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Pritzker attended the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland
this week. He took part in discussions, including one on the
landscape of domestic politics in the United States.
“Certainly if you ask the public, do you think that Congress or
that states should work in a bipartisan fusion, the answer is
‘yes,’” Pritzker said Tuesday. “But what they really mean in my
view is that they want to get things done.”
On the global stage, Pritzker heralded Illinois' passage of
legislation that closes coal fired power plants by 2045 while
subsidizing renewable energy. He also promoted his ban on
semi-automatic guns, a law being challenged on constitutional
grounds. Pritzker even touted his work at expanding access to
abortion.
During a conference call with members of Illinois’ media
Thursday, Pritzker addressed critics who said he’s “hobnobbing”
with “leftist global elites.”
“It’s important for Illinois to be seen on a world stage as a
destination for the companies that exist across the world,”
Pritzker said.
While overseas, the governor did make a side-trip to a
manufacturing plant in Germany. He said the Wieland trip helps
encourage the company to expand its existing footprint in
Illinois.
During Thursday’s conference call, Pritzker responded to a
report while meeting with world leaders that he was overheard
talking about running for president. He said he was just
responding to a media question at the time.
“And I was simply responding as I have to you that I have every
intention to serve out four years that I just won as governor,”
he said.
How much the trip is costing taxpayers isn’t yet known.
“Much of the trip is being covered by me and of course there’s
security need so that’s covered by the state of Illinois
[taxpayers],” Pritkzer said. “I guess I can get you a more
extensive answer.”
Joining Pritzker on the trip was his wife, chief of staff, and
two deputy governors.
Previous investigations by The Center Square showed the
governor’s trip to the United Nations Climate Change Conference
in Glasgow last year cost taxpayers at least $14,284, a figure
that didn’t include the cost of security.
Greg Bishop reports on Illinois government and
other issues for The Center Square. Bishop has years of
award-winning broadcast experience and hosts the WMAY Morning
Newsfeed out of Springfield.
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