‘That’s Not What We’re Hearing’: Illinois Governor Denies Businesses Are Fleeing Chicago

Ben ZeisloftJanuary 19, 2023

Governor J.B. Pritzker (D-IL), rejected the idea that businesses Are fleeing from his state due to violent crime And he insists that his efforts are paying off in improving public safety.

The official spoke out about the sad state of Chicago In interview CNBC during World Economic Forum in Davos. Switzerland. Pritzker dismissed the fears when Andrew Ross Sorkin, CNBC anchor, mentioned that his station routinely hears business leaders fleeing the city.

“That’s not what we’re hearing. In fact, you saw that Kellogg moved to Chicago just recently, so just another example of corporate headquarters coming to Illinois,” He responded. “We’re doing a lot to attract businesses and retain businesses.”

However, large businesses like Caterpillar Construction and Boeing Aerospace have survived. exited In the last year, Illinois. Investment firm Citadel likewise moved its headquarters from the Windy City to Miami, Florida, under the leadership of chief executive Ken Griffin, who was formerly the richest man in Illinois and one of the state’s most prolific philanthropists. The prominent Republican campaign donor is also the entrepreneur. He was unsuccessfully attempted Pritzker to be reelected during the most recent midterm election.

“We had one business that left, Citadel, because frankly they lost a political election trying to unseat me, wanted to get out, and made it an excuse that we have a high crime rate,” He added.

After Griffin moved to the Sunshine State, he began buying property there last year. voicing concerns Concerning the declining business climate, and the rising incidence of violent crime. He spoke out during a recent interview He reached breaking point after being violently assaulted by two colleagues: one was robbed and the other was put to death. “a gun to his head” During a coffee run, another was attacked. “some random lunatic just trying to punch him in the head” While he waited to get a car.

A source familiar with Citadel’s decision to leave Chicago confirmed with The Daily Wire that the move was unrelated to the election and was rather spurred by the company’s difficulty with attracting talent due to elevated crime rates.

Sorkin noted that McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski represents another prominent executive who has voiced concerns about the effects of crime on business. Pritzker said that “crime prevention dollars” Violence has begun to decline with the recent ban on assault weapons. “Crime is coming down gradually in the city and across the state. It’s going to take a little while,” He said. “These things don’t come down immediately. But it’s getting better.”

Joe Kernen, a CNBC anchor, asked Pritzker if cash bail removals are contributing to higher crime rates. Pritzker responded that the policy is in line with his beliefs. “doesn’t mean you’re just letting the jail doors open” The increase was doubled after Sorkin mentioned that an employee at Goldman Sachs was killed while riding the subway in New York City last week by a criminal under a similar policy.

“Violent criminals shouldn’t be let out on bail,” Pritzker continued. “But when you’ve got somebody who committed a nonviolent offense and frankly would be kept in jail for months because they just don’t have a few hundred dollars, that’s not a justice system. That’s injustice.”

Kernen also noted that Illinois has failed to prevent organized retail theft. In this case, many people work together to defeat security. empty the shelves A store. “It’s the serious criminals that are committing the violent crimes,” Pritzker insisted. “It’s not people who are committing shoplifting who are going out and stabbing and killing people.”