Chicago City Wire

Paul Vallas, former Chief Executive Officer of Chicago Public Schools, has criticized Governor JB Pritzker's tax policies and governance, suggesting they are contributing to dissatisfaction among Illinois residents. Vallas made these remarks on the social media platform X.

"A new poll shows Pritzker underwater, with a 47% favorable rating," said Vallas. "Pritzker has imposed 55 tax or fee increases, totaling $7B, making Illinois residents the highest taxed in the nation. Throw in high crime, poor governance, failing schools and illegal migrants and it's no surprise that a recent poll shows that half of Illinois residents recently surveyed would leave the state if they had the means. Both polls sighted high taxes as the major reason."

A recent Lincoln Poll conducted by M3 Strategies indicates that Governor J.B. Pritzker’s approval rating has fallen below 50% for the first time, with 50.2% of voters in Illinois viewing him unfavorably compared to 47.2% who view him favorably. The survey identified high taxes as the primary concern among residents, which could have implications for Pritzker's political future. This shift in voter sentiment is noted by the Illinois Policy Institute as a significant change from previous trends.

Since taking office in 2019, Governor Pritzker has implemented over 50 tax and fee increases across the state, raising the average tax burden by approximately $1,237 per resident. Despite record projected revenues for 2026, the state budget includes $482 million in new taxes, further fueling criticism of his fiscal management. The Illinois Policy Institute highlights that these repeated increases have exacerbated financial pressures on residents.

Illinois experienced a net loss of more than 56,000 residents due to domestic migration over the past year, placing it 48th in the nation for population decline. Surveys referenced by the Illinois Policy Institute suggest that many individuals are leaving in search of better housing options, employment opportunities, and relief from high taxes. This trend underscores ongoing concerns about economic prospects and quality of life within the state.

Vallas is an experienced education administrator who served as CEO of Chicago Public Schools from 1995 to 2001 before leading school systems in Philadelphia and New Orleans, as well as Bridgeport Public Schools. He also worked as Chicago’s budget director under Mayor Richard M. Daley and has pursued political office multiple times, including runs for Illinois governor and Chicago mayor.

Chicago Public Schools (CPS), serving approximately 325,000 students as the nation’s fourth-largest district, is transitioning from a mayor-appointed board to a hybrid elected and appointed structure amidst challenges such as declining enrollment, teacher shortages, and a $734 million budget deficit. According to Axios, these issues remain pivotal to CPS's future trajectory.