30%
#47 of 50
JB Pritzker
Illinois
D
|
2nd term
2019-01-14Took Office
7 yrs, 5 moIn Office
263Metrics Scored
496 / 1653Total Points
Section A: Governance
216/300
72%
Section B: State Outcomes
362/975
37%
Section C: Oath Fidelity
-82 (-378 to +378)
Section A — Governance 216/300
9 subsections evaluating executive performance: budget execution, legislative relations, appointments, emergency management, transparency, ethics, program management, federal relations, and constituent service.
Fiscal Responsibility — 29/45 (64%) 15 metrics
On-time budget submission
Seven consecutive balanced budgets submitted and signed. FY2025 budget of $53.1B signed — largest in state history.
IL Constitution Art. VIII; Governor's Budget Office; Capitol News Illinois
2
Budget accuracy — revenue forecast vs actual
COGFA estimated FY2025 revenues at $53.6B — $333M above the $53.3B lawmakers budgeted. Updated projections showed $53.9B (May 2025), $31M above GOMB's February forecast. Post-pandemic revenue forecasts within reasonable range. Pre-pandemic, failed graduated tax amendment (2020, rejected 53-47%) complicated revenue forecasting. Seven consecutive budgets came in near or above projections.
COGFA Three-Year Budget Forecast FY2025-2027; COGFA Revenue Updates May 2025; Capitol News Illinois
2
Rainy day fund management
Built rainy day fund from $3.6 million (near zero) in 2019 to record $2.4 billion. Dramatic improvement from virtually no reserves to meaningful cushion.
IL State Comptroller Reserve Reports; Budget Stabilization Fund Data
3
State credit rating trajectory
10 credit rating upgrades since taking office — first upgrades in two decades (since June 2000). From BBB+ (near junk, worst in nation) to A-/A2 range. S&P, Moody's (A2 stable, Oct 2025), and Fitch all upgraded. Agencies cited bill backlog paydown, balanced budgets, and reserve building.
S&P Global Ratings; Moody's Oct 2025 Upgrade; Fitch Ratings; Insurance Journal Oct 2025
3
Pension funding ratio trajectory
Pension systems collectively funded at 47.8% — improved for four consecutive years from 43.8% (2021) but still among worst-funded nationally. Unfunded liability $143.5B (down $200M from 2024). Proposed full funding by 2048 (vs current 90% by 2045 goal). Progress real but hole remains enormous ($143.5B+).
IL COGFA Pension Report Nov 2025; IL Pension Systems CAFR; Comptroller Pension Data
1
Debt per capita trajectory
IL total state/local debt among highest nationally — $218B in combined pension obligations across 5 systems (SERS, TRS, SURS, GARS, JRS). Direct GO debt declining with balanced budgets and bill backlog elimination ($16.7B to zero). But $143.5B unfunded pension liability (47.8% funded) translates to ~$11,300 per capita in pension debt alone — worst in nation. Credit upgrades (A-range) have lowered borrowing costs, partially offsetting debt burden.
IL State Treasurer Debt Reports; COGFA Pension Nov 2025; Census Population; Civic Federation Analysis
1
CAFR/ACFR published on time
ACFR published within statutory timelines. Comptroller Mendoza's office issued reports on schedule, supporting 10 credit upgrades — rating agencies cited improved fiscal transparency and timely reporting as factors in upgrade decisions.
IL State Comptroller ACFR Publication Records; S&P/Moody's/Fitch Upgrade Reports 2021-2025
2
Audit findings — material weaknesses
Standard audit findings with no material weaknesses in governor's direct operations. Bill backlog eliminated entirely — from $16.7B peak (2017 Rauner budget impasse) to zero by 2023, all bills paid within 30 days. State ended FY2024 with $4.9B cash on hand. Rating agencies specifically cited bill backlog elimination as key upgrade factor.
IL Auditor General Reports; Comptroller Mendoza Bill Backlog Data; WTTW July 2024; S&P/Moody's Upgrade Reports
3
Federal grant fund accounting
Auditor General found $5.2B in overpaid unemployment benefits during first 18 months of pandemic — $3.2B from PUA program, $2B from regular UI. Identity theft accounted for $2.3B in PUA and $511M in regular UI fraud. IDES suspended identity cross-matches to speed processing, creating massive vulnerability. Federal DOL OIG required corrective actions.
IL Auditor General IDES Audit 2023; DOL OIG Pandemic Reports; Capitol News Illinois; NFIB Analysis
1
Anti-fraud controls — federal programs
IDES suspended routine identity verification to speed claims processing — half of $3.6B in PUA funds (July 2020-June 2021) went to fraud. Total overpayments $5.2B. IDES lacked adequate fraud detection systems and understaffed identity verification. Administration faced congressional scrutiny but implemented post-pandemic corrective measures.
IL Auditor General IDES Audit 2023; DOL OIG Reports; Capitol News Illinois; AEI Analysis
1
Tax revenue vs expenditure alignment
Seven consecutive balanced budgets with COGFA projecting FY2025 revenues ($53.9B) above budgeted $53.3B. State ended FY2024 with $4.9B cash on hand. However, $53.1B FY2025 budget is largest in IL history and spending growth outpaces revenue long-term. Flat income tax (4.95%) after graduated tax failed (2020). Highest combined state/local tax burden nationally. Critics argue spending unsustainable without structural reform.
IL COGFA Revenue Estimates; GOMB; Capitol News Illinois; Tax Foundation State Rankings
2
Capital budget execution rate
Rebuild Illinois ($45B, signed June 2019) — first capital plan since 2009. Through Year 6: $20.8B invested in 21,309 lane miles of highway, 815 bridges, and 1,181 safety improvements statewide. October 2025: released $50.6B follow-on six-year program (FY2026-2031), largest multi-year construction program in state history, covering every Illinois county.
IDOT Rebuild Illinois Reports; IDOT 2025 Year-End Summary; CGFA FY2026 Capital Plan Analysis
2
Vendor/contractor oversight
Standard procurement oversight through Procurement Policy Board. No major vendor fraud scandals during tenure. Rebuild Illinois $45B capital plan managed through competitive bidding. Migrant services contracts drew scrutiny for rapid no-bid awards under emergency authority, but no documented procurement violations found by AG or IG.
IL Procurement Policy Board Records; Rebuild Illinois Procurement Data; Capitol News Illinois
3
Federal funding maximization
Captured $13.5B+ in ARPA State/Local Fiscal Recovery funds. Secured IIJA infrastructure funding for roads, bridges, broadband, and transit. Illinois consistently among top federal funding recipients per capita due to large Medicaid population, military installations, and research universities. Migrant spending ($2.5B+) used some federal reimbursement but mostly state funds.
USASpending.gov — Illinois; Treasury ARPA Reports; Census Federal Aid to States
2
Program eligibility verification systems
IDES eligibility verification collapsed during pandemic — suspended identity cross-matches enabling $5.2B in overpayments. Migrant Health Benefits (HB 357): costs of $1.6B+ through July 2024 'far more than originally predicted' per Auditor General; exceeded projections by $547M in FY2024-25. All Kids and immigrant health programs require no immigration status verification by design. State actively restricts E-Verify (820 ILCS 55), limiting employer eligibility checks.
IL Auditor General IDES/Migrant Health Audits; Illinois Policy Institute; 820 ILCS 55; HB 357
1
Legislative Relations — 27/39 (69%) 13 metrics
Signature legislation enacted
Major legislation: SAFE-T Act (end cash bail, effective Sept 18, 2023 after IL Supreme Court 5-2 ruling). Protect Illinois Communities Act (assault weapons ban, Jan 2023 after Highland Park mass shooting). Cannabis legalization (2020 — $490M+ tax revenue by 2024, $1.7B annual sales). $15 minimum wage. Paid Leave for All Workers Act (effective Jan 2024). Reproductive Health Act. CEJA clean energy law (100% carbon-free by 2045, saved nuclear plants). Workers' Rights Amendment (2022 ballot).
IL General Assembly Bill Tracking; Governor's Signing Records; IDFPR Cannabis Data; Capitol News Illinois
2
Veto override rate
Zero vetoes overridden during entire tenure. Democratic supermajority in both chambers (Senate 40-19, House 78-40 in 103rd GA) ensures alignment with governor. Legislature has not challenged any executive action.
IL General Assembly Journal; Veto Records; 103rd General Assembly Composition
3
Bipartisan bills signed
D supermajority (Senate 40-19, House 78-40) means bipartisanship unnecessary for passage. SAFE-T Act, assault weapons ban, and TRUST Act passed on near-party-line votes. Rebuild Illinois ($45B capital plan, 2019) was notable bipartisan exception — passed with GOP support via gas tax increase. Cannabis legalization had some bipartisan support. Most major legislation purely partisan.
IL General Assembly Vote Records; Rebuild Illinois Roll Calls
1
Special sessions called
No special sessions called during tenure. All major legislation — including SAFE-T Act, assault weapons ban, cannabis legalization, CEJA, and annual budgets — completed within regular legislative sessions. D supermajority ensures sufficient votes without extended negotiations.
IL General Assembly Session Records; Legislative Calendar 2019-2025
3
Executive orders — legal challenges
COVID emergency orders renewed every 30 days for 3+ years — faced legislative and court challenges but sustained. Assault weapons ban (Protect Illinois Communities Act, Jan 2023) survived 7th Circuit en banc review (2-1 upheld, Nov 2023); S. District Judge McGlynn struck down Sept 2024 but stayed on appeal; U.S. Supreme Court declined to block enforcement. IL Supreme Court upheld SAFE-T Act 5-2 (July 2023).
IL Supreme Court SAFE-T Ruling July 2023; 7th Circuit PICA Ruling; McGlynn District Court Sept 2024; SCOTUS Stay Orders
2
Line-item veto usage
Minimal line-item veto usage — D supermajority crafts budgets to governor's specifications before passage. No controversial line-item vetoes. Budgets arrived largely pre-negotiated with legislative leadership, reducing need for post-passage corrections.
IL Constitution Art. IV Sec. 9; Governor's Veto Records; Capitol News Illinois Budget Coverage
3
Regulatory burden change
Substantial regulatory expansion: Paid Leave for All Workers Act (2024), $15 minimum wage (phased 2020-2025), Workers' Rights Amendment (constitutional), CEJA clean energy mandates (100% carbon-free by 2045), Protect Illinois Communities Act (assault weapons ban), SAFE-T Act (cash bail elimination), Workplace Transparency Act (2019), E-Verify restrictions (820 ILCS 55). IL ranked among most regulated states — highest combined state/local tax burden nationally (Tax Foundation). Electricity costs rose 15% partly due to CEJA.
IL Administrative Code Changes; JCAR Regulatory Filings 2019-2025; Tax Foundation Rankings; EIA Data
1
Budget negotiation success
Seven consecutive on-time balanced budgets — a stark contrast to predecessor Rauner's 2-year budget impasse (2015-2017) that created $16.7B bill backlog. COGFA estimated FY2025 revenues at $53.6B, $333M above budgeted amount. Smooth process enabled by D supermajority control of both chambers, but fiscal results (credit upgrades, backlog elimination) are genuine.
IL General Assembly Budget Records; COGFA Revenue Reports; Capitol News Illinois
2
Bill signing rate on popular legislation
Cannabis legalization broadly popular — $1.7B annual sales by 2024, $490M+ tax revenue. $15 minimum wage popular in IL (phased in 2020-2025). Workers' Rights Amendment passed with 58% voter approval (2022). But SAFE-T Act deeply polarizing — 65 county state's attorneys challenged it. Immigration sanctuary policies divisive. Failed graduated income tax amendment (2020) rejected 53-47% by voters.
IL General Assembly Records; IL Board of Elections Results 2020, 2022; IDFPR Cannabis Data
2
Legislative relationship
Productive with D supermajority (Senate 40-19, House 78-40). Relationship smooth but governed by Speaker/President power dynamics — former Speaker Madigan (convicted Feb 2025 on 10 federal counts, sentenced 7.5 years) controlled House until Jan 2021. Successor Chris Welch maintained cooperative relationship. Senate President Don Harmon aligned throughout. No inter-branch Democratic friction.
IL General Assembly Bill Counts; Madigan Conviction Feb 2025; DOJ Press Release
2
Implementation of voter-approved measures
Workers' Rights Amendment approved by 58% of voters (Nov 2022) — enshrined collective bargaining right in IL Constitution, implemented via enabling legislation. Failed graduated income tax amendment (Nov 2020, rejected 53-47%) was Pritzker's signature fiscal proposal — forced reliance on flat tax and spending cuts instead. Both outcomes respected and implemented.
IL State Board of Elections Results Nov 2020, Nov 2022; Constitutional Amendment Records
2
Task force follow-through
SAFE-T Act implementation: cash bail eliminated Sept 2023, violent crime down 6% and homicides down 10% in first year (Sept 2023-Sept 2024). Cannabis equity: social equity licenses awarded but delays plagued rollout. Pension task force: proposed full funding by 2048 (vs 90% by 2045), unfunded liability reduced $200M to $143.5B. CEJA progress: 6 GW renewable capacity added, 6 GW more under development; 5 coal-to-solar grants ($281M) awarded.
IL Supreme Court SAFE-T Data; IDFPR Cannabis Equity Reports; COGFA Pension Nov 2025; DCEO CEJA Reports
2
Policy reversals under pressure
Key reversal: terminated Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults (42-64 age group) July 2025 after costs hit $1.6B cumulative — Auditor General found spending '$547M over projections.' 'Welcoming with Dignity' scaled back as costs exceeded $478M+. SAFE-T Act modified after 65 state's attorneys challenged: implementation delayed to Sept 2023 pending Supreme Court ruling, some provisions amended. Not wholesale reversals but fiscal reality forced significant policy adjustments on immigration spending.
Governor's Executive Actions; SAFE-T Act Amendments; Auditor General Migrant Health Audit; ABC7 Chicago
2
Appointments & Staffing — 31/36 (86%) 12 metrics
Appointee criminal/ethics issues
No Pritzker appointees charged with crimes. Illinois' corruption legacy (4 of last 10 governors imprisoned — Ryan, Blagojevich) makes this notable. Former Speaker Madigan (convicted Feb 2025, 10 counts) was legislative — not governor's appointee. Pritzker's direct cabinet and agency heads clean through 7+ years.
IL Ethics Commission; Federal Court Records; DOJ Madigan Conviction Feb 2025
3
Agency head vacancy rate
Agency head positions generally filled without extended vacancies. DCFS Director Marc Smith served 2019-Jan 2024; replaced by Heidi Mueller (Feb 2024). IDES leadership changed after pandemic scrutiny. Key agencies (IDOT, DCEO, IL EPA, DPH) maintained stable leadership. Board and commission appointments active — regular announcements of 5-11 appointments at a time.
Governor's Office Appointment Records; DCFS Transition Jan 2024; Capitol News Illinois
2
State employee turnover
Turnover within normal ranges for most agencies. IDES experienced significant staffing disruption during pandemic due to unprecedented claims volume (over 2M claims in 2020). DCFS investigator vacancy rate remained 20% — in violation of federal court order (BH Consent Decree). Overall state workforce headcount increased under Pritzker, with DCFS reaching highest staffing level in 15 years (3,148 employees).
IL CMS Workforce Data; DCFS BH Consent Decree Compliance Reports; IDES Staffing Data
3
Diversity of appointments
Most diverse cabinet and executive branch in Illinois history. Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton: first Black woman to serve as constitutional officer in IL's 200+ year history. Created Office of Equity via executive order. Diverse agency heads across DCFS, DCEO, DPH, and other departments reflecting state's racial and gender demographics.
Governor's Office EO on Equity; Lt. Gov. Stratton Bio; IL.gov Press Release 23645
3
Judicial appointment quality
Illinois judges are elected, not appointed by governor — limiting executive role in judicial selection. Governor fills vacancies by appointment until next election via Judicial Nominating Commission. Pritzker appointed judges to fill interim vacancies using standard commission process. No controversial judicial appointments documented.
IL Constitution Art. VI; Judicial Nominating Commission; Ballotpedia Pritzker Judicial Appointments
2
State workforce pay competitiveness
Signed $15 minimum wage law (phased in 2020-2025, from $8.25). State employee pay competitive in downstate IL but struggles to match private sector in Chicago metro (cost of living 107.9 index). 58% DCFS provider pay increase and four consecutive cost-of-living increases for private child welfare staff. Workers' Rights Amendment (2022) strengthened collective bargaining for state employees.
IL CMS Compensation Reports; BLS OES IL Data; DCFS Budget Reports; Workers' Rights Amendment
2
Whistleblower protection
No documented whistleblower retaliation cases under Pritzker administration. Illinois Whistleblower Act (740 ILCS 174) and State Employee Whistleblower Act maintained and enforced. IDES pandemic fraud concerns raised internally and through Auditor General process without documented retaliation against employees who flagged issues.
IL Whistleblower Act (740 ILCS 174); IL Ethics Commission Records; Auditor General IDES Reports
3
Inspector General independence
Multiple Inspectors General operated independently — Executive IG, DCFS OIG, Transportation IG, Healthcare IG all published reports. DCFS OIG reported 171 child deaths investigated in FY2023 (highest in 2 decades) and 160 in FY2024 without interference from governor's office. IG independence maintained but DCFS findings reflect systemic challenges.
IL Executive Ethics Commission; DCFS OIG Annual Reports FY2023-2024; Executive IG Reports
2
State employee morale
No documented systemwide morale crisis. DCFS morale challenged by 20% investigator vacancy rate and high caseloads (above federal standards). IDES morale suffered during pandemic claims surge. However, DCFS reached highest headcount in 15 years (3,148 employees) under Pritzker, and state workforce received competitive pay adjustments.
IL CMS Employee Survey Data; DCFS Staffing Reports; IDES Pandemic Operations Data
3
Nepotism/cronyism
No documented nepotism in state appointments. Pritzker family (Hyatt Hotels heirs, net worth $3.6B Forbes 2024) creates different dynamics — self-funds campaigns ($300M+ personal spending across elections) eliminating traditional donor-patronage pipeline. No family members placed in state positions. Blind trust arrangement separates personal wealth from official duties.
IL Ethics Commission Records; Forbes Billionaires 2024; Campaign Finance Records
3
Senior staff criminal charges
No senior staff or direct appointees charged with crimes through 7+ years. Notable in Illinois context — 4 of last 10 governors imprisoned. Former Speaker Madigan (convicted Feb 2025, sentenced 7.5 years) was legislative branch, not governor's staff. Pritzker's inner circle has remained free of criminal allegations.
Federal/State Court Records; DOJ Madigan Conviction; IL Governor History
3
Agency performance accountability
Bill backlog eliminated ($16.7B to zero) and 10 credit upgrades — genuine operational achievements. IDES pandemic performance disastrous ($5.2B overpayments) but no leadership accountability imposed until post-crisis. DCFS Director Marc Smith resigned Oct 2023 after OIG investigated 171 child deaths (highest in 2 decades) — replaced by Heidi Mueller (Feb 2024). DCFS budget doubled but investigator vacancies (20%) persist. Mixed accountability: fiscal gains real, social program management poor.
IL Comptroller Bill Backlog Data; IDES Audit; DCFS OIG FY2023; DCFS Director Transition
2
Emergency Management — 26/36 (72%) 12 metrics
Disaster declaration timeliness
COVID disaster proclamation issued March 9, 2020 — among first states, renewed every 30 days for 3+ years. Multiple severe weather declarations: DR-4728-IL (June-July 2023 storms/flooding), DR-4749-IL (Sept 2023), DR-4819-IL (July 2024 derecho — 41 tornadoes in Northern IL). State disaster proclamations issued for Cook, Will, Winnebago, Henry, and other counties. Aug/Sept 2025 flood proclamations.
FEMA Disaster Declarations — Illinois; Governor's Disaster Proclamations 2020-2025; IEMA Records
2
FEMA Public Assistance secured
Secured multiple FEMA Major Disaster Declarations: DR-4728 (Aug 2023), DR-4749 (Nov 2023), DR-4819 (Sept 2024 — 41-tornado derecho with 6.5 inches rainfall). Biden approved Public Assistance for storm damage. However, Trump administration denied FEMA disaster relief for IL in Nov 2025 despite Pritzker's request for July-Aug 2025 severe weather damage, raising concerns about political factors in disaster aid.
FEMA PA Records — Illinois; FEMA.gov Disaster 4819; Washington Post Nov 2025; CBS Chicago
2
Emergency reserve adequacy
Budget Stabilization Fund (rainy day fund) grew from $3.6M in 2019 (near zero — legacy of decades of raiding) to $2.4B by 2025. State ended FY2024 with $4.9B cash on hand. Reserves now adequate for emergency scenarios — enough to cover approximately 2 weeks of state operations. Rating agencies cited reserve building as key factor in credit upgrades.
IL State Comptroller Reserve Reports; WTTW July 2024 Cash Report; S&P/Moody's Upgrade Citations
2
Lives lost — preventable from state failure
No mass casualty events attributable to state emergency management failure. July 2024 derecho (41 tornadoes) caused property damage and power outages but no deaths attributed to state response failures. COVID deaths tracked near national per-capita average. Highland Park parade shooting (July 4, 2022, 7 killed) was law enforcement/security failure at local level, not state emergency management.
IEMA Incident Reports; FEMA DR-4819 Records; Highland Park Report; CDC COVID Data
2
Post-disaster recovery
Post-disaster recovery proceeding for multiple events: July 2024 derecho recovery (41 tornadoes, 6.5 inches rain, widespread power outages) managed through FEMA DR-4819 Public Assistance. June-July 2023 and September 2023 flood recovery active. State allocated disaster funds and coordinated with FEMA for individual and public assistance programs. Recovery timelines standard for scale of events.
IEMA Recovery Reports; FEMA DR-4728, DR-4749, DR-4819 Progress Reports
2
Public health emergency response
COVID response included extended school closures (among longer nationally). Strict lockdown measures. Outcomes roughly at national average. Vaccination rates above average. Balance of restrictions vs. outcomes debated.
CDC COVID Data Tracker — Illinois; IL DPH COVID Reports; School Closure Data
2
Infrastructure failure prevention
No major infrastructure collapses or grid failures causing deaths — contrast with Texas 2021 freeze. Illinois grid stable through extreme weather events. CEJA (2021) saved 3 nuclear plants from closure with hundreds of millions in subsidies — IL remains nation's top nuclear energy producer, exporting 20% of electricity to other states. Water systems functional; no Flint-type crises. Electricity costs rose 15% (2024-2025), triple the 4.5% national average, partly due to CEJA transition costs.
IL EPA Infrastructure Reports; ICC Utility Reports; CEJA Nuclear Subsidy Data; EIA Electricity Prices
3
National Guard deployment appropriateness
IL National Guard deployed for COVID testing/vaccination sites (2020-2022), severe weather response (July 2024 derecho), and migrant shelter operations in Chicago (2023-2024). Scott Air Force Base (USTRANSCOM HQ) and Rock Island Arsenal maintained strong state-military relations. Guard deployments appropriate to declared emergencies and authorized through disaster proclamations.
IL Department of Military Affairs Records; Governor's Disaster Proclamations; Guard Deployment Orders
2
Emergency communication
Daily COVID press briefings for months during peak pandemic — among most visible and consistent state-level communications nationally. Severe weather alerts issued through IEMA warning systems. July 2024 derecho: emergency communications activated for 41-tornado outbreak across Northern IL. Active social media presence and press accessibility during emergencies.
Governor's Office Communications; IEMA Alert Records; COVID Briefing Archives
2
Interagency coordination
Multi-agency coordination demonstrated in migrant crisis response — IEMA, DHS, DCEO, DPH, National Guard, and Chicago city agencies coordinated 'Welcoming with Dignity' ($478M+ since 2023) for 50,000+ arrivals. COVID response coordinated DPH, IDES, IL State Police, and Guard. Severe weather events (2023-2024) required IEMA-FEMA-local coordination across dozens of counties.
IEMA Coordination Reports; Welcoming with Dignity Program Data; COVID Response After-Action
3
Pandemic response metrics
IL COVID death rate near national per-capita average. Vaccination rates above national average — above 50% for adults by summer 2021. Issued statewide stay-at-home order March 2020; schools closed remainder of 2019-2020 year. COVID disaster proclamation renewed every 30 days for 3+ years — among longest in nation. CPS schools among last major districts to fully reopen. IDES paid $5.2B in overpayments including fraud during pandemic.
CDC COVID Data Tracker — Illinois; Johns Hopkins Data; Ballotpedia IL COVID Timeline
2
Disaster preparedness & emergency infrastructure
IL faces tornado, flood, derecho, and severe winter weather risks. IEMA maintains regional coordination with 9 mutual aid regions. July 2024 derecho (41 tornadoes, 6.5 inches rain) tested preparedness — power outages managed, no fatalities from response failures. Rebuild Illinois ($45B) includes infrastructure hardening. No major preparedness failures documented; FEMA Pre-Disaster Mitigation grants active.
IL IEMA
2
Transparency & Ethics — 29/39 (74%) 13 metrics
FOIA/open records compliance
IL Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140) compliance maintained. No major court orders compelling disclosure from governor's office. AG Public Access Counselor handled routine FOIA disputes. Migrant spending transparency criticized — Comptroller Mendoza created Asylum Seekers Transparency Portal (illinoiscomptroller.gov) to track $2.5B+ in migrant expenditures after public pressure.
IL AG Public Access Counselor Records; IL FOIA (5 ILCS 140); Comptroller Asylum Seekers Portal
2
Governor's schedule availability
Governor's public schedule posted on governor's website. Daily COVID briefings provided unprecedented schedule visibility during 2020-2021. Active public appearances at bill signings, groundbreakings (Quantum Campus, Stellantis Belvidere), and disaster sites. Travel to national events (DNC, multi-state coalitions) publicly documented.
Governor's Office Website (gov.illinois.gov); Press Office Schedule Archives
2
Campaign finance compliance
No campaign finance violations. Pritzker largely self-funded campaigns (spent $300M+ of personal wealth on campaigns). Reduces donor influence concerns.
IL State Board of Elections Campaign Finance Records
3
Financial disclosure
Financial disclosures filed annually with IL Ethics Commission. As Hyatt Hotels heir (net worth $3.6B, Forbes 2024), disclosures are extensive but complexity of Pritzker family trusts and offshore holdings limits full transparency. Blind trust arrangement separates personal wealth from official duties. Pre-governor 'toilet scandal' ($330K property tax settlement for removing toilets from Gold Coast mansion) raised questions about financial transparency.
IL Ethics Commission Financial Disclosures; Forbes Billionaires 2024; Cook County Assessor Settlement
2
Open meetings compliance
No major Open Meetings Act (5 ILCS 120) violations by governor's office or executive agencies. COVID-era emergency modifications to open meetings requirements (allowing remote participation) were implemented under executive authority and subsequently codified by legislature. AG Public Access Counselor found no systemic violations.
IL AG Open Meetings Decisions; 5 ILCS 120; COVID Emergency Meeting Modifications
3
Open data portal
Illinois operates data.illinois.gov open data portal under Open Operating Standards Act (PA 98-627). Multiple agency datasets published — DPH health data, IDOT transportation data, IL Clean Energy Dashboard, IL Treasurer's 'Vault' transparency portal. Portal established under prior administration but maintained and expanded. Accessibility adequate but IGPA analysis noted open data movement has lost momentum.
data.illinois.gov; Open Operating Standards Act (PA 98-627); IGPA Policy Analysis; IL Treasurer Vault Portal
2
Budget transparency
GOMB publishes detailed budget documents online including 5-year fiscal projections. COGFA provides independent revenue estimates (FY2025: $53.6B, $333M above budgeted). Pension liability disclosure improved — $143.5B unfunded liability (47.8% funded) clearly reported. Rating agencies (S&P, Moody's A2, Fitch A-) specifically cited improved budget transparency as upgrade factor. Comptroller's Quarterly reports available online.
IL GOMB Budget Books; COGFA Three-Year Forecasts; S&P/Moody's/Fitch Upgrade Reports; Comptroller's Quarterly
2
Lobbying disclosure
Lobbying disclosure maintained through IL Secretary of State Lobbyist Registration Act. Lobbyist registrations and expenditure reports publicly available. No significant changes to lobbying transparency laws during tenure. Former Speaker Madigan's corruption conviction (Feb 2025 — ComEd/AT&T bribery schemes) exposed lobbying-corruption intersection in IL political culture, but Pritzker not implicated.
IL Secretary of State Lobbying Records; Lobbyist Registration Act; Madigan Trial Evidence
2
IG report publication
Inspector General reports published on IL Executive Ethics Commission website. DCFS OIG reports including child death investigations (171 deaths FY2023, 160 deaths FY2024) made public without interference. Auditor General IDES report revealing $5.2B in pandemic overpayments published and widely covered. No documented suppression of IG findings.
IL Executive Ethics Commission Website; DCFS OIG Annual Reports; Auditor General IDES Audit 2023
2
Legislative audit cooperation
Cooperated with Auditor General investigations including politically damaging IDES audit ($5.2B overpayments). DCFS audits proceeded without obstruction. No documented instances of withholding records from Auditor General. Rating agencies (S&P, Moody's, Fitch) specifically cited improved fiscal practices and transparency as factors supporting 10 credit upgrades since 2021.
IL Auditor General Records; S&P/Moody's/Fitch Upgrade Citations 2021-2025
2
Press conference accessibility
Highly visible media presence — daily COVID press briefings (2020-2021), regular bill-signing events, frequent disaster-site visits. Active on national media circuit (CNN, MSNBC, national press). Accessible to Capitol News Illinois and Chicago press corps. Public sparring with Trump administration over immigration and FEMA aid added national profile. Not known to avoid hostile press questions.
Governor's Office Media Schedule; Capitol News Illinois Coverage; National Media Appearances
2
State contract transparency
State contracts published through IL Procurement Policy Board and Comptroller's office. Rebuild Illinois ($45B) contracts trackable through IDOT project database. Emergency migrant services contracts drew scrutiny for rapid emergency procurement — Comptroller created Asylum Seekers Transparency Portal tracking all migrant-related expenditures to address concerns.
IL Procurement Policy Board Records; Comptroller Asylum Seekers Portal; IDOT Project Database
3
Court order compliance
Complied with court orders including DCFS BH Consent Decree requirements (though 20% investigator vacancy rate remains in violation). SAFE-T Act implementation delayed until IL Supreme Court ruling (Sept 2023). Assault weapons ban enforced despite district court striking it down (McGlynn, Sept 2024) — complied with 7th Circuit stay. DOJ sued over Bivens Act (limiting ICE enforcement) in 2025.
DCFS BH Consent Decree Records; IL Supreme Court SAFE-T Ruling; 7th Circuit PICA Stay; DOJ v. Pritzker
2
Ethics & Integrity — 37/39 (95%) 13 metrics
Personal criminal charges
No criminal charges. The 'toilet scandal' (removed toilets from mansion to reduce property tax assessment, then paid $330K settlement) occurred before governorship and was settled.
Court Records; Cook County Assessor Settlement Records
3
Ethics complaints — substantiated
No substantiated ethics complaints during 7+ years as governor. Pre-governor: paid $330K settlement for removing toilets from Gold Coast mansion to lower property tax assessment — Cook County Inspector General found scheme 'intentional.' Matter settled before taking office. As governor, no formal complaints substantiated by IL Ethics Commission.
IL Ethics Commission Records; Cook County IG Report; Settlement Records
3
Gift/travel disclosure
Gift and travel disclosures filed per IL Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420). As billionaire (net worth $3.6B, Forbes 2024), Pritzker is gift-giver rather than recipient — gifts to him are irrelevant given personal wealth. Travel largely self-funded or state-funded through official channels. No documented gift disclosure violations.
IL Ethics Commission Records; IL Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420); Forbes 2024
2
Conflict of interest
Pritzker placed assets in blind trust. Hyatt hotel family wealth creates potential conflicts but managed through blind trust. No documented acting on conflict.
IL Ethics Commission; Blind Trust Documentation
3
State resources for political purposes
No documented misuse of state resources for political purposes. Self-funded campaigns ($300M+ personal spending across 2018 and 2022 elections) eliminates traditional fundraising pressure. No state employees directed to campaign work. No state aircraft/vehicle misuse documented. Billionaire status makes resource misuse unnecessary and counterproductive.
IL Ethics Commission Records; Campaign Finance Reports; IL Board of Elections
3
Truthfulness in official statements
No documented false official statements to official bodies. Migrant spending projections proved far too low ($2.5B+ vs original predictions) — poor forecasting rather than dishonesty.
Governor's Official Statements; COGFA Records
3
Protection of ethics infrastructure
IL Executive Ethics Commission and Executive Inspector General maintained with adequate funding. Ethics infrastructure functioning — particularly notable given Madigan conviction (longest-serving legislative leader in US history, convicted Feb 2025 on 10 federal counts, sentenced 7.5 years). Pritzker did not weaken ethics oversight despite one-party supermajority control that would allow it.
IL Ethics Commission Budget Records; Madigan Conviction DOJ Feb 2025
2
Emoluments/self-dealing
No documented self-dealing as governor. Placed assets in blind trust upon taking office — Pritzker family wealth ($3.6B, Hyatt Hotels heir) creates theoretical conflict risks but no documented instances of official actions benefiting personal holdings. State contracts with Hyatt properties would be managed through blind trust firewall. No AG or Ethics Commission findings.
IL Ethics Commission Financial Disclosures; Blind Trust Documentation; Forbes Billionaires 2024
3
Campaign donor to state contract pipeline
Self-funded campaigns ($300M+ personal spending) virtually eliminate donor-to-contract corruption risk. No documented pattern of campaign contributors receiving state contracts. In context of IL's corruption history (Madigan convicted for ComEd/AT&T bribery schemes involving jobs-for-favors), Pritzker's self-funding model breaks the traditional pay-to-play cycle.
IL Campaign Finance Records; Procurement Records; Madigan Trial Evidence — ComEd/AT&T Schemes
3
Foreign influence
No foreign influence concerns. No FARA registrations linked to governor or staff. Pritzker family wealth is domestic (Hyatt Hotels, US-based). No documented foreign government contacts or influence attempts. International trade missions for IL economic development conducted through standard DCEO channels.
DOJ FARA Database; IL DCEO International Trade Records
3
Sexual harassment claims
No sexual harassment claims filed against governor or senior staff. IL Workplace Transparency Act (signed by Pritzker, 2019) strengthened harassment protections for state employees. No documented harassment complaints within governor's immediate office.
IL CMS Records; IL Workplace Transparency Act (2019)
3
Records preservation
No documented records destruction or improper disposal. IL State Records Act (5 ILCS 160) enforced. COVID-era records (disaster proclamations, executive orders) preserved in state archives. No complaints to State Records Commission about governor's office record-keeping practices.
IL State Archives Records; IL State Records Act (5 ILCS 160)
3
Revolving door
No major revolving door violations documented. IL Revolving Door provisions (5 ILCS 430/5-45) restrict post-government lobbying. Madigan machine operated classic revolving door (ComEd jobs-for-favors — core of federal conviction), but Pritzker's direct appointees have not been cited for revolving door violations.
IL Ethics Commission Records; 5 ILCS 430/5-45; Madigan Trial Evidence
3
Program Management — 19/36 (53%) 12 metrics
Fraud losses in state programs
Auditor General found $5.2B in total UI overpayments (July 2020-Dec 2021): $3.2B PUA, $2B regular UI. Identity theft: $2.3B PUA + $511M regular UI. Half of all PUA funds went to fraud. IDES suspended identity cross-matches to process 2M+ claims — massive fraud vulnerability. Migrant health spending exceeded estimates by $547M+ ($1.6B cumulative). Administration faced congressional scrutiny; post-pandemic corrective measures implemented.
IL Auditor General IDES Audit 2023; DOL OIG Reports; Capitol News Illinois; NFIB; AEI Analysis
1
Program integrity — eligibility verification
IDES eligibility verification catastrophically failed during pandemic — identity cross-matches suspended, enabling $2.3B in PUA identity theft alone. Migrant Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults (HB 357): costs exceeded projections by $547M in FY2024-25 ($629M actual vs estimates); adults 42-64 coverage terminated July 2025 as fiscally unsustainable. Migrant shelter spending projected at $2.5B+ by end of 2025. 'Welcoming with Dignity' cost $478M+ since 2023 — far beyond original scope.
IL Auditor General IDES/Migrant Health Audits; IDES Performance Data; Illinois Policy Institute; ABC7 Chicago
1
IT system modernization
DoIT maintained state systems through pandemic surge. IDES IT systems overwhelmed by 2M+ claims in 2020 — contributed to $5.2B in overpayments as identity verification systems were suspended. DCFS Child Welfare Dashboard launched for transparency. Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) positions state for advanced technology. Broadband expansion funded through IIJA federal grants.
IL DoIT Reports; DCFS Dashboard Launch 2024; IQMP Groundbreaking; IIJA Broadband Data
2
Permit processing timeliness
IL regulatory environment imposes permit processing challenges — consistently ranked among most regulated states. However, Reimagining Energy and Vehicles (REV) program granted ~$1B in incentives since 2021, streamlining EV/data center approvals. Stellantis Belvidere ($613M investment, 3,300 jobs) and quantum campus permits fast-tracked. General business licensing and building permits slower than business-friendly states.
IL DCEO Reports; Census Building Permits Data; REV Program Data; Stellantis Announcement
1
Child welfare system
DCFS under significant strain: OIG investigated 171 child deaths in FY2023 (highest in 2 decades) and 160 in FY2024. Investigator vacancy rate 20% — violating BH Consent Decree. Budget nearly doubled under Pritzker; staffing reached 15-year high (3,148 employees). Director Marc Smith resigned Oct 2023; replaced by Heidi Mueller (Feb 2024). 58% provider pay increase implemented. Challenges systemic and pre-date Pritzker.
DCFS OIG Annual Reports FY2023-2024; BH Consent Decree; DCFS Budget Data; Capitol News Illinois
2
Medicaid program management
IL Medicaid covers ~3.3M enrollees. Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults (HB 357, 2020): expanded coverage to undocumented 65+, then 42+ — cost $1.6B cumulative (2021-2024), $629M in FY2024-25 alone, exceeding projections by $547M. Adults 42-64 coverage terminated July 2025 due to fiscal unsustainability. All Kids program (children regardless of status) and seniors 65+ continue. Auditor General found costs 'far outstripped original estimates.'
CMS Reviews — IL; IL HFS Medicaid Data; HB 357; Auditor General Migrant Health Audit; ABC7 Chicago
2
Environmental program
EPA-delegated programs meeting standards through IL EPA. CEJA (2021): mandates 100% carbon-free power by 2045; 6 GW renewable capacity added, 6 GW under development. Five coal-to-solar conversion grants ($281M over 10 years). Saved 3 nuclear plants from closure with subsidies — IL remains #1 nuclear state, exporting 20% of electricity. $57M in CEJA grant awards announced. Electricity costs rose 15% (2024-2025) vs 4.5% nationally.
EPA State Program Evaluations — Illinois; CEJA Implementation Reports; DCEO Grant Awards; EIA Data
2
Transportation project delivery
Rebuild Illinois ($45B, signed June 2019) — first capital plan in decade. Through Year 6: $20.8B invested, improving 21,309 lane miles, 815 bridges, 1,181 safety projects. $33.2B allocated for transportation ($11B IDOT multi-year, $14B road/bridge, $4.7B transit, $1B passenger rail). Oct 2025: released $50.6B follow-on program (FY2026-2031). Created estimated 540,000 jobs. Bipartisan passage via gas tax increase.
IDOT Project Reports; Rebuild Illinois Status; CGFA Capital Analysis; IDOT 2025 Year-End Summary
2
Unemployment insurance system
IDES pandemic performance among worst state UI systems nationally: $5.2B in overpayments, massive claim backlogs (2M+ filed in 2020), identity verification suspended, call centers overwhelmed. Post-pandemic: system stabilized, corrective measures implemented, fraud prevention improved. But legacy damage significant — half of $3.6B in PUA funds (July 2020-June 2021) lost to fraud. Congressional scrutiny and DOL corrective action plans required. Trust fund solvency restored post-pandemic.
IDES Performance Data; DOL ETA Reports — Illinois; IL Auditor General 2023; Congressional Testimony
1
Veterans services
IL DVA operates four veterans' homes (Anna, LaSalle, Manteno, Quincy) and one Chicago home. State hosts 3 major military installations: Scott AFB (USTRANSCOM/AMC HQ), Rock Island Arsenal (largest govt-owned weapons manufacturing arsenal), Naval Station Great Lakes (Navy's only boot camp, trains 40K+ recruits/year). IL Joining Forces coordinates state-military relations. Lt. Gov. Stratton serves on Military Economic Development Committee — 2025 State of the Bases Report published.
IL DVA Annual Reports; VA State Grant Data; 2025 State of Bases Report; Military Installation Data
2
Housing program effectiveness
Chicago rents rose 21% in 2024. Migrant arrivals (50,000+ since 2022, 180K+ through Chicago) strained shelter system — city spent $574.5M on new arrivals, state allocated $478M+ through 'Welcoming with Dignity.' Chicago transitioning from New Arrivals Mission to One System Initiative. Affordable housing production insufficient statewide. Homelessness compounded by migrant shelter demand. IL housing affordability better than coasts but declining in Chicago metro.
HUD PIT Count — Illinois; Census Housing Data; BLS CPI — Chicago; City of Chicago Migrant Spending Reports
1
Corrections system
SAFE-T Act Pretrial Fairness Act eliminated cash bail (effective Sept 18, 2023 after IL Supreme Court 5-2 upheld). First-year data: violent crime down 6%, homicides down 10%, failure-to-appear rates stable at ~15%. Prison population reduced. No DOJ consent decree during tenure. 65 county state's attorneys challenged the law. Corrections budget maintained. Cannabis legalization reduced marijuana-related incarceration.
IL DOC Annual Reports; SAFE-T Act Implementation Data; IL Supreme Court Ruling July 2023; Fox News Year 2 Data
2
Federal Relations — 7/15 (47%) 5 metrics
Federal funding captured
IL received $13.5B+ in ARPA funding. Secured IIJA infrastructure funds for roads, bridges, broadband. State hosts 3 major military installations (Scott AFB — USTRANSCOM HQ, Rock Island Arsenal, Great Lakes Naval — Navy's only boot camp). Federal research grants flow through University of Illinois, Argonne National Lab, Fermilab. PsiQuantum quantum computer awarded to IL (IQMP campus, $500M state investment leveraging federal interest in quantum computing).
USASpending.gov — Illinois; Census Federal Aid to States; DOD Installation Data; IQMP Announcements
2
Federal corrective action plans
IDES required federal DOL corrective actions after Auditor General found $5.2B in pandemic UI overpayments. Congressional scrutiny included hearings on state unemployment fraud. IDES suspended identity cross-matches contributing to $2.3B in PUA identity theft. Federal corrective action plans implemented post-pandemic. Recovery of overpaid funds ongoing but collection rate low nationwide.
DOL OIG Corrective Actions; DOL ETA Reports; House Oversight Committee; IL Auditor General 2023
1
Interstate cooperation
Active in multi-state coalitions — joined litigation against federal immigration enforcement, co-signed amicus briefs with blue-state governors. Testified before Congress defending sanctuary policies alongside NY, MN governors (June 2025). Member of multi-state climate compacts. Great Lakes Compact participant. IL-IN-WI Tri-State Alliance on transportation. Active in Democratic Governors Association leadership.
Interstate Compact Records; Congressional Testimony June 2025; Great Lakes Compact; DGA Records
2
Local government relations
Significant tensions with local governments: suburban communities resisted migrant shelter placements (50,000+ arrivals statewide). Property tax reform remains unresolved — IL has among highest property taxes nationally. 64 of 102 counties lost population in 2024. Downstate vs Chicago political divide deepened. Some local governments passed resolutions opposing SAFE-T Act and sanctuary policies. Cook County relationship functional but strained by migrant costs ($574.5M city spending).
IL Municipal League Records; Census County Population 2024; Media Reports on Migrant Shelter Disputes
1
Federal litigation costs
Multiple active federal lawsuits: DOJ sued Pritzker and AG Raoul over Bivens Act (limiting ICE enforcement, Dec 2025). Assault weapons ban (PICA) in 7th Circuit — district judge struck down (Sept 2024), stayed on appeal; SCOTUS declined to block. Multi-state immigration litigation (joined blue-state coalitions). FEMA disaster aid denied by Trump administration (Nov 2025) for July-Aug 2025 storms — Pritzker alleged political retaliation. Litigation costs mounting across immigration, 2A, and federal relations.
DOJ v. Pritzker Bivens Act; 7th Circuit PICA; SCOTUS Stay Orders; Washington Post Nov 2025; IL AG Litigation
1
Constituent Service — 11/15 (73%) 5 metrics
Constituent inquiry response
Governor's office maintains constituent services division handling inquiries, complaints, and casework. Springfield and Chicago offices operational. COVID-era constituent demand surged — particularly IDES claims assistance as system was overwhelmed (2M+ claims in 2020). Post-pandemic operations normalized. No documented systemic failures in constituent response.
Governor's Office Records; Constituent Services Division Data
3
Town halls held
Active public schedule with appearances across state — bill signings, groundbreakings (Quantum Campus Sept 2025, Stellantis Belvidere), disaster site visits, and press conferences. Daily COVID briefings (2020-2021) were effectively town halls. Traveled to all 102 counties during campaigns. Regular appearances at Chicago, Springfield, and downstate events. More visible than most governors but formal town hall format less frequent.
Governor's Office Schedule; Press Office Event Archives; Campaign Travel Records
2
Constituent satisfaction
Approval turned negative July 2025 (M3 Strategies): 50.2% unfavorable, 47.2% favorable — first time. Nov 2025 (Victory Research): recovered to 52.2% approve, 40.9% disapprove. Jan 2026 (Emerson/WGN): 51% approve, 42% disapprove. Approval below 50% on all top-5 individual issues. Taxes cited as #1 concern. 97% of outmigrants moved to lower-tax states. Domestic outmigration: -56,235 (2023-2024). Deep-blue state context: 54.8% reelection margin modest.
M3 Strategies/IPI Poll July 2025; Victory Research Nov 2025; Emerson/WGN Jan 2026; IRS SOI Migration
1
ADA compliance
ADA compliance maintained across state facilities and programs. Governor's website and communications meet accessibility standards. DCFS and DHS services accessible. No DOJ ADA enforcement actions against IL during tenure. Created Office of Equity via executive order to address broader accessibility and inclusion issues across state government.
IL DHS ADA Reports; DOJ ADA Reviews; Governor's EO on Office of Equity
3
Electoral accountability
Won 2018 with 54.5% (defeated Rauner), reelected 2022 with 54.8% (defeated Bailey). Consistent ~55% margins in deep-blue state (Biden won IL 57.5% in 2020) suggest underperformance vs party baseline. Spent $300M+ personal wealth across both campaigns. Announced candidacy for 3rd term (2026). Nov 2025 poll: 52% approve. Lt. Gov. Stratton running for U.S. Senate (won March 2026 primary). Approval trajectory volatile.
IL State Board of Elections Results 2018, 2022; Emerson Jan 2026 Poll; Victory Research Nov 2025
2
Section B — State Outcomes 362/975
13 categories measuring real-world outcomes: economic performance, population trends, fiscal health, public safety, education, healthcare, infrastructure, cost of living, transparency, controversy, historical context, constituent satisfaction, and immigration compliance.
Economic Performance — 35/75 (47%)
BLS LAUS: Chicago unemployment 6.2% (highest among major metros). State unemployment above national average. Private sector lost 11,700 jobs Feb 2023-Feb 2024 while government added 28,000. Business environment poor — highest combined state/local tax burden nationally. GDP growth modest. Some economic development wins but outmigration of businesses concerning.
Population & Demographics — 15/75 (20%)
Census July 2025: IL population 12,719,141 (+16,108, +0.1% YoY). Since 2020 Census base, IL lost 102,600 people (-0.8%). Domestic outmigration: -40,017 (2024-2025) — 3rd worst behind CA (-229,077) and NY (-137,586). International migration +45,000 offset domestic losses. 95% of outmigrants moved to lower-tax states. Cook County 5M+ residents but -4.3% since 2020. State lost 172,000+ residents under 18 since 2020 — largest youth decline in nation. Alexander County (-14.8%) and Gallatin County (-11.6%) severe rural losses. Population stabilized only through international immigration.
Budget & Fiscal Health — 35/75 (47%)
10 credit upgrades (unprecedented positive). Rainy day fund $3.6M to $2.4B. Bill backlog eliminated ($16.7B to near zero). BUT: pension liability $143.5B (47.8% funded — among worst nationally). $218B total state/local pension debt. $53.1B budget (largest ever). Taxes: highest combined state/local burden. Credit still A-range (not AA or AAA). Progress significant but starting from catastrophic position.
Public Safety — 25/75 (33%)
Chicago violent crime at decade low (2025): 22,760 violent crimes — fewest in 10+ years. Total crime fell from 257,558 (2024) to 235,338 (2025). Homicides in H1 2025 down 33% YoY (twice the 17% average decline in 30 large cities per Council on Criminal Justice). Carjackings down 51% H1 2025 vs H1 2024. Arrest rate climbed to 15.8% (2025) from 13.8% (2024). Statewide homicides down ~10% (2024 vs 2023, FBI data). SAFE-T Act (end of cash bail Jan 2023) impact debated — criminal sexual assault rose to decade high even as other violent categories fell. State violent crime rate still above national average.
Education Outcomes — 30/75 (40%)
NAEP: Illinois scores near national averages but with wide Chicago-suburban-rural gaps. CPS (Chicago Public Schools) performance below state average. Extended COVID school closures contributed to learning loss. Per-pupil spending increased. Education funding reform (Evidence-Based Funding) improved equity. Achievement gaps persist.
Healthcare Access — 42/75 (56%)
Census ACS: Uninsured rate low (~5-6%). Medicaid covers large population. CDC: Life expectancy near national average. Infant mortality slightly above national average. Reproductive healthcare access expanded. Rural hospital access challenges. Migrant healthcare costs ($1.6B+) strained system.
Infrastructure Quality — 35/75 (47%)
FHWA: Roads in poor condition (30%+ deficient). Bridges need repair. Rebuild Illinois $45B capital plan advancing but execution takes years. Rail and transit investments. O'Hare expansion ongoing. Chicago infrastructure aging. Some progress but deep needs.
Cost of Living — 25/75 (33%)
BEA RPP: Illinois prices near national average BUT effective cost much higher due to taxes. Highest combined state/local tax burden in nation. Chicago rents up 21% in 2024. Property taxes among highest nationally. Taxes nearly $5,000 higher for family of four since Pritzker took office. Tax burden drives outmigration.
Transparency & Accountability — 38/75 (51%)
IL AG Public Access Counselor (PAC) received 4,200+ new FOIA/OMA matters (2024), issued 16 binding opinions. SB 243 passed (2025) amending FOIA and Open Meetings Act — effective Jan 1, 2026, strengthening transparency requirements. Budget transparency improved (cited by Moody's, S&P in 10 credit upgrades). Migrant spending transparency questioned — $2.5B+ expenditures lacked real-time public reporting. Data portal (data.illinois.gov) functional. IG reports published regularly. Self-funded campaigns ($350M+ personal spending) reduce donor influence concerns. PAC trained thousands on transparency laws via statewide webinars (2024).
Controversy & Scandal — 22/75 (29%)
$2.5B+ migrant spending (50,000+ arrivals). Congressional hearing — summoned to testify on sanctuary policies. SAFE-T Act (end of cash bail) deeply controversial. Population loss (decade of decline). Highest tax burden nationally. IDES pandemic fraud. $143.5B pension hole. Pre-governor toilet tax scheme ($330K settlement). Assault weapons ban litigation. ICE limitation law inviting federal conflict. Approval turned negative. 'Overspending' concerns from critics.
Historical Context — 30/75 (40%)
Against Illinois' governors: 10 credit upgrades unprecedented — first IL upgrades in 25 years (last positive trend ended during Blagojevich era, 2003-2009, when bonds were sold to fund pensions). Rauner (2015-2019) suffered 7-8 credit downgrades during 2-year budget impasse and left $8B unpaid bill backlog. Pritzker eliminated backlog entirely, built rainy day fund from $3.6M to $2.4B, paid off $12B in debt. S&P raised IL to A- from BBB+ (7th upgrade in <2 years). But: followed Blagojevich (imprisoned for corruption) and Rauner (worst budget impasse in US history) — historically low bar. Pension crisis $143.5B unfunded (47.8% funded) still worst nationally. Civic Federation notes 'sustained progress on long-term debt reduction in FY2026.' Population loss continued for most of tenure. Tax burden highest nationally.
Constituent Verdict — 25/75 (33%)
Won reelection 54.8% (2022) in deep-blue state. Approval turned negative August 2025 (50.2% unfavorable). Illinoisans cite taxes as #1 concern. Outmigration to lower-tax states at massive scale (-56,235 domestic). Constituent verdict deteriorating.
Immigration & Law Compliance — 5/75 (7%)
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Section C — Oath Fidelity -82 (-378 to +378)
126 items scored -3 to +3 measuring fidelity to constitutional oath. Grounded in Supreme Court precedent and constitutional text.
+3Exemplary
+2Strong
+1Adequate
0Neutral
-1Concerning
-2Failing
-3Hostile
Protection of Life
Declaration of Independence; 5th/14th Amendments
Score: -12
Range: -93 to 93
Items: 31
Violent crime rate trend
IL violent crime rate ~400 per 100K (2023), above national average. Chicago drives majority. Rate has modestly improved from 2021 peak but remains elevated above pre-Pritzker baseline.
FBI UCR/NIBRS; ISP UCR
-1
Homicide rate relative to national average
IL homicide rate approximately 8-9 per 100K (2023), significantly above national average of ~6.3. Chicago homicides (~600+ annually) drive the state rate 35%+ above national average.
FBI UCR; CDC WONDER; Chicago PD
-1
Homicide clearance rate
IL/Chicago homicide clearance rate approximately 25-30%. Chicago PD clearance rate among lowest for major cities. State average pulled down by CPD. Significant investigative capacity gap.
FBI UCR; Chicago PD annual report; CPD clearance data
-2
Law enforcement staffing adequacy
Chicago PD down ~2,000 officers from authorized strength. Statewide law enforcement recruitment crisis. CPD authorized 13,000, actual ~11,000. Pritzker has not enacted major recruitment initiatives.
FBI LEOKA; CPD staffing; ISP data
-2
Drug overdose death rate trend
IL drug overdose rate approximately 28 per 100K and rising. Fentanyl crisis particularly severe in Chicago and downstate communities. Treatment investment exists but outcomes worsening.
CDC WONDER; IDPH opioid data
-1
Emergency management preparedness
IEMA meets most FEMA capability targets. Strong tornado and severe weather preparedness. Good coordination between state and local emergency management.
FEMA SPR; IEMA
+1
Preventable mass-casualty event response
Highland Park July 4th mass shooting (2022) — 7 killed. Response was adequate but event raised questions about IL gun law effectiveness despite strict laws. State response professional but prevention failed.
Highland Park after-action; IL law enforcement
-1
Infrastructure safety — bridge and road conditions
IL structurally deficient bridges approximately 8%, near national average. Road conditions mixed — Chicago roads poor but downstate better. Rebuild Illinois program investing $45B.
FHWA NBI; ASCE IL; IDOT; Rebuild Illinois
0
Water and dam safety compliance
IL water systems generally compliant but East St. Louis and some communities face aging infrastructure. Chicago lead service line replacement ongoing. Dam safety adequate. No Flint-level crisis but some concerns.
EPA SDWIS; IL EPA; IDNR Dam Safety
0
Healthcare access — uninsured rate
IL uninsured rate approximately 6% (2023 ACS). Medicaid expansion covers large population. ACA marketplace functional. Good but not exceptional access.
Census ACS; KFF; HFS
+1
Maternal mortality rate
IL maternal mortality rate approximately 25 per 100K live births, near national average. Significant racial disparities (Black maternal mortality 3-4x white rate). Pritzker signed Maternal Health Task Force.
CDC WONDER; IDPH
0
Infant mortality rate
IL infant mortality rate approximately 6.0 per 1,000 live births, near national average. Significant racial and geographic disparities between Cook County and downstate.
CDC WONDER; NCHS
0
Self-defense rights — Castle Doctrine / Stand Your Ground
IL has limited Castle Doctrine. No duty to retreat in home. Duty to retreat outside home in most situations. No Stand Your Ground. Moderate self-defense framework.
720 ILCS 5/7; NRA-ILA
0
Death penalty procedural safeguards
IL abolished death penalty in 2011. LWOP available. Strong appellate review. Innocence Project active (13 exonerations contributed to abolition). Victim services funded.
IL Criminal Code; Death Penalty Information Center
+1
Suicide prevention program funding and outcomes
IL suicide rate approximately 11 per 100K, below national average. Funded prevention programs. 988 integration in progress. Average outcomes.
CDC WISQARS; AFSP IL; IDPH
0
911/emergency response time adequacy
IL EMS response adequate in metro areas. Rural downstate response times challenged. Chicago FD well-staffed. NFPA compliance varies by jurisdiction.
NFPA; IDPH EMS
0
Opioid/fentanyl interdiction and treatment funding
IL has opioid action plan with some funding. Treatment expansion ongoing. Overdose deaths still elevated. Chicago is major distribution hub. Mixed outcomes.
SAMHSA; IDPH; CDC WONDER
0
Veteran suicide and healthcare access
IDVA provides state veteran services. Some funded programs. Average outcomes. Veteran homelessness moderate for large-state context.
VA SAIL; IDVA; HUD PIT
0
Food safety and foodborne illness enforcement
IL food safety program meets most FDA standards. Strong Chicago CDPH inspection program. No major outbreaks linked to state inspection failures.
FDA Conformance; IDPH; Chicago CDPH
+1
Workplace fatality rate
IL workplace fatality rate approximately 3.0-3.5 per 100K FTE, near national average. Mix of service, manufacturing, and agriculture.
BLS CFOI; IL OSHA
+1
Domestic violence fatality rate and funding
IL has DV fatality review process. ICADV receives state funding. Shelter capacity strained in Chicago. DV rates near national average.
ICADV; NNEDV
0
Correctional facility death rate and conditions
IL DOC has faced overcrowding and staffing issues. In-custody death rates above BJS average. Some facility condition concerns. DOJ has monitored conditions at certain facilities.
BJS; IL DOC; John Howard Association
-1
Pollution-related mortality and environmental health
IL has significant air quality issues in Chicago metro and East St. Louis. Multiple Superfund sites. Willowbrook ethylene oxide controversy. Environmental justice concerns in minority communities.
EPA Green Book; EPA Superfund; Willowbrook EtO; IL EPA
-1
Pedestrian and traffic fatality rate
IL traffic fatality rate approximately 1.2-1.3 per 100M VMT, near national average. Chicago pedestrian fatalities elevated. Mix of urban congestion and rural highways.
NHTSA FARS; IDOT
0
Sanctity of life legislative framework
Pritzker signed Reproductive Health Act (2019) removing most abortion restrictions. Codified abortion as a 'fundamental right.' No gestational limits. Repealed spousal notification, waiting period. State funds abortion. Post-Dobbs, actively promoted IL as abortion destination.
IL RHA (2019); Guttmacher; Dobbs v. Jackson (2022)
-3
Homeless mortality — exposure deaths, overdoses in encampments, violence
Launched $350M Home Illinois initiative. But homelessness increased 116% in 2024. Housing funding cut $14M+ in FY2026. $1.3M paid for never-built tent encampment.
WTTW; Capitol News Illinois; Chicago Tribune
0
Population loss impact on services — EMS/hospital closures, tax base erosion
Lost 56,235 residents in 2024, 3rd worst nationally. 46th in domestic migration. 64 of 102 counties dropped. Nine consecutive years of decline before slight growth via immigration.
Illinois Policy Institute; Census Bureau
-2
Police staffing/funding — governor's direct actions on law enforcement
Funded 200 additional state police. But signed law allowing non-citizens to be police. Signed Sonya Massey Act focused on accountability. Lost federal hiring programs due to sanctuary status.
ABC7 Chicago; Fox News; CBS Chicago
0
Criminal recidivism from early release — parole/clemency, no-cash-bail
Signed SAFE-T Act eliminating cash bail — first state to do so. Expanded parole reform (SB423). Most aggressive pretrial reform nationally.
ABC7 Chicago; Capitol News Illinois
-2
Prison/shelter housing — biological males in women's facilities
IDOC houses 12 biological males at Logan women's prison. Policy allows housing by gender identity. 85 transgender inmates total at women's facility.
Sangamon Sun FOIA; ACLU Illinois
-2
Mental health crisis system — involuntary commitment reform, crisis intervention
Nation-leading: integrated 911 and 988 crisis response (HB2784). Required insurance for mental health. Mental health omnibus. Mandatory school screening (SB726).
Governor's Office; Illinois Psychiatric Society
+2
Constitutional Rights
Bill of Rights (Amendments I-X); 14th Amendment incorporation
Score: -30
Range: -87 to 87
Items: 29
Second Amendment — right to carry status
IL is shall-issue but with restrictive FOID card system. Concealed carry licensing requires 16 hours training plus FOID. Among most restrictive shall-issue states. Lengthy processing delays documented.
430 ILCS 66; ISP FOID/CCL data; USCCA
-1
Second Amendment — semi-automatic rifle restrictions
Pritzker signed Protect Illinois Communities Act (PICA, 2023) banning sale of 170+ named firearms and all semi-automatic rifles with detachable magazines and one military feature. Criminal penalties for possession of newly banned firearms. Among most comprehensive bans in nation.
IL PICA (2023); HB 5471; Naperville v. City
-3
Second Amendment — magazine capacity restrictions
PICA imposed 10-round handgun and 15-round rifle magazine limits. Existing magazines must be registered. Criminal penalties for possession of unregistered magazines.
IL PICA (2023); HB 5471
-2
Second Amendment — Red Flag / ERPO due process
IL enacted Firearms Restraining Order (2018). Ex parte initial order. Hearing within 14 days. Preponderance standard for continued order. No appointed counsel guaranteed. Limited due process.
430 ILCS 67; ERPO data
-1
First Amendment — campus free speech protections
IL has some campus free speech protections via administrative policy. U of IL system has mixed FIRE ratings. No comprehensive campus free speech statute. Average environment.
FIRE campus rankings; IL legislation
0
First Amendment — anti-SLAPP protections
IL enacted anti-SLAPP statute (Citizen Participation Act) but it was narrowed by courts. Moderate protections. Not as strong as comprehensive states.
735 ILCS 110; Public Participation Project; court interpretations
0
First Amendment — religious liberty protections
IL has no state RFRA. COVID-era church restrictions more strict than some secular activities. Pritzker restricted church gatherings to 10 while allowing larger secular operations. Some documented conflicts.
COVID executive orders; Becket Fund; church lawsuits
-1
Fourth Amendment — warrant requirements for digital surveillance
IL has nation's strongest biometric privacy law (BIPA) — strong privacy protection. But limited electronic surveillance warrant requirements beyond BIPA. Mixed overall.
IL BIPA (740 ILCS 14); EFF; ACLU IL
0
Fourth Amendment — civil asset forfeiture reform
IL has moderate forfeiture protections. Some reform enacted. Criminal charge (not conviction) required to initiate. Federal equitable sharing continues. Average protections.
Institute for Justice; IL forfeiture statutes
0
Fifth Amendment — eminent domain protections post-Kelo
IL enacted Eminent Domain Act reform (2006). Requires 'public use' not just 'public purpose.' Fair compensation plus relocation. Moderate Kelo reform.
735 ILCS 30; Castle Coalition
+1
Due process — regulatory takings and permitting timelines
IL has significant regulatory burden. Chicago permitting particularly slow. Environmental and building permit delays documented. Some systematic delays.
State auditor reports; Chicago permitting data
-1
Tenth Amendment — federal overreach resistance
Pritzker acquiesces to most federal authority. No state sovereignty pushback. Generally cooperative posture aligned with federal expansion.
Governor's executive orders; litigation dockets
-1
Equal Protection — state contracting nondiscrimination
IL maintains active race-conscious programs. BEP (Business Enterprise Program) with racial targets. No SFFA compliance review. Expanding diversity requirements.
CMS BEP; IL procurement data
-1
Second Amendment — state preemption of local firearms laws
IL preemption weakened. PICA allows localities to impose additional restrictions. Chicago, Cook County, and others enacted measures beyond state law. Patchwork of local gun laws.
IL preemption law; local ordinances; NRA-ILA
-2
First Amendment — government transparency and FOIA compliance
IL FOIA compliance has documented issues. Governor's office response times variable. PAC (Public Access Counselor) receives many complaints. Some documented obfuscation.
IL FOIA; Public Access Counselor; media FOIA audits
-1
Sixth Amendment — public defender funding adequacy
IL public defender offices face high caseloads especially in Cook County. Chronic underfunding. Some salary improvements under Pritzker but system still strained. SAFE-T Act created additional demands.
Sixth Amendment Center; IL Public Defender data
-1
Eighth Amendment — bail reform and pretrial detention
Pritzker signed SAFE-T Act (2021) eliminating cash bail entirely — first state to do so. Implementation controversial. Critics argue blanket no-bail release of violent offenders. Multiple counties reported violent offenders released pretrial. Extreme position.
IL SAFE-T Act (2021); Pretrial Fairness Act; court data
-2
Property rights — regulatory burden and economic freedom
IL ranks in top quartile for regulatory burden. High tax environment. Expanding regulation in labor and environment. Limited reform under Pritzker.
Mercatus RegData; Cato Economic Freedom; Tax Foundation
-1
Second Amendment — governor's litigation posture on firearms cases
IL AG Kwame Raoul leads aggressive anti-2A litigation. Defends PICA in federal court. Files anti-2A amicus briefs. Among most hostile states for 2A litigation. Pritzker publicly champions firearms restrictions.
AG litigation; PICA defense; amicus filings
-3
First Amendment — compelled speech protections
IL has some compelled speech elements. Mandatory cultural competency training for professionals. Some pronoun policies in government agencies. No anti-compelled-speech protections.
IL professional licensing; agency policies
-1
Commerce Clause compliance — interstate trade barriers
IL has average interstate commerce environment. Some regulatory friction but no documented unconstitutional trade barriers.
IJ; court rulings
0
Privileges and Immunities — occupational licensing reform
IL has moderate licensing burden. Some reform including military spouse licensing. No comprehensive reform. Average progress.
IJ License to Work; NCSL; IDFPR
0
Contract Clause — state compliance with contractual obligations
IL pension systems approximately 45% funded aggregate — among worst in nation. Making required contributions for first time under Pritzker (historically shorted). $140B+ unfunded liability. Bond downgrades historically (improved under Pritzker to A-range from BBB+).
Pew pension; IL pension CAFRs; bond ratings
-2
Jury trial rights — civil and criminal jury access
IL has standard jury trial access. Cook County has some COVID-era backlog. Circuit court system adequate statewide.
AOIC annual reports; NCSC
0
Immigration law compliance — Supremacy Clause adherence
IL is a sanctuary state (TRUST Act, 2017, expanded under Pritzker). Illinois Way Forward Act (2021) further restricted ICE cooperation. Chicago spent $350M+ on migrant services. No ICE detainer compliance. Driver's licenses for illegal aliens. In-state tuition. Active obstruction of federal immigration enforcement. Pritzker personally directed state resources to receive buses of migrants from Texas.
IL TRUST Act; IL Way Forward Act; 8 USC 1373; Chicago migrant spending
-3
Qualified immunity / due process for officers
SAFE-T Act originally included QI elimination but removed. Task Force created. QI remains intact despite attempts.
Chicago Reporter; Injustice Watch
0
Voter ID and ballot chain-of-custody
No photo voter ID. Signed expanded mail-in, automatic registration, same-day registration. Refused DOJ voter database request.
Governor's Office; NBC Chicago
-1
Non-citizen voting prevention
Opposes SAVE Act as 'voter suppression.' 14+ non-citizens confirmed to have voted. Automatic registration 'glitch' put non-citizens on rolls.
NBC Chicago; Illinois Policy Institute
-1
Women's sports / Title IX — biological sex protections in state-funded athletics
Allows biological males in female sports. Enacted transgender protections in school sports/facility access. Launched LGBTQ hotline. Vowed to boost gender transition services.
Fox News; WGLT; Washington Examiner
-2
Child Welfare & Parental Rights
Meyer v. Nebraska; Pierce v. Society of Sisters; Troxel v. Granville; 14th Amendment
Score: -11
Range: -75 to 75
Items: 25
Parental rights legislation — statutory recognition
IL has no Parental Bill of Rights. Some administrative policies override parental authority. School policies may conceal student gender status from parents.
IL legislation; SBE guidance
-1
Education choice — school choice programs
IL has limited school choice. Tax credit scholarship program (Invest in Kids Act, 2017) allowed to expire in 2024. Charter schools exist but limited. Choice options diminished under Pritzker.
EdChoice IL; Invest in Kids expiration; NAPCS
-1
Parental notification/consent for medical procedures on minors
Pritzker signed repeal of parental notification for minor abortion (2021). Minors can obtain abortion without any parental involvement. Broad expansion of minor consent provisions.
IL HB 370 (2021); Guttmacher
-2
Gender-transition procedures for minors — restrictions
IL has no restrictions on gender-transition procedures for minors. Medicaid covers transition procedures. Pritzker signed protections for providers. Not a 'refuge' state formally but facilitates access.
IL legislation; CMS Medicaid; provider protections
-2
Child abuse and neglect — substantiated case rate trend
IL child maltreatment rate above national average. DCFS has documented systemic problems including caseworker deaths (investigated by federal oversight). High-profile child deaths (AJ Freund case) exposed gaps.
ACF NCANDS; IL DCFS; BH consent decree
-1
Foster care — CFSR conformity assessment
IL DCFS under federal BH consent decree since 1988. CFSR results among worst nationally. Conformity on few outcomes. Federal oversight required. Systemic failures documented.
ACF CFSR; BH consent decree; IL DCFS
-2
Foster care — permanency outcomes
IL foster care permanency outcomes below national average. Long time to permanency. High percentage of children in care 2+ years. DCFS capacity strained.
ACF AFCARS; IL DCFS
-1
Child trafficking prevention and prosecution
IL has comprehensive trafficking statute. AG's office and ICAC active. Safe harbor. Chicago is major trafficking hub with active enforcement. Good prosecution framework.
Polaris Project; Shared Hope International; IL AG
+1
Education outcomes — 4th grade NAEP reading proficiency
IL 4th grade NAEP reading proficiency approximately 31% at or above proficient (2022), near national average of 32%. Chicago Public Schools below state average.
NCES NAEP 2022
0
Education outcomes — 8th grade NAEP math proficiency
IL 8th grade NAEP math proficiency approximately 27% at or above proficient (2022), near national average of 26%. Average performance.
NCES NAEP 2022
0
Parental curriculum transparency
IL has limited parental transparency. Comprehensive sex education enacted. Some opt-out provisions but transparency on all curriculum materials not required by statute.
ISBE; IL school code
-1
Social media — minor protections
IL relies on federal COPPA plus strong BIPA biometric protections. No comprehensive social media minor protection statute.
NCSL; IL BIPA
0
Juvenile justice — age-appropriate treatment
IL has progressive juvenile justice system. Jurisdiction extends to 18. Rehabilitation-focused DJJ. Raise-the-age reforms. Declining juvenile incarceration.
JJDPA; OJJDP IL; IL DJJ
+1
Child poverty rate and state response
IL child poverty rate approximately 15% (2023 ACS), near national average. Economic disparities between Chicago suburbs and downstate/south side significant.
Census ACS SAIPE; KIDS COUNT
0
Adoption and permanency — adoptive family support
IL adoption system strained under DCFS consent decree. Processing times long. Catholic Charities forced out of adoption services over anti-discrimination mandate (2011). Barriers for faith-based agencies.
ACF AFCARS; IL DCFS; Catholic Charities IL
-1
Homeschool rights and protections
IL has very permissive homeschool framework. No registration required. No mandatory testing. No curriculum mandates. Parents must provide 'adequate' education. Among most permissive states.
HSLDA IL; IL School Code 26-1
+1
Child sexual abuse material (CSAM) enforcement
IL ICAC task force active. AG's office prosecutes CSAM cases. Good reporting compliance. Chicago hub for NCMEC-related prosecutions.
ICAC; NCMEC; IL AG
+1
School safety — violence prevention and incident response
IL has some school safety programs. SRO presence in some districts. Safe School grants limited. Chicago school safety concerns elevated. Average framework.
NASRO; ISBE school safety
0
Children's mental health services access
IL school counselor ratio approximately 450:1, near average. Some funded programs. Access gaps particularly in rural downstate areas. Average performance.
ASCA; SAMHSA IL; ISBE
0
Childhood vaccination — parental choice protections
IL has medical and religious exemptions (no philosophical). Religious exemption requires annual filing. Some pressure to restrict exemptions further. More restrictive than many states.
NCSL; CDC; IL immunization code
-1
Child care affordability and access
IL child care subsidy at approximately 200% FPL. CCAP program. Moderate waitlist. Smart Start Illinois expanding access. Average overall.
ACF CCDF; IL DHS; Smart Start
0
Education — teacher quality and retention
IL teacher vacancy rates elevated (~8-10%) particularly in CPS and downstate. Salary competitive in Chicago suburbs but low in rural areas. Retention below 85% in high-need districts.
NCES; ISBE workforce; NEA
-1
Child nutrition — food insecurity rate
IL child food insecurity approximately 15% (2023), near national average. School meal participation adequate. Chicago has good meal access but food deserts in south/west sides.
USDA ERS; Feeding America
0
Custody and family court — due process in child removal
IL family courts adequate but DCFS consent decree (since 1988) indicates systemic due process concerns. Class action litigation active. Some improvements but federal oversight still required.
BH consent decree; IL circuit courts; ABA
-1
Children with disabilities — IDEA compliance
IL rated 'Needs Assistance' by OSEP. Large state means variable compliance by district. Some districts requiring intervention. Average performance.
OSEP annual determinations; IDEA Part B
0
Faithful Discharge of Duties
Gubernatorial oath; Art. IV Sec. 4; state constitutional requirements
Score: -29
Range: -123 to 123
Items: 41
Budget balance — structural surplus/deficit
Recent budgets technically balanced but IL has $140B+ unfunded pension liability — worst in nation. Recent credit upgrades from deep junk territory do not erase structural crisis. Compare NJ at -1, CA at -2 — IL should not score above zero given magnitude of unfunded obligations.
IL CAFR; Comptroller reports; NASBO
0
State credit rating stability
10 credit rating upgrades — first in 20+ years. From near-junk BBB+ to A-/A2 range. Historic improvement. Still not top-tier but remarkable trajectory. All three agencies upgraded.
S&P; Moody's A2 (Oct 2025); Fitch
+2
Rainy day / budget stabilization fund adequacy
Built rainy day fund from $3.6M (near zero) to $2.4B. Dramatic improvement. Among biggest reserve-building achievements of any governor nationally.
IL Comptroller; Budget Stabilization Fund data; NASBO
+2
Pension system funding responsibility
IL pension systems approximately 45% funded — among worst in nation despite improvement. $140B+ unfunded liability. Pritzker making full required payments (first governor to do so consistently) but system still dangerously underfunded. Reform attempts failed.
Pew pension; COGFA; IL pension CAFRs
-1
State debt burden
IL has among highest debt per capita in nation when pension liabilities included. Debt-to-GDP approximately 15-18%. Improving under Pritzker (bill backlog paydown, borrowing reduced) but still top 5 nationally.
Census; Moody's; IL Comptroller
-2
Government efficiency — state employee headcount per capita
IL state workforce near national median. No major efficiency reforms or expansion under Pritzker. Standard government size.
Census Public Employment; BLS
0
Inspector General / state auditor independence
IL Auditor General independent. Executive IGs exist for agencies. Mixed implementation of recommendations. Average oversight.
IL Auditor General; IG reports
0
Ethics violations and personal scandals
Pritzker personally avoided prosecution but recorded conversations with Gov. Blagojevich (pre-tenure) raised questions. Property tax reduction scandal (removed toilets from mansion, settled with county). No formal ethics findings but perception issues.
Cook County assessor; media reporting; ethics commission
-1
Executive order restraint
Pritzker issued extensive COVID executive orders. Volume above historical norms during 2020-2022. Some COVID orders challenged in court. Extended emergency powers repeatedly.
IL Governor's EO database; COVID orders; court records
-1
Emergency powers — adherence to statutory limits
Extended COVID emergency powers for many months. Legislature deferred to governor. Imposed strict lockdowns, mask mandates, business closures. Pritzker's own family traveled to Florida during restrictions, raising hypocrisy concerns. Powers exceeded by duration.
IL emergency statutes; legislative records; media reporting on FL travel
-2
Legislative cooperation — veto override rate
Pritzker works cooperatively with Democratic supermajority. Very few vetoes; virtually zero overrides. Highly productive legislative relationship. Major legislation passed.
IL General Assembly records
+2
Judicial appointments — qualifications and process integrity
IL has elected judiciary with governor filling some vacancies. Standard appointment quality when governor appoints. No documented patronage issues.
IL judicial system; state bar
0
Timely execution of laws — implementation of enacted legislation
SAFE-T Act implementation chaotic. PICA implementation created enforcement confusion. Sanctuary policies constitute non-enforcement of federal law. DCFS consent decree compliance incomplete. Multiple major laws poorly implemented.
SAFE-T Act rollout; PICA implementation; ICE data; DCFS
-2
Federal fund utilization — grant management
IL federal grant management generally adequate. No major clawbacks. ARPA utilization on track. Some concerns about Chicago migrant spending accountability.
Federal Audit Clearinghouse; IL CAFR
0
Public approval as competence indicator
Pritzker approval approximately 40-45% (Morning Consult). Polarizing figure — popular with base, unpopular with opposition. Adequate but not high.
Morning Consult; IL polls
0
State IT security and data protection
IL DoIT has CISO. Cybersecurity investment adequate. No major breaches during Pritzker tenure. Standard framework.
NASCIO; IL DoIT
0
Infrastructure spending — capital budget execution
Rebuild Illinois $45B capital program is major investment. Execution rate approximately 80%+. ASCE grade C for IL but improving with investment. Good infrastructure commitment.
ASCE IL; Rebuild Illinois; IDOT
+1
Disaster fund readiness
IL has basic emergency funds. FEMA cost-share met. Rainy day fund growth provides some buffer. Average disaster preparedness for risk profile.
FEMA; IEMA; disaster fund data
0
Workforce development — unemployment system integrity
IL IDES struggled during pandemic. Significant fraud losses (estimated billions). Trust fund borrowing from federal government. System modernization ongoing but slow.
DOL UI Data; IL IDES; state auditor
-1
Medicaid program integrity
IL HFS Medicaid error rates near national average. No federal sanctions. Budget compliance adequate. MCO transition ongoing.
CMS PERM; IL HFS
0
Election administration — constitutional compliance
IL does not require photo voter ID. Paper ballot trail. Post-election audits conducted. Same-day registration. Voter roll maintenance has been questioned. Average administration.
EAC EAVS; Verified Voting; IL SBE
0
Transparency — state budget accessibility
IL Comptroller's transparency portal provides spending data. Budget documents accessible. Improved from predecessor. Above average budget transparency.
IL Comptroller portal; U.S. PIRG
+1
Intergovernmental cooperation — federal compliance balanced with sovereignty
Sanctuary state with active ICE obstruction. TRUST Act and Way Forward Act systematically prevent federal immigration enforcement. Chicago spent $350M+ on migrants while blocking federal enforcement. Active obstruction of lawful federal operations.
IL sanctuary laws; ICE data; Chicago migrant spending
-3
Gubernatorial succession and continuity planning
Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton confirmed. Clear succession. COOP plan exists. Adequate continuity.
IL Constitution; FEMA COOP
+1
Anti-corruption — state procurement integrity
IL has long history of procurement corruption (predecessor governors convicted). Pritzker has maintained cleaner record but some concerns about campaign donor contracts. Average oversight.
IL procurement data; Auditor General; state ethics commission
-1
Gas price burden — state gas taxes, refinery regulations, cap-and-trade
Doubled state gas tax from 19 to 38 cents (2019) with automatic inflation adjustment — now 48.3 cents. Second highest nationally. Costs drivers $143 more annually.
Illinois Policy Institute; The Center Square
-2
Energy affordability — residential electricity costs from state policy
Electricity at 17.07 cents/kWh. ComEd hiked $606M, Ameren $309M in Dec 2024. CEJA mandates driving ratepayer costs. Rates rising significantly.
Citizens Utility Board; Electric Choice
-1
Energy policy competence — forced mandates without infrastructure readiness
CEJA mandates 100% clean by 2050 with coal closures. Significant rate increases from mandated investments. But maintains largest nuclear fleet.
CEJA; Energy Sage; Citizens Utility Board
-1
Property tax burden — effective rate vs national median
Just passed NJ for highest property taxes nationally. Average 1.83% effective rate. Rose nearly $4B under Pritzker. Cook County highest bills in 30+ years.
Illinois Policy Institute; Chicago Tribune; Tax Foundation
-3
Regulatory cost burden — permits, compliance costs per household/business
70 tax/fee hikes in 15 years. $650M in new business taxes during pandemic recovery. 9.5% corporate rate (2nd highest). Dropped 10 spots in Tax Foundation ranking.
Illinois Policy Institute; Tax Foundation; Chicago Tribune
-2
Unfunded mandates on municipalities
SAFE-T Act implementation costs borne by counties. Various social program mandates. No unfunded mandate relief.
Civic Federation; Illinois Legislature
-1
Cost of living trajectory — policy-driven affordability trend
Taking $1,434 more in taxes per resident than before. Gas tax doubled. Highest property taxes. 95% of outmigrants to lower-tax states.
Illinois Policy Institute; Census data
-2
Immigration fiscal burden — taxpayer cost of sanctuary/benefits policies
Over $2.5B on migrant care by end 2025. Healthcare for non-citizens cost $1.6B+ through July 2024. $478M Welcoming with Dignity since 2023. Overspent by $547M.
Illinois Policy Institute; Capitol News Illinois; FAIRUS
-3
Homelessness spending accountability — spending vs measurable outcomes
$250M earmarked but homelessness up 116%. FY2026 cut $14M+ including $26.6M from Home Illinois. Paid $1.3M for never-built encampment. Outcomes worsening.
Capitol News Illinois; WTTW; Chicago Tribune
-1
Encampment enforcement — response to SCOTUS Grants Pass ruling
No state-level encampment enforcement post-Grants Pass. Chicago dealing with migrant encampments as immigration issue.
Governor's Office; Illinois Legislature
0
Net domestic migration trend — people leaving vs arriving
Lost 56,235 in 2024 (3rd worst). 46th in domestic migration. 11 consecutive years outmigration. 40,000+ left in 2025.
Illinois Policy Institute; Census Bureau
-2
Business exodus — corporate HQ and jobs relocating due to policy
Business exodus tripling since pandemic. Lost 2,616 businesses 1994-2023. Boeing, Caterpillar, Citadel, Guggenheim, TTX, Tyson, Morton Salt all left.
Illinois Policy Institute; Fox Business; Chicago Tribune
-2
DA accountability — governor's power to remove rogue prosecutors
Failed to hold Kim Foxx accountable as Cook County SA. Misleading Smollett statements. Aggressive non-prosecution linked to rising crime. Took no action.
Heritage Foundation; Illinois Policy Institute
-1
Election infrastructure — ballot harvesting, drop box security, audit transparency
No photo ID. Expanded mail-in and auto registration. Glitch put non-citizens on rolls. Refused DOJ voter database. Federal lawsuit filed.
NBC Chicago; Illinois Policy Institute
-1
Weaponization of state agencies — using AG/regulatory bodies against political opponents
Called for criminal prosecution of Trump admin officials. Signed open letter about 'federal prosecutors weaponized.' Escalatory political rhetoric.
PBS; CNN; The Hill
-1
Foreign adversary protections — Chinese land, TikTok bans, Confucius Institutes
No TikTok ban on state devices. No Chinese land restrictions. No Confucius Institute actions. Has not joined multi-state efforts.
Illinois Legislature; Governor's Office
-1