Rise to Success: Career Highlights of JB Pritzker
How JB Pritzker built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Jay Robert "J. B." Pritzker is an American businessman and politician currently serving as the 43rd Governor of Illinois since 2019. As a member of the prominent Pritzker family, known for owning the Hyatt hotel chain, he has established himself as a successful venture capitalist and investor. Pritzker founded several startups focused on investment, most notably the Pritzker Group, where he holds the position of managing partner. His career spans both the business and political spheres.
1905: Jacobson v Massachusetts Cited
In June 2020, U.S. District Judge Andrea Wood cited Jacobson v Massachusetts, a 1905 U.S. Supreme Court case that upheld the authority of U.S. states to compel people to get vaccinations, in her ruling against plaintiffs who sued Pritzker over lockdown orders.
1975: Illinois Abortion Law of 1975
In 1975, The Illinois Abortion Law was created, which was later repealed when Pritzker signed the Reproductive Health Act into law in June 2019.
1992: Potential Congressional Run
In 1992, Pritzker considered running for Illinois's 9th congressional district seat, anticipating Sidney R. Yates's retirement, but abandoned his plans when Yates decided to run for reelection.
1993: Campaign Committee Establishment
In 1993, Pritzker established a campaign committee in anticipation of running for office.
1994: Potential Congressional Run
In 1994, Pritzker considered running for Illinois's 9th congressional district seat, anticipating Sidney R. Yates's retirement, but abandoned his plans when Yates decided to run for reelection.
1994: Largest gubernatorial win since 1994
In 1994, Pritzker won the Illinois gubernatorial race by the largest margin since 1994.
1996: Potential Congressional Run
In 1996, Pritzker again considered running for Illinois's 9th congressional district seat, anticipating Sidney R. Yates's retirement, but abandoned his plans when Yates decided to run for reelection.
April 1997: Reconstitution of Campaign Committee
In April 1997, Pritzker reconstituted his campaign committee in preparation for a run for Illinois's 9th congressional district seat.
1998: Run in the Democratic Primary
In 1998, Pritzker ran in the Democratic primary for Illinois's 9th congressional district, following Yates's decision not to seek reelection.
2003: Appointment to Chair Illinois Human Rights Commission
In 2003, Governor Rod Blagojevich appointed Pritzker to chair the Illinois Human Rights Commission.
2006: Departure from Illinois Human Rights Commission
In 2006, Pritzker left his position as chair of the Illinois Human Rights Commission, after which Blagojevich appointed Abner J. Mikva as his successor.
2007: Donated to the University of South Dakota
In 2007, J.B. Pritzker and his wife donated $5 million to the University of South Dakota to construct the Theodore R. and Karen K. Muenster University Center in honor of his wife's parents.
2008: Entrepreneurial Champion Award
In 2008, Pritzker received the Entrepreneurial Champion Award from the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce for promoting economic development and job creation.
2008: National Co-Chair of Hillary Clinton's Campaign
In the 2008 presidential election, Pritzker served as national co-chair of Hillary Clinton's campaign.
2009: Opened the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center
In 2009, as chairman, J.B. Pritzker led the capital campaign and planning to open the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, an international institution dedicated to teaching the lessons of the Holocaust and other genocides.
June 30, 2011: Start of Tax Amnesty Program Eligibility
On June 30, 2011, people who owed taxes from between this date and July 1, 2018 were able to take advantage of a "tax amnesty" program that allowed them to pay without penalty.
2011: Pritzker Science Center Dedication
In 2011, Milton Academy dedicated the Pritzker Science Center, which was made possible by a lead gift from J.B. Pritzker.
2013: Social impact bond for early childhood education
In 2013, J.B. Pritzker collaborated with Goldman Sachs to fund the first-ever social impact bond specifically for early childhood education initiatives.
October 22, 2015: Northwestern Law School renamed
On October 22, 2015, Northwestern University School of Law announced that J.B. Pritzker and his wife, M. K. Pritzker, donated $100 million, resulting in the renaming of the school to Northwestern Pritzker School of Law.
2016: Delegate to the Democratic National Convention
In 2016, Pritzker was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention.
April 6, 2017: Announcement of Candidacy for Governor of Illinois
On April 6, 2017, Pritzker announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for governor of Illinois.
August 10, 2017: Announcement of Running Mate Juliana Stratton
On August 10, 2017, Pritzker announced that his running mate would be Juliana Stratton.
December 2017: Campaign Spending Milestone
By December 2017, Pritzker had spent $42 million of his own money on his campaign without receiving funding from any other source.
2017: Joined Duke University Board of Trustees
In 2017, J.B. Pritzker became a member of the Duke University Board of Trustees, with his term set to expire in 2023.
March 20, 2018: Win in the Democratic Primary
On March 20, 2018, Pritzker won the Democratic primary for governor by a large margin, receiving 45.13% of the vote.
July 1, 2018: End of Tax Amnesty Program Eligibility
On July 1, 2018, people who owed taxes from between June 30, 2011, and this date were able to take advantage of a "tax amnesty" program that allowed them to pay without penalty.
November 6, 2018: Defeat of Incumbent Governor Bruce Rauner
On November 6, 2018, Pritzker defeated incumbent Republican governor Bruce Rauner in the general election, receiving 54.53% of the vote.
January 2019: Inauguration as Governor of Illinois
In January 2019, Pritzker was inaugurated as Illinois's 43rd governor. With an estimated net worth of $3.6 billion, he became the richest politician in the U.S.
January 17, 2019: Pritzker Signs Bill Requiring State Certification for Gun Dealers
On January 17, 2019, Governor Pritzker signed a bill into law requiring state certification for gun dealers in Illinois. The bill mandates that gun dealers ensure the physical security of their stores, maintain detailed records of items for sale, and ensure their employees undergo annual training.
January 22, 2019: Pritzker expands reproductive coverage for state employees
On January 22, 2019, Pritzker signed an executive order giving state employees and women covered under Illinois state health insurance expanded reproductive coverage, including abortion.
January 23, 2019: Pritzker commits Illinois to the U.S. Climate Alliance
On January 23, 2019, Pritzker committed Illinois to the U.S. Climate Alliance, aiming to reduce the state's greenhouse gas emissions by over 26% by 2025.
January 24, 2019: Pritzker expands access to Illinois welcome centers for immigrants and refugees
On January 24, 2019, Pritzker signed an executive order to expand access to Illinois welcome centers for immigrants and refugees, which help guide immigrants on a path to citizenship and refugees with access to health care, education, jobs, and legal services.
February 19, 2019: Pritzker signs bill raising minimum wage to $15 an hour
On February 19, 2019, Pritzker signed a bill that raises the state minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2025, making Illinois the fifth state in the nation and first in the Midwest to do so.
April 1, 2019: Pritzker creates Illinois's Youth Parole system
On April 1, 2019, Governor Pritzker created Illinois's Youth Parole system.
April 7, 2019: Pritzker adopts Tobacco 21
On April 7, 2019, Pritzker made Illinois the first state in the Midwest to adopt Tobacco 21.
April 12, 2019: Pritzker signs Collective Bargaining Freedom Act
On April 12, 2019, Pritzker signed the Collective Bargaining Freedom Act, protecting the rights of employers, employees, and their labor organizations to collectively bargain.
May 17, 2019: Pritzker signs legislation to help workers exposed to toxic substances
On May 17, 2019, Pritzker signed legislation aimed at helping workers exposed to toxic substances.
June 5, 2019: Signing of Balanced Budget
On June 5, 2019, Pritzker signed a bipartisan $40 billion balanced budget for the 2019–20 fiscal year, including additional funding for the U.S. Census and tax increases.
June 2019: Pritzker deploys National Guard to combat flooding
In June 2019, Pritzker deployed 200 Illinois National Guardsmen to combat flooding across central and southern Illinois.
June 2019: Signing of Reproductive Health Act
In June 2019, Pritzker signed the Reproductive Health Act into law, repealing the Illinois Abortion Law of 1975 and ensuring reproductive rights.
June 2019: Pritzker signs Rebuild Illinois capital bill
In late June 2019, Pritzker signed the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital bill, allocating $45 billion over six years for infrastructure projects and job creation, the first capital spending bill in Illinois in 10 years.
June 21, 2019: Pritzker signs bill banning private immigration detention centers
On June 21, 2019, Pritzker signed a bill banning the operation of private immigration detention centers in Illinois. Another bill forbids state and local police to cooperate with U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) to deport illegal immigrants.
July 1, 2019: Gas tax increase takes effect
On July 1, 2019, the gas tax that funds the infrastructure plan took effect, raising the tax to 38 cents per gallon and indexing it to inflation.
July 2019: Pritzker Signs Bill to Increase Transparency in Higher Education Costs
In July 2019, Pritzker signed House Bill 2512, which requires state universities to report tuition fees to the Illinois Board of Higher Education, aiming to increase transparency in higher education costs.
July 2019: Pritzker creates food program for the elderly, disabled and homeless
In July 2019, Pritzker signed House Bill 3343, creating a food program for the elderly, the disabled, and the homeless through the state implementation of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
July 2019: Bill signed increases penalties for distracted drivers
In July 2019, Pritzker signed a bill that increases penalties for drivers who got involved in a road incident with injuries while texting. A person who causes serious injuries due to driving while texting could be fined at least $1,000 and have their driver's license suspended for a year.
August 2019: Pritzker erases drug conviction of Army veteran
In August 2019, Pritzker erased the drug conviction of Miguel Perez Jr., an Army veteran who suffered a brain injury and was deported to Mexico in 2018.
August 2019: Pritzker requests federal disaster declaration for Illinois counties
In August 2019, Pritzker officially requested a federal disaster declaration for 32 Illinois counties due to flooding since February 2019.
December 4, 2019: Pritzker Created College Student Credit Card Marketing and Debt Task Force
On December 4, 2019, Pritzker created the College Student Credit Card Marketing and Debt Task Force (House Bill 1581), whose task it is to look for ways to help students reduce their credit card debts after graduation from an institution of higher education in the state.
2019: Budget funded two classes of Illinois State Police cadets
According to the governor's office, the 2019 budget funded two classes of Illinois State Police cadets.
2019: Increased Spending on Education
In 2019, the balanced budget for the 2019–20 fiscal year included increased spending on education in Illinois, including grade schools, community colleges, and state universities.
2019: Pritzker Expands Gambling to Pay for Capital Spending Bill
In 2019, to help pay for his capital spending bill, Pritzker expanded gambling, allowing more casinos and legalized sports betting, which is expected to bring an additional $350 million in revenue each year. The gambling expansion also extends to Chicago.
December 31, 2019: Pardons for Low-Level Cannabis Convictions
On December 31, 2019, Pritzker pardoned approximately 11,000 people for low-level cannabis convictions.
January 2020: Offsite Medical Copayments Ended
In January 2020, the end to the practice of collecting a $5 copay for offsite medical and dental treatments from people detained at a juvenile correction facility took effect.
March 13, 2020: Pritzker Orders School Closures
On March 13, 2020, Governor Pritzker declared that all public and private schools in Illinois would be closed from March 17 through March 31 due to COVID-19.
March 16, 2020: Pritzker Limits Crowd Sizes, Refuses to Postpone Primary Elections
On March 16, 2020, Governor Pritzker issued an executive order limiting permitted crowd sizes to 50 people. Despite pressure, he refused to postpone the state's March 17 primary elections.
March 20, 2020: Pritzker Issues Stay-At-Home Order
On March 20, 2020, Governor Pritzker issued a stay-at-home order for Illinois, effective the next day. All non-essential businesses were required to close, while essential businesses remained open. The order was originally set to end on April 8.
March 25, 2020: Pritzker Extends Tax Filing Deadline and Announces Emergency Assistance Programs
On March 25, 2020, Governor Pritzker announced the extension of Illinois's tax filing deadline from April 15 to July 15. He also announced three new emergency assistance programs that allowed small businesses to access more than $90 million in aid.
April 23, 2020: Pritzker Extends Stay-At-Home Order with Modifications
On April 23, 2020, Governor Pritzker extended the stay-at-home order through May 29 with some modifications, which prohibited churches from holding meetings with more than 10 people in attendance, leading to defiance and federal lawsuits.
May 1, 2020: Pritzker Enacts Statewide Mask Mandate
On May 1, 2020, Governor Pritzker enacted a statewide mask mandate in Illinois.
May 5, 2020: Pritzker Announced Reopening Plan "Restore Illinois"
On May 5, 2020, Pritzker announced his reopening plan, "Restore Illinois". The plan had five phases and split the state's 11 existing Emergency Medical Services Regions into four reopening regions. The regions could reopen independently of one another.
July 15, 2020: Pritzker Announces New COVID-19 Mitigation Plan
On July 15, 2020, Governor Pritzker announced a new COVID-19 mitigation plan to address potential resurgences. The plan uses metrics such as positivity rates and hospital admissions to determine the need for additional mitigations.
July 2020: Cannabis Sales Revenue
By July 2020, cannabis sales in Illinois had generated over $52 million in tax revenue.
December 4, 2020: Pritzker Announces Initial Doses of Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine for Illinois
On December 4, 2020, Governor Pritzker announced that Illinois would receive 109,000 initial doses of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine once the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved it.
2020: Job training program launched
In 2020, Pritzker launched a job training program for community colleges funded based on the percentage of low-income students attending.
December 31, 2020: Pritzker Announces Expungement of Cannabis-Related Arrest Records
On December 31, 2020, Governor Pritzker announced the expungement of approximately 500,000 non-felony cannabis-related arrest records.
February 22, 2021: Pritzker Signs Criminal Justice Reform Bill
On February 22, 2021, Governor Pritzker signed a criminal justice reform bill that makes Illinois the first U.S. state to eliminate cash bail, scheduled to go into effect in January 2023 but later put on hold.
February 26, 2021: Mass Vaccination Site at United Center Announced
On February 26, 2021, Governor Pritzker, along with other officials, announced that eligible Illinoisans could get vaccinated at a new mass vaccination site at the United Center starting March 10.
June 2021: Consideration of Retirement
In June 2021, it was reported that Pritzker was considering retiring after one term in office.
July 29, 2021: Pritzker Mandates Masks in State Buildings
On July 29, 2021, Governor Pritzker announced that everyone entering a state building in Illinois was required to wear a face mask, regardless of vaccination status.
August 5, 2021: Pritzker Announces Mask Mandates for Schools, Daycares, and Long-Term Care Facilities
On August 5, 2021, Governor Pritzker announced that face masks must be worn at all times while inside P-12 schools, daycares, and long-term care facilities, regardless of vaccination status. He also announced mask requirements for P-12 indoor sports and a vaccination mandate for state employees in congregate facilities by October 4.
August 26, 2021: Pritzker Reimposes Statewide Indoor Mask Mandate and Announces Vaccine Mandates
On August 26, 2021, Governor Pritzker announced the reimposition of a statewide indoor mask mandate beginning on August 30 to handle the surge caused by the Delta variant. He also announced a vaccine mandate for all education employees in P-12 and higher education, for all higher education students and healthcare workers. Those who did not get a COVID-19 vaccine by September 5 would have to do weekly COVID testing.
September 19, 2021: Pritzker Imposes COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate
On September 19, 2021, Governor Pritzker began imposing a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for college students, educators, and most health care workers in Illinois.
February 28, 2022: Pritzker Lifts Most COVID-19 Restrictions
On February 28, 2022, Governor Pritzker lifted most of Illinois's COVID-19 restrictions, including the statewide mask mandate, shortly after the CDC issued new, more relaxed masking guidance.
March 1, 2022: Task Force to Collect and Analyze Data on Traffic Stops Reports to Governor
On March 1, 2022, the task force created by House Bill 1613 to collect and analyze data on traffic stops to address racial disparities was to report to the governor and the General Assembly.
May 5, 2022: Lightfoot Announces Selection of Bally's Corporation for Chicago Casino Resort
On May 5, 2022, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced that she had selected Bally's Corporation's bid to construct a casino resort near the Chicago River.
July 14, 2022: Pritzker Announces Lifting of COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate for College Students
On July 14, 2022, Governor Pritzker announced the lifting of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for college students in Illinois.
2022: Cannabis Sales Revenue
By the end of 2022, cannabis sales in Illinois had generated over $445.3 million in tax revenue.
January 9, 2023: Beginning of Second Term
On January 9, 2023, Pritzker's second term as governor of Illinois began.
January 11, 2023: Pritzker signs ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines
On January 11, 2023, Pritzker signed a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, which took effect immediately and affected approximately 2.5 million Illinois gun owners. Gun rights organizations pledged to challenge the law in court.
January 2023: Elimination of Cash Bail Provision Set to Take Effect
In January 2023, the provision in the criminal justice reform bill eliminating cash bail was scheduled to go into effect in Illinois, but it was put on hold pending the Illinois Supreme Court's review.
July 2023: Illinois Supreme Court Rules Elimination of Cash Bail Constitutional
In July 2023, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled that the elimination of cash bail, as part of Pritzker's criminal justice reform bill, was constitutional and would go into effect in September 2023.
September 2023: Elimination of Cash Bail Goes into Effect
In September 2023, the elimination of cash bail went into effect in Illinois, following the Illinois Supreme Court's ruling in July 2023 that it was constitutional.
October 2023: Pritzker launches abortion rights nonprofit Think Big America
In October 2023, Pritzker launched and funded the abortion rights nonprofit Think Big America, which targets ballot measures in other states as part of a broader campaign "combating far-right extremism".
2023: End of Duke University Board of Trustees term
In 2023, J.B. Pritzker's term as a member of the Duke University Board of Trustees expired.
November 2024: Alliance of U.S. state governors
In November 2024, J.B. Pritzker and other U.S. state governors formed an alliance to protect their interests in anticipation of changes in the federal government.
2024: Mentioned as Potential Running Mate
In 2024, Pritzker was mentioned as a possible running mate for Kamala Harris in her presidential campaign, but Tim Walz was chosen instead.
January 1, 2025: Illinois minimum wage reaches $15 per hour
As of January 1, 2025, the minimum wage in Illinois reached $15 per hour, fulfilling Pritzker's campaign promise.
2045: House Bill 2045 signed
In July 2019, Pritzker signed House Bill 2045, ending the practice of collecting a $5 copay for offsite medical and dental treatments from people detained at a juvenile correction facility.
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