kfvs12.com/2019/06/28/gov-pritzkers-signs-b-rebuild-illinois-capital-plan/|title=Gov. Pritzker signs $45B Rebuild Illinois capital plan|last=Heller|first=Marsha|date=June 28, 2019|work=KFVS 12|access-date=July 6, 2019|archive-date=June 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629124854/https://www.kfvs12.com/2019/06/28/gov-pritzkers-signs-b-rebuild-illinois-capital-plan/|url-status=live}}

Transportation spending includes money for mass transit and pedestrian paths, with hundreds of millions going to projects involving Chicago. Some major projects are the reconstruction and capacity enhancement of the Kennedy Expressway ($561 million), expanding an Amtrak service between Chicago and Rockford ($275 million), and upgrades for the Pace suburban bus service ($220 million).{{Cite news|url=https://chicago.curbed.com/2019/7/2/20677903/illinois-capital-bill-chicago-transportation-projects|title=Here's what Pritzker's $45B capital bill means for Chicago transportation projects|last=Smith|first=Ryan|date=July 2, 2019|work=Curbed Chicago|access-date=July 6, 2019|archive-date=July 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190706180758/https://chicago.curbed.com/2019/7/2/20677903/illinois-capital-bill-chicago-transportation-projects|url-status=live}} Millions of dollars will be spent on improving the Chicago–St. Louis higher-speed railway, and moving passenger and rail traffic in Springfield to one set of tracks, eliminating a physical barrier.

As justification for the multi-billion-dollar spending bill and the accompanying tax hikes, Pritzker said that Illinois had not had a major infrastructure plan for two decades and asserted that improved infrastructure would help drivers on repairs.{{Cite news|url=https://www.pjstar.com/news/20190704/gov-jb-pritzker-says-construction-plan-necessary-after-years-of-neglect|title=Gov. JB Pritzker says construction plan necessary after years of neglect|last=Kaegard|first=Chris|date=July 4, 2019|work=Peoria Journal Star|access-date=July 15, 2019|archive-date=July 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715174433/https://www.pjstar.com/news/20190704/gov-jb-pritzker-says-construction-plan-necessary-after-years-of-neglect|url-status=live}}

In June 2019, Pritzker deployed 200 Illinois National Guardsmen to combat flooding across central and southern Illinois. The troops were tasked with sandbagging, protecting levees and keeping evacuation routes open.{{Cite news|url=https://www.army.mil/article/222691/illinois_national_guard_helps_civilian_agencies_fight_flooding|title=Illinois National Guard helps civilian agencies fight flooding|last=Leighton|first=Lt. Col. Bradford|date=June 3, 2019|work=U.S. Army News and Information|access-date=July 18, 2019|archive-date=July 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190731122335/https://www.army.mil/article/222691/illinois_national_guard_helps_civilian_agencies_fight_flooding|url-status=live}} In August 2019, he officially requested a federal disaster declaration for 32 Illinois counties due to flooding since February 2019. The request came after the state's disaster assessment was concluded.{{Cite news|url=https://www.kfvs12.com/2019/08/29/gov-pritzker-requests-federal-disaster-declaration-flooding/|title=Gov. Pritzker requests federal disaster declaration for 2019 flooding|date=August 29, 2019|work=KFVS 12|access-date=July 18, 2019|archive-date=August 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190831004236/https://www.kfvs12.com/2019/08/29/gov-pritzker-requests-federal-disaster-declaration-flooding/|url-status=live}}

File:JB Pritzker and Jun Yanagi in January 2025.jpg to Japan]]

On February 19, 2019, Pritzker signed into law a bill that raises the state minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2025, making Illinois the fifth state in the nation and first state in the Midwest to do so.{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-illinois-minimum-wage-pritzker-signs-bill-20190219-story.html|title=Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs law raising Illinois' minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2025|last1=Petrella|first1=Dan|date=February 19, 2019|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=February 20, 2019|archive-date=February 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220041812/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-illinois-minimum-wage-pritzker-signs-bill-20190219-story.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/business/pritzker-signs-bill-increase-minimum-wage-15-hour-2025/|title=Pritzker signs bill to increase minimum hourly wage to $15 by 2025|last=Sfondeles|first=Tina|work=Chicago Sun-Times|access-date=February 20, 2019|language=en|archive-date=February 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190219234350/https://chicago.suntimes.com/business/pritzker-signs-bill-increase-minimum-wage-15-hour-2025/|url-status=live}} The bill includes a tax credit for small businesses to help them deal with higher costs of labor and maintains the ability of restaurant owners to count tips toward pay.{{Cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-jb-pritzker-illinois-business-climate-20190619-v5lqsu4pbnh3pa537dnt2ziibq-story.html|title=Gov. J.B. Pritzker touts 'rational, pragmatic, progressive' approach in speech to Chicago business elite|last=Petrella|first=John|date=June 19, 2019|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=July 11, 2019|archive-date=July 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190711181424/https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-jb-pritzker-illinois-business-climate-20190619-v5lqsu4pbnh3pa537dnt2ziibq-story.html|url-status=live}}

On April 12, 2019, Pritzker signed the Collective Bargaining Freedom Act, which protects the right of employers, employees, and their labor organizations to collectively bargain, ensuring that Illinois complies with the National Labor Relations Act.{{cite news|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/4/12/18313390/pritzker-signs-ban-on-local-government-right-to-work-laws|title=Pritzker signs ban on local government 'right-to-work' laws|last1=Hancock|first1=Pete|date=April 12, 2019|work=Chicago Sun Times|access-date=June 6, 2019|archive-date=June 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607031143/https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/4/12/18313390/pritzker-signs-ban-on-local-government-right-to-work-laws|url-status=live}} On May 17, 2019, Pritzker signed legislation to help workers exposed to toxic substances.{{cite web|url=https://www.wifr.com/content/news/Pritzker-signs-bill-to-help-workers-exposed-to-toxic-substances-510086821.html|title=Pritzker signs bill to help workers exposed to toxic substances|website=WIFR-LD|date=May 17, 2019|access-date=June 5, 2020|archive-date=June 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606033820/https://www.wifr.com/content/news/Pritzker-signs-bill-to-help-workers-exposed-to-toxic-substances-510086821.html|url-status=live}}

Pritzker signed House Bill 2028, which passed both the Senate and House of Illinois unanimously. This bill doubles the compensation rate for families of police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty from $10,000 to $20,000.{{Cite news|url=https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20190704/some-of-the-new-state-laws-that-have-flown-under-the-radar|title=Some of the new state laws that have flown under the radar|last=Nowicki|first=Jerry|date=July 4, 2019|work=Daily Herald|access-date=July 6, 2019|archive-date=July 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190705172355/https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20190704/some-of-the-new-state-laws-that-have-flown-under-the-radar|url-status=live}}

177 members of the Illinois legislature will receive $1,600 each in cost-of-living increases.

Pritzker refused to take on the City of Chicago's pension liabilities, believing that would jeopardize Illinois's credit rating. Moody's raised it to one level above "junk" after Illinois passed a balanced budget in 2019. But Pritzker did not reject the possibility of allowing Chicago to pool its pension funds with other parts of the state, and created a task force to find ways to tackle municipalities' ballooning pension debts.{{Cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-pritzker-lightfoot-pension-consolidation-20190701-fszkqeb65fgrjfgmntms23xi64-story.html|title=Gov. J.B. Pritzker says Illinois can't take on Chicago's public pension liabilities without trashing state credit rating|last1=Petrella|first1=Dan|date=July 2, 2019|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=July 13, 2019|last2=Pratt|first2=Gregory|archive-date=July 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190712124342/https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-pritzker-lightfoot-pension-consolidation-20190701-fszkqeb65fgrjfgmntms23xi64-story.html|url-status=live}}

In June 2019, Pritzker signed an executive order requiring schools across the state to be "affirming and inclusive" of transgender and non-binary students. He also asked the State Board of Education to take a lead on LGBT rights by making relevant resources easily accessible.{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/07/01/illinois-gov-jb-pritzker-signs-order-protect-trans-students/1616381001/|title=Illinois governor JB Pritzker signs executive order to protect trans students|last=Bote|first=Joshua|date=July 1, 2019|work=USA Today|access-date=July 11, 2019|archive-date=July 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702012615/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/07/01/illinois-gov-jb-pritzker-signs-order-protect-trans-students/1616381001/|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Allen |first1=Karma |date=30 June 2019 |title=Illinois Governor Pritzker signs executive order to protect transgender students |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/illinois-governor-pritzker-signs-executive-order-protect-transgender/story?id=64055220 |work=ABC News |access-date=31 July 2024}}{{cite news |last1=Croft |first1=Jay |date=30 June 2019 |title=Illinois governor signs order to protect transgender students |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/06/30/us/illinois-governor-pritzker-transgender-students/index.html |work=CNN |access-date=31 July 2024}}

In 2023, Pritzker declined to speak directly with Representative Dean Phillips regarding his effort to try to convince him to challenge President Biden in the Democratic presidential primary.{{cite web |last1=Hall |first1=Madison |title=A congressman tried to get the governors of Michigan and Illinois to run against Biden in the Democratic primary, but they wouldn't directly take his calls |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/the-governors-of-illinois-and-michigan-ignored-dean-phillips-calls-2023-10 |publisher=Business Insider |access-date=January 24, 2025 |date=October 31, 2023}}{{cite web |last1=Alberta |first1=Tim |title=Dean Phillips Has a Warning for Democrats |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2023/10/dean-phillips-joe-biden-2024-primary/675784/ |access-date=January 24, 2025 |date=October 27, 2023 |publisher=The Atlantic}}

{{see also|Illinois Fair Tax}}

On the same day as the 2019–20 state budget, Pritzker signed the "Fair Tax" law, which offered a constitutional amendment to voters in the November 2020 election to replace Illinois's flat tax with graduated rates.{{cite news|url=https://abc7chicago.com/politics/pritzker-signs-illinois-budget-graduated-income-tax-bills-into-law/5333204/|title=Governor Pritzker signs Illinois budget into law|date=6 June 2019|work=ABC7 Chicago|access-date=7 June 2019|language=en|archive-date=October 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211015065723/https://abc7chicago.com/politics/pritzker-signs-illinois-budget-graduated-income-tax-bills-into-law/5333204/|url-status=live}} He promised that income taxes would not increase for Illinoisans who make $250,000 a year or less, who are 97% of the state's wage earners. Pritzker and his supporters said changing income tax laws was the first step toward comprehensive state tax reform.{{Cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-met-jb-pritzker-graduated-income-tax-amendment-house-20190523-story.html|title=House vote puts Pritzker's graduated income tax plan on November 2020 ballot|last1=Pearson|first1=Rick|date=May 27, 2019|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=July 11, 2019|last2=Munks|first2=Jamie|last3=Petrella|first3=Dan|archive-date=May 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529181155/https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-met-jb-pritzker-graduated-income-tax-amendment-house-20190523-story.html|url-status=live}} The proposed graduated income tax rates were:{{Cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-met-jb-pritzker-graduated-tax-rates-20190307-story.html|title=Gov. J.B. Pritzker unveils graduated state income tax plan he says would give break to taxpayers earning less than $250,000|last1=Petrella|first1=Dan|date=March 8, 2019|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=July 11, 2019|last2=Pearson|first2=Rick|archive-date=June 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617100723/https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-met-jb-pritzker-graduated-tax-rates-20190307-story.html|url-status=live}}

According to the governor's office, under this proposal, families and couples would see tax cuts across the board. For example, a family of four making $61,000 a year would pay $41 less in income tax before any other tax exemptions or deductions. Moreover, there would be a tax credit of up to $100 per child for individuals making less than $80,000 and joint filers earning under $100,000. The corporate tax rate would rise from 7% to 7.95%, equal to the highest personal rate. In addition, Pritzker wanted to increase the property tax credit to 6% from 5%.

Pritzker donated more than $55 million to "Vote Yes for Fairness", a committee that supported the tax change.{{Cite web|last=Pearson|first=Rick|title=Gov. J.B. Pritzker's cousin gives $500,000 to group opposed to governor's graduated-rate tax initiative|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-graduated-rate-income-tax-pritzker-20201013-npbp3i2a7fht7jsxxdrmvfrgou-story.html|access-date=2020-11-01|website=chicagotribune.com|date=October 13, 2020 |archive-date=June 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220604120610/https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-graduated-rate-income-tax-pritzker-20201013-npbp3i2a7fht7jsxxdrmvfrgou-story.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=WLS|date=2020-07-04|title=Gov. JB Pritzker donates $51.5M more for taxes initiative|url=https://abc7chicago.com/6297729/|access-date=2020-11-01|website=ABC7 Chicago|language=en|archive-date=October 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211015065046/https://abc7chicago.com/6297729/|url-status=live}} The tax change set up a fight between Pritzker and Ken Griffin, who donated over $50 million to a group opposing it.{{Cite web|last=Griffin|first=Ken|title=Commentary: Ken Griffin: Why I oppose the graduated income tax|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/commentary/ct-opinion-graduated-income-tax-ken-griffin-20200904-lauhnk4t3fcbtczf7i6sxjghya-story.html|access-date=2020-11-01|website=chicagotribune.com|date=September 4, 2020 |archive-date=September 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907065458/https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/commentary/ct-opinion-graduated-income-tax-ken-griffin-20200904-lauhnk4t3fcbtczf7i6sxjghya-story.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Hinton|first=Rachel|date=2020-09-04|title=Deep-pockets dogfight? Billionaires Ken Griffin and Gov. Pritzker dig into wallets in battle over income tax|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2020/9/4/21423138/billionaires-ken-griffin-20-million-pritzker-proposed-graduated-income-tax-fair-coalition|access-date=2020-11-01|website=Chicago Sun-Times|language=en|archive-date=September 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200908081619/https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2020/9/4/21423138/billionaires-ken-griffin-20-million-pritzker-proposed-graduated-income-tax-fair-coalition|url-status=live}} Griffin called Pritzker "spineless", accusing him of trying "to sell a trick disguised as a solution", and pointed to Pritzker's offshore trusts and personal tax avoidance schemes as hypocritical.{{Cite web|last=Pearson|first=Rick|title=Battle of billionaires: Griffin slams Pritzker push for graduated income tax amendment in email to employees|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-graduated-income-tax-ken-griffin-20201023-6qz46t3z5rbpdmgqaxwzd4xsya-story.html|access-date=2020-11-01|website=chicagotribune.com|archive-date=October 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023070412/https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-graduated-income-tax-ken-griffin-20201023-6qz46t3z5rbpdmgqaxwzd4xsya-story.html|url-status=live}}

Pritzker claimed that his income tax proposal would bring $3.4 billion in tax revenue. As of 2019, Illinois had $8.5 billion of unpaid bills and $134 billion of pension liabilities.

The gas tax that funds the 2019 infrastructure plan, 38 cents per gallon and indexed to inflation, took effect on July 1, 2019. As of 2019, Illinois had one of the highest fuel taxes in the U.S.{{Cite news|url=https://dailynorthwestern.com/2019/07/06/uncategorized/gas-prices-increase-in-illinois-following-pritzkers-infrastructure-plan/|title=Gas prices increase in Illinois following Pritzker's infrastructure plan|last=Martinez|first=Melissa|date=July 6, 2019|work=Daily Northwestern|access-date=July 15, 2019|archive-date=July 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715173533/https://dailynorthwestern.com/2019/07/06/uncategorized/gas-prices-increase-in-illinois-following-pritzkers-infrastructure-plan/|url-status=live}}

On April 7, 2019, Pritzker made Illinois the first state in the Midwest to adopt Tobacco 21.{{cite news|last1=Pritzker|first1=JB|date=April 7, 2019|title=Illinois Becomes First State in Midwest to Adopt "Tobacco 21' After Gov. Pritzker Signs Landmark Legislation|work=Vote Smart|url=https://votesmart.org/public-statement/1334488/illinois-becomes-first-state-in-midwest-to-adopt-tobacco-21#.XPm9mfZFx6w|access-date=June 6, 2019|archive-date=May 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513215237/https://votesmart.org/public-statement/1334488/illinois-becomes-first-state-in-midwest-to-adopt-tobacco-21#.XPm9mfZFx6w|url-status=live}}

As part of his plan to fund capital projects, Pritzker raised the sales tax on cigarettes by $1.

In June 2020, Pritzker signed legislation to expand voting by making Election Day a state holiday.{{Cite web|last=Nowicki|first=Jerry|date=2020-06-16|title=Pritzker signs vote-by-mail expansion, declares Election Day a state holiday|url=https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200616/pritzker-signs-vote-by-mail-expansion-declares-election-day-a-state-holiday|access-date=2020-07-14|website=Daily Herald|language=en-US|archive-date=November 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111173407/https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200616/pritzker-signs-vote-by-mail-expansion-declares-election-day-a-state-holiday|url-status=live}}

The 2019–20 budget spent $230 million on a new Quincy Veterans Home, and $21 million on the Chicago Veterans Home.{{cite news|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/6/5/18654114/pritzker-signs-budget-income-tax-rates-bill-fair-tax-graduated-fiscal-stability|title=Pritzker signs budget, income tax rates bill for his 'fair tax' plan — touts 'new era of fiscal stability'|last1=Sfondeles|first1=Tina|date=5 June 2019|work=Chicago Sun-Times|access-date=7 June 2019|archive-date=June 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220604055254/https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/6/5/18654114/pritzker-signs-budget-income-tax-rates-bill-fair-tax-graduated-fiscal-stability|url-status=live}}

In July 2019, Pritzker signed House Bill 3343, creating a food program for the elderly, the disabled, and the homeless. Such individuals may collect their benefits from a private business that has a contract with the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) to provide meals with discounts. This is the state implementation of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The IDHS was to initiate this program no later than January 1, 2020.{{Cite news|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/7/22/20706477/pritzker-passes-100-mark-laws-texting-driving-food-stamps-term-limits|title=Pritzker passes 100 mark in bill-signing — with new laws on texting while driving, food stamps, term limits|last=Nowicki|first=Jerry|date=July 22, 2019|work=Chicago Sun-Times|access-date=July 24, 2019|archive-date=July 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723131021/https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/7/22/20706477/pritzker-passes-100-mark-laws-texting-driving-food-stamps-term-limits|url-status=live}}

File:JB Pritzker at the WEF, 2023.png in 2023|221x221px]]

On January 23, 2019, Pritzker committed Illinois to the U.S. Climate Alliance, which aims to reduce the state's greenhouse gas emissions by over 26% by 2025.{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-met-jb-pritzker-illinois-climate-change-20190123-story.html|title=Gov. J.B. Pritzker commits Illinois to climate change fight as study shows extreme weather convincing more people|last1=Briscoe|first1=Tony|work=chicagotribune.com|access-date=26 January 2019|archive-date=February 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226024202/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-met-jb-pritzker-illinois-climate-change-20190123-story.html|url-status=live}} In 2017, it was revealed that both Pritzker and his 2018 gubernatorial primary opponent Christopher G. Kennedy had stock holdings in ExxonMobil, Chevron Corporation, Occidental Petroleum, and ConocoPhillips, raising questions about whether either of them had genuine commitments to reducing climate change.{{Cite web |title=Are Pritzker and Kennedy actually committed fighting climate change? |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/letters/ct-pritzker-kennedy-investments-climate-change-20171208-story.html |access-date=2023-02-21 |website=Chicago Tribune|date=December 8, 2017 }}

In 2023, Pritzker vetoed legislation to lift a moratorium on nuclear power plant construction in Illinois, citing concerns over nuclear waste.{{Cite web |date=2023-08-12 |title=Pritzker vetoes bill aiming to end Illinois' moratorium on nuclear plant construction |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-politics/pritzker-vetoes-bill-aiming-to-end-illinois-moratorium-on-nuclear-plant-construction/3206321/ |website=NBC Chicago |language=en-US}}

Pritzker supports bans on various types of firearms and magazines. He also supports strict and universal firearm registration.{{cite web |last1=Blaff |first1=Ari |title=Illinois Bans 'Assault-Weapon' Sales, Forces Owners to Register with Police |url=https://news.yahoo.com/illinois-bans-assault-weapon-sales-135743421.html |website=news.yahoo.com |date=January 12, 2023 |publisher=Yahoo! News |access-date=12 January 2023}}

File:Pritzker speaking at a planned parenthood event.webm event in 2021]]

Pritzker is pro-choice and a vocal supporter of reproductive rights.{{cite web |date=March 16, 2018 |title=JB's Commitment to Women's Rights – JB Pritzker for Governor |url=https://jbpritzker.com/womensrights/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317224725/https://jbpritzker.com/womensrights/ |archive-date=March 17, 2020 |website=JB Pritzker for Governor}} During the 2018 gubernatorial Democratic primaries, Planned Parenthood supported Pritzker, along with Kennedy and Biss.{{cite news |last1=Hinz |first1=Greg |date=January 25, 2018 |title=Abortion-rights groups split on guv race—but why? |language=en |work=Crain's Chicago Business |url=http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20180125/BLOGS02/180129935/abortion-rights-groups-split-on-illinois-governor-s-race |url-status=live |access-date=September 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180910014736/http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20180125/BLOGS02/180129935/abortion-rights-groups-split-on-illinois-governor-s-race |archive-date=September 10, 2018}}

On January 22, 2019, Pritzker signed an executive order giving state employees and women covered under Illinois state health insurance expanded reproductive coverage, including abortion.{{cite news |last1=Pathieu |first1=Diane |date=22 January 2019 |title=Pritzker signs executive order on women's reproductive rights |language=en |work=ABC7 Chicago |url=https://abc7chicago.com/politics/pritzker-signs-executive-order-on-womens-reproductive-rights/5101234/ |url-status=live |access-date=26 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211015054307/https://abc7chicago.com/politics/pritzker-signs-executive-order-on-womens-reproductive-rights/5101234/ |archive-date=October 15, 2021}} Planned Parenthood officials praised the move and attended the signing event.

In October 2023, Pritzker launched and funded the abortion rights nonprofit Think Big America, which targets ballot measures in other states as part of a broader campaign "combating far-right extremism".{{cite news |date=October 20, 2023 |title=Pritzker launches abortion rights group Think Big America |work=Politico |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2023/10/18/pritzker-abortion-rights-think-big-america-00122159}}

Pritzker supports Syrian refugees, and criticized the first Trump administration and Rauner for "turning a blind eye on them".{{cite web|url=http://www.ontheissues.org/Governor/J_B__Pritzker_Immigration.htm|title=J.B. Prtizker on Immigration|publisher=On the Issues|access-date=November 1, 2018|archive-date=November 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107145424/http://www.ontheissues.org/Governor/J_B__Pritzker_Immigration.htm|url-status=live}} He also supports enhancing funding for immigrant and refugee services, increasing health care options for undocumented immigrants, improving the U-Visa certification process for victims of violent crimes, and providing access to financial aid for undocumented students such as DACA recipients. He has said he would sign the "Illinois Trust Act", a pro-immigration bill.

In January 2025, when asked about the mass deportation of illegal immigrants in the second presidency of Donald Trump, Pritzker spoke in favor of deporting convicted criminals who are undocumented, but criticized the targeting of "law-abiding residents" who are integrated into communities.{{cite web |last1=Fortinsky |first1=Sarah |title=Pritzker on immigration raids: 'We need to get rid of violent criminals,' not 'law-abiding' residents |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/5107330-pritzker-immigration-raids/ |website=The Hill |access-date=27 January 2025}}

Pritzker rejected calls for a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza war in the Gaza Strip in February 2024 when he criticized the Gaza ceasefire resolution passed by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.{{cite news |title=Gov. Pritzker criticizes City Hall's Gaza cease-fire resolution |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/02/01/pritzker-criticizes-gaza-cease-fire-resolution/ |work=Chicago Tribune |date=February 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240201203911/https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/02/01/pritzker-criticizes-gaza-cease-fire-resolution/ |archive-date=February 1, 2024}}

File:LGBT J.B. button 01.jpg]]

Pritzker has been a longtime advocate of LGBTQ rights, and has actively participated in the Chicago Gay Pride Parade.{{cite web|url=https://wgntv.com/2018/06/03/politicians-show-support-for-lgbtq-community-as-pride-month-kicks-off/|title=Politicians show support for LGBTQ community as Pride Month kicks off|last1=Lewis|first1=Sean|date=June 4, 2018|website=WGN-TV|access-date=June 25, 2018|archive-date=June 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625161041/https://wgntv.com/2018/06/03/politicians-show-support-for-lgbtq-community-as-pride-month-kicks-off/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-jb-pritzker-donald-trump-met-0801-20170731-story.html|title=Pritzker says he'll lead Illinois as resistance state to Trump|last1=Pearson|first1=Rick|date=July 31, 2017|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=June 25, 2018|archive-date=June 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625132455/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-jb-pritzker-donald-trump-met-0801-20170731-story.html|url-status=live}} As part of his 2018 gubernatorial race, he said his administration would address anti-LGBT hate crimes, expand LGBT access to health care, and oppose any anti-LGBT legislation.{{cite web|url=https://www.jbpritzker.com/lgbtq/|title=JB's Commitment to LGBTQ Rights|date=January 23, 2018|website=JB Pritzker for Governor|access-date=June 25, 2018|archive-date=June 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625161029/https://www.jbpritzker.com/lgbtq/|url-status=live}}

Pritzker supports expanding the state's medical marijuana program and legalizing recreational cannabis in Illinois.{{cite news|url=https://dailynorthwestern.com/2018/04/22/city/pritzker-highlights-push-for-legalization-of-marijuana-on-4-20/|title=J.B. Pritzker highlights push for legalization of marijuana on 4/20|last1=Henderson|first1=Catherine|date=April 22, 2018|work=The Daily Northwestern|access-date=November 18, 2022|archive-date=June 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605010646/https://dailynorthwestern.com/2018/04/22/city/pritzker-highlights-push-for-legalization-of-marijuana-on-4-20/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/brown-pritzker-betting-the-pot-on-legalizing-marijuana-in-gov-race/|title=Pritzker betting the pot on legalizing marijuana in governor's race|last=Brown|first=Mark|date=January 22, 2018|work=Chicago Sun-Times|access-date=November 18, 2022|archive-date=September 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220917001802/https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/brown-pritzker-betting-the-pot-on-legalizing-marijuana-in-gov-race/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chicagoinc/ct-met-pritzker-pot-0116-chicago-inc-20180112-story.html|title=Top 3 Illinois Dem gubernatorial candidates agree: We all smoked pot back in the day|last1=Janssen|first1=Kim|date=January 16, 2018|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=November 18, 2022|archive-date=March 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190316053033/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chicagoinc/ct-met-pritzker-pot-0116-chicago-inc-20180112-story.html|url-status=live}} In June 2019, he signed the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act into law, which effectively legalized the possession and regulated sale of marijuana for recreational purposes starting in 2020.{{cite news|publisher=NPR|title=Illinois legalizes marijuana and other new state laws in 2020|date=January 1, 2020|url=https://www.npr.org/2020/01/01/792681442/6-new-state-laws-you-should-know-about-in-2020|access-date=November 18, 2022|archive-date=November 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111043153/https://www.npr.org/2020/01/01/792681442/6-new-state-laws-you-should-know-about-in-2020|url-status=live}}

As a candidate for governor, Pritzker campaigned on raising the minimum wage in Illinois to $15 an hour.{{cite news|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/pritzker-sets-six-month-deadline-for-minimum-wage-increase/|title=Pritzker sets six-month deadline for minimum wage increase|work=Chicago Sun-Times|access-date=February 18, 2019|language=en|archive-date=February 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190219020255/https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/pritzker-sets-six-month-deadline-for-minimum-wage-increase/|url-status=live}} He enacted a plan to do so, raising the minimum wage to $9.25 an hour on January 1, 2020, and then to $10 an hour on July 1 of that year. The minimum wage has risen by $1 per hour each year on January 1. It was $15 as of January 1, 2025.{{citation|url=https://labor.illinois.gov/laws-rules/fls/minimum-wage-rates-by-year.html|title=Hourly Minimum Wage Rates by Year|work=Illinois Department of Labor|language=en}}

Pritzker supports net neutrality, and wrote on his gubernatorial campaign website: "As governor, I will ensure that all internet traffic is treated equally, so that everyone can continue to use the internet to grow their businesses, further their education, and enjoy the freedom of expression."{{cite web|url=https://www.jbpritzker.com/netneutrality/|title=JB's Priorities for Protecting Net Neutrality|date=April 30, 2018|website=JB Pritzker for Governor|access-date=June 25, 2018|archive-date=June 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625161018/https://www.jbpritzker.com/netneutrality/|url-status=dead}}

In November 2024, Pritzker and other U.S. state governors established an alliance to protect their interests against anticipated changes in the federal government.Kelly, Stephanie, and Brooks, Brad, [https://www.reuters.com/world/us/democratic-governors-create-group-resist-trump-policies-2024-11-13/ Democratic governors create group to resist Trump policies], Reuters, November 13, 2024

Through the Pritzker Family Foundation, Pritzker has funded research and programs focused on children in poverty. Under the leadership of economist James Heckman, he supported the creation of the Pritzker Consortium on Early Childhood Development at the University of Chicago.{{cite web

|url = http://www.jb-pritzker.com/civic-involvement/

|title = Pritzker

|work = JB Pritzker Biographical Website

|access-date = January 6, 2014

|archive-date = January 6, 2014

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140106230708/http://jb-pritzker.com/civic-involvement/

|url-status = live

}}{{cite web |last1=Ochs |first1=Alyssa |title=Pritzker Early Education Foundation Cradles the Birth-to-Five Demographic |url=https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/chicago-philanthropy/2013/10/17/pritzker-early-education-foundation-cradles-the-birth-to-fiv.html |website=Inside Philanthropy |access-date=September 9, 2018 |archive-date=September 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180910014556/https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/chicago-philanthropy/2013/10/17/pritzker-early-education-foundation-cradles-the-birth-to-fiv.html |url-status=dead }} With the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Buffett Early Childhood Fund, the Irving Harris Foundation, and the George Kaiser Family Foundation, the Pritzker Family Foundation is a founding supporter of the First Five Years Fund, an organization focusing nationwide attention and resources on comprehensive, quality early care and learning programs for children from birth to age five.{{cite web

|url = http://ffyf.org/index.php/who-we-are/philanthropic-partners

|title = Philanthropic Partners

|work = The First Five Years Fund (official website)

|access-date = October 19, 2010

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101027073239/http://ffyf.org/index.php/who-we-are/philanthropic-partners

|archive-date = October 27, 2010

|url-status = dead

}} In 2013, Pritzker worked with Goldman Sachs to fund the first-ever social impact bond for early childhood education.{{cite web|url=https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2013/06/12/goldman-to-invest-in-utah-preschool-program/|title=Goldman Sachs to Finance Early Education Program Philanthropic Partners|last=Alden|first=William|date=June 12, 2013|work=The New York Times DealBook|access-date=January 6, 2014|archive-date=June 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130619065505/http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2013/06/12/goldman-to-invest-in-utah-preschool-program/|url-status=live}}

As chairman of the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, which opened in 2009, Pritzker led the capital campaign and planning to build an international institution in the Midwest dedicated to teaching the lessons of the Holocaust and other genocides.{{cite web|url=http://jta.org/news/article-print/2009/04/21/1004528/illinois-holocaust-museum-emphasizes-lessons-for-future?TB_iframe=true&width=750&height=500|title=New Illinois Holocaust museum emphasizes lessons for future|last=Jane Charney|first=Jane|date=April 21, 2009|work=JTA – Jewish & Israel News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100506064156/https://www.jta.org/news/article-print/2009/04/21/1004528/illinois-holocaust-museum-emphasizes-lessons-for-future?TB_iframe=true&width=750&height=500|archive-date=May 6, 2010|access-date=November 30, 2009}} He is the principal funder of Cambodia Tribunal Monitor, the most significant online source for news and commentaries on the international criminal tribunal created to bring to justice the perpetrators of Pol Pot-era acts of genocide. He chaired the Illinois Human Rights Commission,{{cite news|last=Anderson|first=Jon|title=Gregory's stand-up stirs proud memories|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|date=December 24, 2022|page=2C3|id={{ProQuest| }} }} and was succeeded by former White House counsel and federal judge Abner J. Mikva.{{cite web

|url = http://www.illinois.gov/PressReleases/ShowPressRelease.cfm?SubjectID=3&RecNum=5111

|title = Gov. Blagojevich appoints Judge Abner Mikva Chairman of the Illinois Human Rights Commission: Former judge to replace outgoing J.B. Pritzker

|work = Illinois Government News Network

|date = July 26, 2006

|access-date = November 30, 2009

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100530154259/http://www.illinois.gov/PressReleases/ShowPressRelease.cfm?SubjectID=3&RecNum=5111

|archive-date = May 30, 2010

|url-status = dead

}} In 2013, Pritzker received the Survivors' Legacy Award for his leadership in the creation of the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center.{{cite web

|url = http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20130307/BLOGS03/130309848/brodsky-rice-pritzker-feted-by-holocaust-museum

|title = Brodsky, Rice, Pritzker feted by Holocaust museum

|work = Crain's Chicago Business

|author = Shia Kapos

|date = March 7, 2013

|access-date = January 6, 2014

|archive-date = November 18, 2022

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221118021901/https://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20130307/BLOGS03/130309848/william-brodsky-of-cboe-linda-johnson-rice-j-b-pritzker-honored-by-illinois-holocaust-museum

|url-status = live

}}

In 2007, Pritzker and his wife donated $5 million to the University of South Dakota to build the Theodore R. and Karen K. Muenster University Center in honor of his wife's parents.{{Cite web|url=http://www.usd.edu/press/news/news.cfm?nid=1155|title=J.B. and M.K. Pritzker Family Foundation Provides Generous Gift to The U for Construction of Muenster University Center|date=October 12, 2007|publisher=University of South Dakota|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107002053/http://www.usd.edu/press/news/news.cfm?nid=1155|archive-date=January 7, 2014}} In 2011, Milton Academy dedicated the Pritzker Science Center for which Pritzker provided the lead gift. Pritzker is a trustee and serves on the investment committee of Northwestern University. He is a member of the Board of Governors of Northwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the Economic Club of Chicago and the Commercial Club of Chicago. He joined the Duke University Board of Trustees in 2017; his term expires in 2023.{{Cite web |title=J.B. Pritzker T'87 {{!}} Board of Trustees |url=https://trustees.duke.edu/trustees/jb-pritzker-t87 |access-date=2022-04-07 |website=trustees.duke.edu |archive-date=September 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922212222/https://trustees.duke.edu/trustees/jb-pritzker-t87 |url-status=live }}

On October 22, 2015, Northwestern University School of Law announced that Pritzker and his wife, M. K. Pritzker, had made a $100 million gift to the school in honor of Pritzker's great-grandfather, Nicholas J. Pritzker. The 156-year-old school was renamed the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law.{{cite web|url=https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2015/10/pritzker-family-makes-unprecedented-gift-to-northwestern-law-|title=Pritzker Family Makes Unprecedented Gift to Northwestern Law|last=Anyaso|first=Hilary Hurd|date=October 22, 2015|work=Northwestern Newscenter|access-date=October 23, 2015|archive-date=October 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161014210621/https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2015/10/pritzker-family-makes-unprecedented-gift-to-northwestern-law-/|url-status=live}}

Pritzker received the Spirit of Erikson Institute Award for his creation of the Children's Initiative.{{cite web |title=500 Guests Helped Erikson Institute Celebrate 40th Anniversary at Prism Ball – Erikson Institute |url=https://www.erikson.edu/news/500-guests-helped-erikson-institute-celebrate-40th-anniversary-at-prism-ball/ |website=Erikson Institute |access-date=September 9, 2018 |date=May 22, 2007 |archive-date=September 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180910014836/https://www.erikson.edu/news/500-guests-helped-erikson-institute-celebrate-40th-anniversary-at-prism-ball/ |url-status=dead }}

The Better Government Association, an Illinois watchdog, has criticized Pritzker's charitable giving practices, saying he funneled the funds he gave to charity from offshore tax havens. "The result is that Pritzker's philanthropy, and any accolades that go with it, have been bankrolled with what is essentially found money. He did little to earn the proceeds and paid no taxes on the bulk of it before giving it away", the BGA wrote.{{cite news|last1=Neubauer|first1=Chuck|last2=Bergo|first2=Sandy|title=Pritzker's Storied Charity Costs Him Little But Taxpayers A Lot|url=https://www.bettergov.org/news/pritzkers-storied-charity-costs-him-little-but-taxpayers-a-lot|access-date=February 8, 2018|work=Better Government Association|date=February 7, 2018|language=en|archive-date=February 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208211701/https://www.bettergov.org/news/pritzkers-storied-charity-costs-him-little-but-taxpayers-a-lot|url-status=live}}

Pritzker has gained support from progressives and socialists for his stances on healthcare, education, raising the minimum wage, legalizing recreational marijuana, and expanding access to healthcare.{{Cite web |last=Prager |first=Stephen |date=2022-07-06 |title=Online Socialists Flock to a Billionaire Governor in Illinois as Aging Icons of the Movement Fade |url=https://www.nysun.com/article/online-socialists-flock-to-a-billionaire-governor-in-illinois-as-aging-icons-of-the-movement-fade |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=The New York Sun |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Lutz |first=Eric |date=2022-09-06 |title='Don't Tell Me I'm Not Allowed to Attack Back': JB Pritzker Will Gladly Be Democrats' Flamethrower |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2022/09/jb-pritzker-will-gladly-be-democrats-flamethrower |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=Vanity Fair |language=en-US}} His administration has been considered one of the most progressive in the United States.{{Cite web |title=With budget proposal and fiery address, Pritzker paints himself as progressive pragmatist |url=https://capitolnewsillinois.com/news/with-budget-proposal-and-fiery-address-pritzker-paints-himself-as-progressive-pragmatist |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=Capitol News Illinois |date=22 February 2024 |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |last=Slevin |first=Peter |date=2023-10-18 |title=The Billionaire Hotel Heir—and Progressive Hero? |url=https://www.newyorker.com/news/persons-of-interest/j-b-pritzker-governor-illinois |access-date=2024-08-19 |work=The New Yorker |language=en-US |issn=0028-792X}}{{Cite news |last=Weisman |first=Jonathan |date=2024-08-18 |title=JB Pritzker Is Ready to Party at a Convention He Made Happen |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/18/us/politics/pritzker-democratic-convention.html |access-date=2024-08-19 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

The vast majority of opposition to Pritzker comes from Republicans and conservatives, who oppose his views on gun restrictions and abortion.{{Cite web |title=Does Gov. J.B. Pritzker Suck? |url=https://www.chicagomag.com/news/does-gov-j-b-pritzker-suck/ |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=Chicago Magazine |language=en-US}} Pritzker's gubernatorial election results in Southern Illinois were less successful than those of Rod Blagojevich or Glenn Poshard. Some left-wing activists have also criticized Pritzker for his unclear stance on Medicare for All and lack of action on minority issues.{{Cite web |title=Illinois's Progressive Government Is Failing Minorities |url=https://www.city-journal.org/article/illinois-progressive-government-is-failing-minorities |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=City Journal |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=DoGood |first=Silence |date=2022-11-07 |title="Pritzker is Racist!" say Local Activists |url=https://thesouthlandjournal.com/pritzker-is-racist-say-local-activists/ |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=The Southland Journal |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=J. B. Pritzker Looks Like a Progressive Hero Because Democrats Have Set the Bar So Low |url=https://jacobin.com/2022/08/jb-pritzker-illinois-governor-democrats-socialism |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=Jacobin |language=en-US}}

File:Iron Workers Delegate Dinner (52847721961).jpg Wes Moore in April 2023. Pritzker's weight has been the subject of both memes and political commentary. ]]

On X (formerly Twitter), there are numerous accounts such as "Socialists for Pritzker", "Nomadic Warriors for Pritzker", "Frat Bros for Pritzker", and "Anarchists for Pritzker". The Socialists for Pritzker account has over 13,000 followers.{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=Brenden |date=2022-08-03 |title=Bailey, Pritzker present in different ways on social media |url=https://thesouthern.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/bailey-pritzker-present-in-different-ways-on-social-media/article_e4689923-e0ab-5b5b-b691-2344ea280659.html |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=Southern Illinoisan |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Weigel |first=David |date=2022-07-05 |title=Analysis {{!}} The Trailer: 'Nationalize this race': Democrats run on abortion in special elections |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/07/05/trailer-nationalize-this-race-democrats-run-abortion-special-elections/ |access-date=2024-08-19 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}} The accounts have been described as semi-ironic. Pritzker has said the attention is "entertaining, if a little strange" and that he keeps up with several of the accounts.{{Cite web |last=Borrelli |first=Christopher |date=2022-11-04 |title=J.B. Pritzker, conqueror of worlds? The memeing of the Illinois governor gets weird |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2022/11/04/jb-pritzker-conqueror-of-worlds-the-memeing-of-the-illinois-governor-gets-weird/ |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=Chicago Tribune |language=en-US}} Nomadic Warriors for Pritzker has dubbed Pritzker the "Great Khan of the Midwest" and mapped out battle plans for a Mongol Empire-inspired military campaign across the nation.{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=Brenden |date=2023-09-14 |title=Meet the man behind 'Nomadic Warriors for Pritzker' Twitter account |url=https://pantagraph.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/pritzker-twitter-meme-nomadic-politics/article_ec86b10e-51fe-11ee-9231-afa1c33233ab.html |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=The Pantagraph |language=en}} The group of accounts, dubbed the "Pritzker Pals," launched a website, coconutbigboy.com, with the goal of influencing Vice President Kamala Harris to pick Pritzker as her running mate in the 2024 presidential election.{{Cite web |title=Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker's Quirky Online Fanbase Intends to Shitpost Their 'Big Boy' Into the White House |url=https://www.jezebel.com/pritzker-harris-memes-tk |website=Jezebel}}

A TikTok account called "Pritzker Memes" garnered 20,000 followers. Some of the memes are about Pritzker's size,{{Cite web |last=Zorn |first=Eric |date=2017-05-06 |title=Pritzker gets out in front of weight issue |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2017/05/06/pritzker-gets-out-in-front-of-weight-issue/ |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=Chicago Tribune |language=en-US}} with one political commentator saying, "He is enormous, doesn't come off as particularly intellectual, and has good instincts".

Pritzker launched his own beer brand, "JBeers", ahead of the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. He also named Malört the DNC's "unofficial shot".{{Cite web |last=Selvam |first=Ashok |date=2024-08-19 |title=Gov. JB Pritzker Crowns Malört the DNC's Unofficial Shot in Chicago |url=https://chicago.eater.com/2024/8/19/24223625/jeppsons-malort-democratic-national-convention-dnc-chicago-pritzker-cnn-politico-grill-united-center |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=Eater Chicago |language=en}}

On February 7, 2025, Pritzker posted a satirical video to his personal twitter account announcing Illinois's annexation of Green Bay, Wisconsin, and the renaming of Lake Michigan to "Lake Illinois". The video followed President Donald Trump's announcement that the Gulf of Mexico had been renamed the "Gulf of America."{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-politics/gov-pritzker-jokes-hes-renaming-lake-michigan-annexing-green-bay/3668802/|title=Gov. Pritzker jokes he's renaming Lake Michigan, annexing Green Bay|author=NBC Chicago Staff and Associated Press|website=NBC Chicago|date=February 7, 2025}}

In 1993, Pritzker married Mary Kathryn "M. K." Muenster, whom he had met in Washington, D.C., when she worked as an aide to U.S. Senator Tom Daschle.{{Cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1998/05/24/the-long-run/|title=The Long Run – After His First Date With Politics, J.b. Pritzker Is Ready To Make A Commitment|last=Kogan|first=Rick|date=May 24, 1998|work=Chicago Tribune|page=3|access-date=November 18, 2022|archive-date=September 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921053816/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1998-05-24/features/9805240393_1_pritzker-hotel-room-politics/3|url-status=live}} She is one of three children of Theodore and Karen Muenster. Her father unsuccessfully ran for the U.S. Senate in 1990.{{Cite news|url=https://www.yankton.net/community/article_61017d62-e04c-5b6c-a6bd-abb33843dd53.html|title=New USD Student Center Officially Dedicated|last=Lias|first=David|date=May 16, 2009|work=Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan|access-date=November 18, 2022|archive-date=March 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302043733/https://www.yankton.net/community/article_61017d62-e04c-5b6c-a6bd-abb33843dd53.html|url-status=live}} They live in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood with their two children.{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/illinois-candidates-for-governor-homes-biss-pritzker-kennedy-rauner-475554503.html|title=How Many Homes Do the Candidates for Illinois Governor Own?|last=Ahern|first=Mary Ann|date=March 1, 2018|work=NBC Chicago|access-date=July 5, 2018|archive-date=July 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705233112/https://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/illinois-candidates-for-governor-homes-biss-pritzker-kennedy-rauner-475554503.html|url-status=live}} They also reside in the Illinois Governor's Mansion in Springfield.

During the 2018 campaign, the Chicago Sun-Times reported that Pritzker had intentionally caused a mansion he had purchased next door to his home to become uninhabitable by removing its toilets. He then appealed his original property tax assessment{{Cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/2018/10/03/654201077/illinois-gov-candidate-removed-mansions-toilets-to-dodge-taxes-report-finds|title=Illinois Governor Candidate Removed Mansion's Toilets To Dodge Taxes, Report Finds|last=Wamsley|first=Laurel|date=October 3, 2018|work=NPR|access-date=November 18, 2022|archive-date=November 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112010916/https://www.npr.org/2018/10/03/654201077/illinois-gov-candidate-removed-mansions-toilets-to-dodge-taxes-report-finds|url-status=live}} because the newly built property was uninhabitable; the Cook County assessor reduced the home's value from $6.25 million to about $1.1 million, which granted Pritzker an 83% property tax reduction, equal to about $230,000 per annum.{{Cite news|url=https://wqad.com/2017/05/15/gop-rips-pritzker-for-getting-230k-property-tax-reduction/|title=GOP rips Pritzker for getting $230K property tax reduction|date=May 15, 2017|work=WQAD 8|access-date=June 6, 2018|archive-date=August 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180812150909/https://wqad.com/2017/05/15/gop-rips-pritzker-for-getting-230k-property-tax-reduction/|url-status=live}} The Cook County inspector general accused Pritzker of a scheme to defraud the county.{{cite news |last=Ahern |first=Mary Ann |date=October 10, 2018 |title=Pritzker Repays $330K in Property Taxes After Inspector General Report Made Public, Spokeswoman Says |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/local/pritzker-repays-330k-in-property-taxes-after-inspector-general-report-made-public/172023/ |work=NBC Chicago.com |location=Chicago, IL}} Pritzker called the controversy a political attack and stressed that the county regulations had been followed, but paid the county treasurer $330,000 to reimburse the amount of the property tax reduction. Federal authorities later opened an investigation into the matter.{{Cite web |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-met-jb-pritzker-property-tax-appeal-20190424-story.html |title=Gov. J.B. Pritzker says 'All the rules were followed' in wake of report that feds are looking into removal of toilets in Gold Coast mansion for property tax break |last=Pearson |first=Dan Petrella and Rick |website=chicagotribune.com |date=April 24, 2019 |access-date=2020-03-18|archive-date=November 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113142303/https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-met-jb-pritzker-property-tax-appeal-20190424-story.html |url-status=live}}

According to Forbes, in 2024 Pritzker had an estimated net worth of $3.7 billion.{{Cite web |date=2024 |title=Forbe's World's Billionaires List The Richest in 2024 |url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/jb-pritzker/ |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=Forbe's.com}}

{{Election box begin no change

| title = Illinois 9th Congressional District Democratic Primary, 1998{{cite web|url=https://www.elections.il.gov/ElectionOperations/ElectionVoteTotals.aspx?ID=7DLvp%2fl33YI%3d&OfficeType=%2brBqro%2b%2bHTUkQvv7Q1tDdQ%3d%3d|title=Election Results 1998 General Primary|access-date=January 3, 2020|publisher=Illinois State Board of Elections|archive-date=March 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308063653/https://www.elections.il.gov/ElectionOperations/ElectionVoteTotals.aspx?ID=7DLvp%2fl33YI%3d&OfficeType=%2brBqro%2b%2bHTUkQvv7Q1tDdQ%3d%3d|url-status=dead}}

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

| party = Democratic Party (United States)

| candidate = Jan Schakowsky

| votes = 31,443

| percentage = 45.14

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

| party = Democratic Party (United States)

| candidate = Howard W. Carroll

| votes = 23963

| percentage = 34.40

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

| party = Democratic Party (United States)

| candidate = JB Pritzker

| votes = 14256

| percentage = 20.46

}}

{{Election box total no change

| votes = 69662

| percentage = 100.0

}}

{{End}}

{{Election box begin no change

| title = Illinois Governor Democratic primary, 2018{{cite web|url=https://www.elections.il.gov/ElectionOperations/ElectionVoteTotals.aspx?ID=kZi8655FVXI%3d&OfficeType=%2brBqro%2b%2bHTUkQvv7Q1tDdQ%3d%3d|title=Election Results 2018 General Primary|access-date=January 3, 2020|publisher=Illinois State Board of Elections|archive-date=March 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210312132528/https://www.elections.il.gov/ElectionOperations/ElectionVoteTotals.aspx?ID=kZi8655FVXI%3d&OfficeType=%2brBqro%2b%2bHTUkQvv7Q1tDdQ%3d%3d|url-status=dead}}

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

| party = Democratic Party (United States)

| candidate = JB Pritzker

| votes = 597,756

| percentage = 45.13

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

| party = Democratic Party (United States)

| candidate = Daniel Biss

| votes = 353625

| percentage = 26.70

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

| party = Democratic Party (United States)

| candidate = Chris Kennedy

| votes = 322730

| percentage = 24.37

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

| party = Democratic Party (United States)

| candidate = Tio Hardiman

| votes = 21075

| percentage = 1.59

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

| party = Democratic Party (United States)

| candidate = Bob Daiber

| votes = 15009

| percentage = 1.13

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

| party = Democratic Party (United States)

| candidate = Robert Marshall

| votes = 14353

| percentage = 1.08

}}

{{Election box total no change

| votes = 1324548

| percentage = 100.0

}}

{{End}}

{{Election box begin no change

| title = Illinois Gubernatorial Election, 2018{{cite web|url=https://www.elections.il.gov/ElectionOperations/ElectionVoteTotals.aspx?ID=JVM3BFfJbYc%3d&OfficeType=%2brBqro%2b%2bHTUkQvv7Q1tDdQ%3d%3d|title=Election Results 2018 General Election|access-date=January 3, 2020|publisher=Illinois State Board of Elections|archive-date=January 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116204723/https://www.elections.il.gov/ElectionOperations/ElectionVoteTotals.aspx?ID=JVM3BFfJbYc%3d&OfficeType=%2brBqro%2b%2bHTUkQvv7Q1tDdQ%3d%3d|url-status=dead}}

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

| party = Democratic Party (United States)

| candidate = JB Pritzker

| votes = 2,479,746

| percentage = 54.53

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

| party = Republican Party (United States)

| candidate = Bruce Rauner (incumbent)

| votes = 1765751

| percentage = 38.83

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

| party = Conservative Party (United States)

| candidate = Sam McCann

| votes = 192527

| percentage = 4.23

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

| party = Libertarian Party (United States)

| candidate = Kash Jackson

| votes = 109518

| percentage = 2.41

}}

{{Election box write-in with party link no change

| votes = 115

| percentage = 0.00

}}

{{Election box total no change

| votes = 4547657

| percentage = 100.0

}}

{{End}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=Illinois Governor Democratic primary, 2022{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2022/06/27/1107063641/illinois-governor-primary-democrat-pritzker-gop-bailey-griffin-irvin-trump|title=Conservative Illinois state Sen. Darren Bailey wins GOP primary for governor|date=June 28, 2022|work=NPR|access-date=November 18, 2022|archive-date=October 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221019084855/https://www.npr.org/2022/06/27/1107063641/illinois-governor-primary-democrat-pritzker-gop-bailey-griffin-irvin-trump|url-status=live}}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change|candidate=JB Pritzker (incumbent)|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=762,374|percentage=91.8}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Beverly Miles|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=68,161|percentage=8.2}}

{{Election box total no change|votes=830,535|percentage=100.0}}

{{End}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=Illinois Gubernatorial Election, 2022{{cite web |title=Illinois Election Results |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/election-results/ |website=Chicago Tribune|date=July 7, 2004 }}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change|candidate={{ubl|JB Pritzker (incumbent)}}|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=2,253,748 |percentage=54.9}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Republican Party (United States)|candidate=Darren Bailey|votes=1,739,095|percentage=42.3}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Libertarian Party (United States)|candidate=Scott Schluter|votes=111,712 |percentage=2.7}}

{{Election box write-in with party link no change

| votes = 81

| percentage = 0.00

}}

{{Election box total no change|votes=4,104,636 |percentage=100.0}}

{{End}}

• Infrastructure-based development
• Pritzker family

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

{{Wikiquote}}

• [https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/gov/Pages/default.aspx Governor JB Pritzker] official government website
• [http://www.jb-pritzker.com JB for Governor] campaign website
• {{C-SPAN|115876}}

{{CongLinks|votesmart=18341|fec=H6IL09061}}

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{{s-bef|before=Pat Quinn}}

{{s-ttl|title=Democratic nominee for Governor of Illinois|years=2018, 2022}}

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{{s-ttl|title=Governor of Illinois|years=2019–present}}

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{{Illinois statewide political officials}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Pritzker, J. B.}}

Category:1965 births

Category:21st-century American Jews

Category:21st-century American philanthropists

Category:American billionaires

Category:American gun control activists

Category:American LGBTQ rights activists

Category:American people of Ukrainian-Jewish descent

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Category:Businesspeople from Chicago

Category:Democratic Party governors of Illinois

Category:Duke University Trinity College of Arts and Sciences alumni

Category:Illinois Democrats

Category:Illinois lawyers

Category:Jewish American state governors of the United States

Category:Jewish American people in Illinois politics

Category:Jews from Illinois

Category:Living people

Category:Milton Academy alumni

Category:Northwestern University alumni

Category:Philanthropists from Illinois

J.B.