JB Pritzker blasted amid reports of Illinois Governor being considered as potential Biden replacement

ILLINOIS: An economic advocacy group has issued a critical report stating that Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, a billionaire, did not fulfill his promise to create jobs for Black workers in the nascent cannabis and green energy sectors.

Pritzker, who is seen as a possible successor to President Joe Biden on the Democratic ticket, is set to host the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this August.

National Black Empowerment Action Fund criticizes Illinois Governor JB Pritzker

“Governor Pritzker wants the DNC to celebrate his leadership of the state. However, it would be an injustice to do so without acknowledging the deteriorating state of affairs for Black communities, especially in Chicago,” stated Darius Jones, the senior advisor of the National Black Empowerment Action Fund, the New York Post reported.

The report of the group titled “Equity Delayed, Dreams Denied. How Pritzker Botched Illinois’ Cannabis and Clean Energy Programs” pointed out that the state's 9.4% Black unemployment rate is more than twice that of white people, making it the second-highest in the nation.

The report indicated that the figure is over 50% higher than the overall national unemployment rate for Black Americans.

“The situation in Illinois cannot be blamed on national trends or factors outside the state’s control. It’s a direct result of the failed policies and neglect from the Governor, JB Pritzker,” the report said.

It further added, “Governor Pritzker has repeatedly fallen short on his promises to the Black community, particularly in creating wealth and job opportunities in the Green Job and Cannabis sectors, among other areas.”

What makes JB Pritzker a potential White House candidate?

JB Pritzker, 59, is considered a potential White House candidate due to his substantial net worth as an heir to the Hyatt hotel fortune, which could facilitate voter outreach through self-funding if Biden were to withdraw after his challenging debate with former president Donald Trump, the Republican nominee.

Following his inauguration in 2019, Pritzker sanctioned the sale and use of marijuana; however, reports indicate that both Illinois and New York have encountered difficulties and legal challenges post-legalization.

In New York, advocates have noted that priority for cannabis dispensary licenses was given to "social equity" or "justice-involved" applicants, specifically those with prior marijuana-related convictions before its legalization.

“In New York, the very first batch of licenses issued went to those most impacted by cannabis prohibition, including non-profits serving the formerly incarcerated,” the report said.

However, that was not the situation in Illinois.

“Today, 55% percent of adult-use licenses across the New York supply chain are owned by those included in the state’s social equity program. The state also rejected Illinois’ path of allowing massive corporations in early, instead, New York’s retail market is made up of 95% small businesses,” the analysis said.

Report criticizes Illinois Governor Pritzker for his lack of action 

The report indicated that it was not until November 2022, over three years after the initial licensing of dispensaries, that the first social equity applicants were admitted into Illinois' system.

During the early years of the program, only 1% of licensed dispensaries were owned by Black individuals, and a mere 5% of cannabis suite executives were African-American, according to the report.

However, the pace of awarding cannabis licenses to minority applicants has increased in the past year, with the state now reporting that Black-owned companies constitute 27% of the market, following years of postponements.

“A small improvement nearly five years after the passage of a law is nothing to be celebrated,” the group said.

Pritzker also approved the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act in September 2021 to curb fossil fuel pollution and create clean energy jobs. However, the report contends that job creation in the green energy sector has fallen short.

As of fall 2023, the state was obtaining only 10.5% of its energy from renewable sources, casting doubt on the act's 2025 target of 25%, as per the report.

“Whether he is an inept administrator or simply disinterested in delivering for his Black constituents is irrelevant. The result is the same. And the message is clear,” the report said. “Pritzker is all talk, no game.”

Internet slams Illinois Governor JB Pritzker

As soon as the news about JB Pritzker being considered to replace President Joe Biden as the Democratic presidential nominee went viral, social media users brutally slammed the Illinois Governor and stated that he is "hated" by the majority of the people.

One social media user wrote, "Stop playing around. He can’t even make good food choices for himself."

Another user claimed, "Pritzker is funding the riots on campus."

One commentator wrote, "Billionaires shouldn’t be governors. They don’t have a clue about people in their state."

"The worst gun violence in America resides in Illinois. He has done nothing to slow it down nevermind stop it. Anyone voting for him should have their head examined," one person said.

One individual remarked, "I live in Illinois and he's hated by the vast majority outside major cities like Chicago."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.