Does J.B. Pritzker Really Think Helping Illinois Students Attend Quality Schools Constitutes “Political Games”?

Illinois Democrat gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker revealed yesterday once more how out-of-touch and unprepared he is for the political spotlight, arguing that an effort by Governor Bruce Rauner to give students in need more school options constitutes “political games.”

The State Journal-Register explains that Governor Rauner issued an amendatory veto on legislation this week in an attempt to fix issues in school funding legislation that “prevents three dozen private schools from participating in a new scholarship program.” Rauner’s plan is expected to provide $100 million in scholarships this year.

“Making this adjustment to this bill will maximize the number of schools eligible to participate, and therefore the number of students who may benefit,” Rauner said. “Inclusivity was the spirit of this legislation to begin with, and we simply must ensure that we follow through with the appropriate language to get the job done.”

But for billionaire Hyatt heir J.B. Pritzker, helping students trapped in failing schools is somehow objectionable. Pritzker is calling Rauner’s efforts to help students an example of “political games.”

Here’s the truth – J.B. Pritzker is the one playing political games by refusing to support better outcomes for students. It’s more evidence that Pritzker is not ready for primetime.