Dupage Policy Journal

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker facing a recall effort sends the right message, according to former state representative and congressional candidate Jeanne Ives.

Rep. Allen Skillicorn (R-East Dundee) is leading the charge to recall the governor over his failure to fix the state’s unemployment claims website

Ives, who served in the statehouse from 2013 to 2019 and is running for Illinois' Sixth Congressional District, said taxpayers should want to recall the governor.

“Well, he certainly got the right sentiment in that Gov. Pritzker’s time in office has been a disaster for taxpayers and people who love their liberty,” Ives told DuPage Policy Journal.

Pritzker imposed more than 20 new taxes and fees last year and added a graduated income tax on the ballot in November.

“He sees the only way out of Illinois’ fiscal demise is to raise taxes on hard-working, middle class citizens,” Ives said.  

Pritzker's actions during the COVID-19 pandemic also have ignited her ire.

“In the midst of a pandemic… he’s responsible for one of the most severe economic shutdowns in all of the United States,” Ives said.

Pritzker’s actions affect the liberty of parents who want their kids to be active outside this summer and local businesses trying to survive, she said, adding, “He said no to businesses that know they can open and conduct business safely, just as safely as the big box stores but are not allowed to. You can buy your pop but not go to church. So much he has done has been a total disaster.”

Even with that record, she doesn’t expect the recall effort to succeed. 

“Unfortunately, you need Democrats to agree, and that’s not going to happen as far as I can tell right now,” Ives said.