Things got a little spicy in Springfield on Tuesday, as Governor JB Pritzker threw some sharp words Mayor Brandon Johnson’s way, following a tense moment over the hemp bill.
Fresh off a rare loss in Springfield, the governor didn’t hold back. At a separate news conference, Pritzker defended his strong stance on a bill that heavily regulates hemp sales—think products like delta-8 and delta-10 THC, which get users high. Johnson had been rallying against the bill for days, arguing it could hurt the city’s revenue. But when the House vote got pulled due to a lack of support, Pritzker wasn’t about to give the mayor credit for stopping the bill.
Pritzker’s Response: “The Mayor Had Little to Do with This”
When asked about Johnson’s involvement, Pritzker didn’t mince words. “The mayor didn’t have much to do with this,” he said. Ouch! He even pointed a finger at Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch and other Democrats in the House, claiming that the bill’s failure to pass was a tragedy, and Johnson had very little influence over the outcome.
Pritzker suggested the chaos in the House, with lots of shouting and tension, made it hard to move the bill forward. He also hinted at future challenges in organizing the House to tackle big issues in the upcoming spring session.
A Shaky Relationship Between Pritzker and Johnson
The governor’s comments shed light on the shaky relationship between him and Mayor Johnson. It’s no secret that the two don’t often see eye to eye, and Pritzker didn’t shy away from making it clear. “They don’t reach out that often,” he admitted when asked about their connection. “Maybe in the time he’s been mayor, he’s called me five times?”
Pritzker revealed that despite Johnson’s behind-the-scenes lobbying against the hemp bill, the mayor never actually reached out to the governor’s team. Instead, Johnson seemed to be trying to go over Pritzker’s head by pushing for negotiations directly with state lawmakers.
The Bigger Picture: What’s Next for Johnson and Chicago?
While Johnson may have scored a win on the hemp bill, it’s not the end of the road. The mayor still has some tough battles ahead, like securing more funding for Chicago Public Schools and dealing with the looming CTA budget crisis. All of this comes against the backdrop of Illinois potentially facing a massive deficit next year.
Pritzker also noted that he hadn’t heard from Johnson much about the city’s recent budget struggles. While the mayor’s office had asked for calls, the governor’s team had to follow up multiple times—and Johnson’s office didn’t always show up. Ouch again!
The Hemp Issue: It’s Complicated
The hemp bill itself is a complicated issue. Hemp, unlike cannabis, doesn’t have the same rules. No age limits, no testing for potency or purity, and it’s much cheaper to sell. This has led to some problems, including minors getting sick after using hemp products. While the mayor argued that regulation is the key to ensuring safe hemp sales, others believe the law’s restrictions would put businesses in a tough spot.
In the end, the tension between Pritzker and Johnson is far from over. With the city facing a big budget gap, it’s clear that this battle will continue to play out as both leaders push their agendas in Springfield.
Wrapping Up: A Rocky Road Ahead
As the fight over the hemp bill fades, new challenges are already on the horizon. With both Pritzker and Johnson still holding strong in their positions, the coming months could see more disagreements, tough negotiations, and perhaps even a few more public spats. Stay tuned!
