Pilsen Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th) has intensified his criticism of Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker for not increasing funding for Chicago Public Schools. Sigcho-Lopez stated that the governor’s office response to his recent comments was “out of touch, insulting, and racist.”

Background

The dispute began at a Chicago Public Schools Board of Education meeting, where Sigcho-Lopez expressed his intention to discuss school funding and a proposed “millionaire tax” with the governor. Pritzker’s communications director, Matt Hill, condemned Sigcho-Lopez’s comments on social media, comparing them to the behavior of “Trump and MAGA Republicans.”

Reached by phone, Sigcho-Lopez maintained that his remarks as an elected official were clear and represented the interests of his constituents. He characterized the governor’s office response as “insulting and racist.” Sigcho-Lopez, a father of three, emphasized his personal stake in calling for increased funding for pre-K education, afterschool programs, and resources for Chicago Public Schools.

Response from Pritzker’s Office

Pritzker’s office stood by its position, describing Sigcho-Lopez’s remarks as “threatening language.” A spokesperson stated that no one should use threatening language targeting elected officials, given the frequent threats of political violence they face.

Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.