In The News: JB Pritzker Calls Out Bruce Rauner for Not Supporting the Equal Rights Amendment

Press Release

Yesterday, JB Pritzker stood with ERA advocates to reiterate his support of the historic amendment and call on Bruce Rauner to stand up for Illinois women. Here's what Illinoisans are seeing and reading in the news:

From ABC 7 Chicago: Rauner under pressure to support Equal Rights Amendment:

Standing with a host of supporters of the Equal Rights Amendment, J.B. Pritzker put Governor Bruce Rauner on the spot.

"Today I want to call on this governor to get off the sidelines and finally, finally summon the courage to lead. This isn't hard, women are asking for some basic rights," Pritzker said.

It's an issue that has gained momentum in the past two years, with millions of supporters taking to the streets in marches across the country, as part of a broader movement to empower women.

In Springfield, lawmakers are poised to put a constitutional amendment to a vote. If it were to pass, Illinois would become the 37th state to ratify the ERA. Constitutional amendments require the support of 38 states.

WATCH:

From Chicago Sun-Times: Pritzker paints Rauner as MIA on ERA -- as Dems scramble to ensure it's not DOA:

Democratic nominee for governor J.B. Pritzker attempted Wednesday to turn up the pressure on Gov. Bruce Rauner to take a definitive stance on whether he supports the Equal Rights Amendment.

"To Bruce Rauner, I have one question," Pritzker said during a midday rally outside the Thompson Center. "You say you are for equal rights, so tell us: Are you for the Equal Rights Amendment or are you against it? Illinois women deserve to know."

It was the second time in eight days that Pritzker has joined ERA backers to highlight his support for their cause…

"Today I want to call on the governor to get off the sideline and finally, finally summon the courage to lead," Pritzker said. "…Bruce Rauner should declare his support and ask members of his own party to step up and vote for the ERA."

Pritzker was joined by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle who said it was "embarrassing" and "shameful" that Illinois has never ratified the ERA.

From WBBM Newsradio: Pritzker Goads Rauner Over ERA, Which Is Stalled In Springfield:

As state lawmakers delay a vote on the Equal Rights Amendment, the Democrat running against Gov. Bruce Rauner is pushing him to say where he stands on it.

Democrat JB Pritzker says the governor should "get off the sidelines" and encourage his fellow Republicans in the House and Senate to vote on the ERA.

Pritzker made the comment Wednesday surrounded by a small group of female supporters that included Jessica Scheller, one of the organizers of the Chicago Women's March.

She says women deserve equal rights and equal pay and will continue to flood the streets until they get them.

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