Metro East Sun

The Illinois Department of Corrections has not been able to calculate recidivism rates since 2022, according to a recent report by WGN. This means the agency is unable to track how many recently released inmates have committed new crimes. Critics say this issue reflects ongoing mismanagement within Governor J.B. Pritzker’s administration.

Recent actions by Governor Pritzker have drawn scrutiny from political opponents and some members of the public. Since early August, he has faced criticism for several decisions:

He welcomed Texas Democrats who were protesting redistricting efforts, despite Illinois being known for its heavily gerrymandered legislative maps. When questioned about these maps, Pritzker responded, “We let kindergartners draw them.”

Pritzker also signed SB 328, which opponents argue will lead to an increase in lawsuits that could negatively affect businesses in Illinois. In addition, he approved HB 3125, allowing undocumented immigrants to become driving instructors, and HB 460, providing taxpayer-funded college aid to undocumented immigrants while some Illinois students do not receive similar support.

The governor has claimed his policies have improved safety in Illinois. However, after more than 50 people were shot over Labor Day weekend, he said, “Look, big cities have crime.” His approach to crime was criticized on MSNBC and by a Democratic alderman in Chicago.

Pritzker’s deployment of the National Guard has also come under question; he criticized their use in certain contexts but allowed their deployment during the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

Education standards are another area of concern for critics. The Illinois State Board of Education lowered academic benchmarks for student proficiency. In 2024, only 41% of third- through eighth-grade students read at grade level.

Schmidt, a Republican elected in 2023 to represent the state’s 114th House District and successor to LaToya Greenwood, is among those raising concerns about these issues.

“Blunder after blunder, Governor Pritzker has shown he can’t get his administration or his policies in order, and Illinois families are paying the price,” Schmidt said.