Illinois GOP chair calls Governor’s trade mission 'irresponsible'
[March 29, 2025]
By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
(The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s trade mission to
Mexico includes a delegation of more than 70 people.
A statement from the governor’s office said the trip, scheduled from
March 30 to April 2, is aimed at deepening economic ties and fostering
greater cooperation between the state of Illinois and Mexico.
“Illinois is a prime destination for businesses seeking to invest and
grow in the U.S. market. Our state's forward-thinking policies, coupled
with our rich natural resources, skilled workforce, and world-class
infrastructure, make it an ideal place for companies to thrive,”
Pritzker said in a statement. “As we embark on this trade mission to
Mexico, we are excited to further strengthen our economic ties and
showcase the many advantages that Illinois offers to businesses in North
America and around the world.”
The statement from Pritzker’s office shared the names of 71 people who
would be joining the governor in Mexico. The delegation includes people
from the private and public sectors, including five Democratic state
lawmakers, members of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic
Opportunity, and members of the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jaime di Paulo
is part of the delegation. He said his goal is to bring business to
Illinois.
“Being the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, I think we have a lot to offer
so they can come and do business in Illinois,” di Paulo told The Center
Square.
According to di Paulo, the big delegation is split into sectors.
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Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker - BlueRoomStream
“We’re meeting with agriculture folks, with automotive people,
technology folks, and then we have a bunch of workshops,” di Paulo.
“Hopefully each one of us can get our job done and bring some wealth
to Illinois.”
Illinois Republican Party Chair Kathy Salvi said the junket to
Mexico is a distraction for the governor of a state with a heavy tax
burden.
“Here he’s leaving to Mexico. Seriously? With a lot of heavies in
our state, right, on the taxpayers’ dime,” Salvi told The Center
Square.
Salvi said it’s irresponsible for Pritzker to make the trip when
he’s driven businesses out of Illinois.
“I don’t have to remind you that in the last few years, under his
leadership, we’ve lost Caterpillar, Citadel, Boeing, Tyson Foods,
Guggenheim Partners, and TTX. That just scratches the surface. Many,
many smaller businesses have shuttered and families are moving out
of Illinois in droves,” Salvi said.
Salvi questioned Pritzker’s criticism of President Donald Trump when
others have changed their mind and now support the president.
“He’s fighting, he’s posturing for a 2028 run for office. I think
his bravado will end up being his downfall,” Salvi said.
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