Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker posted on X that families in the state have paid the price because Congress could not keep a reckless President in check, adding “well, no more,” alongside a video from a Chicago event outlining a Day One Agenda for the newly elected Congress. The clip shows him discussing higher costs, federal policy impacts on Illinois residents, and the need for congressional action after the midterms. Online users reacted after the post, with many replies questioning the governor’s framing and pointing instead to state taxes and spending as factors affecting families.
The video shows Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker speaking at a podium in front of a “Fighting for Illinois” backdrop during a Chicago event. He tells the audience that “last night, Americans, including four million Illinoisans, made their voices heard loud and clear,” saying they “want their government back” and are “tired of a federal administration that seems determined to make those problems worse,” including by “taking food away from the neediest families,” “taking healthcare away from the lowest-income Illinoisans,” and “sending masked agents in unmarked cars to terrorize our neighbors.”
He adds that “in the face of their cruelty Illinoisans chose the radical path of hope” and that he is “so very proud of the people of our state.” The accompanying post text stated that “Illinois families have paid the price because Congress couldn’t keep a reckless President in check; well, no more.”
According to the governor’s office and coverage of the Chicago event, the proposals address wages, health care, household costs, and reversing certain federal policy changes. The video does not detail the full list of proposals or how they would be enacted while the president remains in office.
Online Responses to the Governor’s Post
Many replies on X questioned the focus on Congress and the president, pointing instead to state policies. “We’ve paid the price of YOUR oppressive taxation and regulations. Congress didn’t do that. YOU did. Own your numerous failures,” one user wrote.
Another said, “Illinois families are paying the price because of your reckless tax and spend policies.” A further comment noted, “You spent $2.4 billion of OUR tax dollars on housing illegals. I guess it paid off.”
Others highlighted costs of living, including “Yeah okay. I left IL because of your tax hikes. It became unaffordable” and “You talk as if you don’t manage one of the worst fiscal states in the nation.”
At the Chicago event, allies offered a different view. “We will work to deliver real results for middle-class families, doing all that we can to make everything from utility bills to grocery bills, health care to child care, more affordable,” Sen. Tammy Duckworth said.
Senator-elect Juliana Stratton added, “We’ve been fighting for you over the last eight years, and I am proud to continue that work.”
One X reply looked ahead, stating, “The new US Congress needs to execute a solid plan to address the reasons people voted for Dems: Affordability, healthcare, ICE reform, corruption reform, no tariffs, end Iran war, support Ukraine. Disappoint voters, and they’ll vote for GOP again.”
The post is now part of the wider discussion following the midterm results and Pritzker’s release of the Day One Agenda for Congress. How those proposals move forward remains to be seen as the new Congress takes shape.
