Gov. JB Pritzker is ending the year with a back-patting session over the raft of investments and laws he claims have transformed Illinois into a family-friendly and financially responsible hub. Pritzker touted his administration's 2023 achievements, announcing a spree of funding and initiatives from education to infrastructure, according to a statement obtained by Illinois.gov.
"Since day one of my administration, my priority has been making Illinois the best state in the nation for families," Pritzker said, according to the state's press release. The governor is riding high on what he describes as a "fiscally responsible leadership" that collected nine credit upgrades and saw significant economic growth, not forgetting to mention securing the gigantic EV battery production investment through Gotion's new Gigafactory, expected to generate 2,600 jobs and invest $2 billion.
In the realm of education, Pritzker's administration has thrown money at various levels – from early childhood to college, resulting in the creation of over 5,000 new preschool spots with a commitment to build 20,000 more over four years, and a bucking of the national trend of enrollment declines. "An additional $75 million for the Early Childhood Block Grant to put Illinois on a path to creating more than 20,000 new Pre-K spots for every child who wants one," the state release noted.
The governor's office similarly didn't skimp on info about economic undertakings. Named the #1 state for workforce development by Site Selection Magazine, Illinois is also celebrating nearly $5 billion in private-sector company investments. Injecting $156 million into Back to Business Grants to rejuvenate restaurants, hotels, and arts institutions, the governor declared Illinois a burgeoning economic powerhouse. Support for tradeswomen and minority-owned cannabis dispensaries also saw an uptick under Pritzker's watch. A special highlight was the $1.35 million grant "to support tradeswomen-led efforts to train and support the entry of more women into infrastructure and construction careers," as highlighted by the state's announcement.
Infrastructure and technology were not left by the roadside, with the governor announcing the largest multi-year program in Illinois history, aimed at resuscitating the state's creaking transportation system. This includes the launch of high-speed rail between Chicago and St. Louis and nearly $114 million invested to improve public transit in downstate Illinois, looking to enhance mobility and ramp up economic growth.
Pritzker's year-end boasting session also covered healthcare advances, reflections on public safety, and environmental savvy. From signing reproductive rights protections to the launch of a $30 million initiative distributing HEPA air purifiers to schools, the governor's wrap-up positioned Illinois as a state balancing social welfare with economic vigor.
Pritzker's strides in clean energy and tourism were noted, with an increase in EVs on the road and substantial funding for tourist attractions. "Attained the title of ‘Best City' title for the seventh year in a row for Chicago," the office bragged.
