THE ILLINOIZE: Will this budget be Pritzker's toughest challenge?...Giannoulias calls for ethics reform...One month to primary day

February 20, 2024

Good morning, Illinois.

It sounds like White Sox Owner Jerry Reinsdorf will be in Springfield today courting legislative support for a billion dollars in public funds for a new stadium in the south loop. Don’t expect lawmakers to get up and sing “Go-Go White Sox” in caucus. In fact, one legislative Democrat reacted to the ask to me by text last week.

“No way,” the lawmaker said.

The House and Senate are in at noon today. There’s nothing on Governor Pritzker’s public schedule today.

Let’s get to it.

PRITZKER’S GREATEST CHALLENGE?

OPINION

Navigating the pandemic, the deaths of two dozen veterans in a state run home, losing a key constitutional amendment referendum, and overcoming a flow of asylum-seeking migrants into the state have peppered Governor JB Pritzker’s first five years in office.

On Wednesday, Pritzker presents his FY2025 budget proposal, which passing and implementing may present his toughest challenge to date.