Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has stirred conversation with his remarks that government should not always take the lead in solving private-sector challenges. Speaking at a groundbreaking ceremony for a new grocery store in Venice, Madison County, the governor emphasized that while public funds can help launch projects, private enterprise is often better equipped to operate them efficiently. His comments come amid ongoing discussions about the state’s role in addressing food insecurity through initiatives like the Illinois Grocery Initiative.
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Balancing Public and Private Roles
Governor Pritzker made his stance clear when asked whether the private sector alone could address the problem of grocery deserts. “These things are better run if they are run by private companies,” he said. “I’ve always believed that government isn’t always the best option if there’s a private sector option. What we’re trying to do is reduce the risk, bring the private sector in and make it available to the people who live here in Venice.” His remarks underline a balance between public support and private leadership in community development projects.
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Grocery Desert Initiative Expands
The new Venice grocery store is being partially funded through a $2.4 million state grant provided under the Illinois Grocery Initiative. The program was designed to combat “grocery deserts” — areas lacking access to fresh and affordable food. Deputy Governor Andy Manar noted that Pritzker had instructed his team two years ago to make Illinois a national leader in tackling this issue. “The presumption in the governor’s direction at the time was that state government can and should play an appropriate role in fixing this problem,” Manar explained.
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Funding Opportunities Continue
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has opened Round II of the Illinois Grocery Initiative Equipment Upgrades Grant Program. This round began in January 2025 and will remain open until December 15, 2025, or until all funds are exhausted. The ongoing program seeks to support grocery operators, particularly in underserved communities, through grants aimed at upgrading facilities and equipment.
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Responding to Criticism on Government Role
When questioned about whether government involvement could drive up prices, Governor Pritzker acknowledged the concern but defended the state’s limited intervention. “I don’t disagree with you that sometimes government doesn’t do it as well as the private sector, but I also believe that government has to do some things to help the private sector be successful. For example, the private sector doesn’t build you roads,” he said. His remarks suggested that while the government should not dominate the market, it has a responsibility to create an enabling environment for businesses.
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“State-Sponsored,” Not “State-Run”
Clarifying misconceptions about the project, Pritzker noted that the Venice grocery store is not government-owned but rather “state-sponsored.” He emphasized that the goal is to assist private companies in serving communities that might otherwise be overlooked by the market. The governor’s statement distanced him from proposals by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, who have both supported ideas for government-owned grocery stores.
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Pritzker’s Capitalist Viewpoint
Governor Pritzker reinforced his belief in capitalism, stating, “I’m not a believer that government should do everything, but there are some things government has to do.” His comments reflected a pragmatic approach, endorsing market-driven solutions while acknowledging that state intervention is sometimes necessary to promote fairness and opportunity.
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Political Response from Opponents
Republican gubernatorial candidate James Mendrick criticized Pritzker’s handling of taxpayer money, suggesting the governor misunderstands fiscal responsibility. “Money is just an object to get something done that he wants. It’s not the taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars that we have to really be careful with,” Mendrick said. His remarks reflect growing partisan tensions over state spending and government involvement in business initiatives ahead of the upcoming election cycle.