Letters from an American February 18, 2026
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Feb 19, 2026 A narrated recap of Pritzker invoking John Peter Altgeld to frame progressive reforms and historical parallels. Discussion of how federal actions and withheld funds strain a state budget and economy. Coverage of plans to lower housing, energy, and healthcare costs and to rein in corporate profiteering. Reflection on federal agents in Chicago, memories of the Pullman strike, and civic choices between empathy and cruelty.
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Altgeld Links Past And Present
- John Peter Altgeld's 1895 priorities mirror modern policy debates about science, labor, and equality in Illinois.
- Heather Cox Richardson uses Altgeld to show historical continuity in progressive governance.
Federal Actions Cost Illinois Billions
- Pritzker argues federal actions under Trump cost Illinois billions by withholding funds and imposing mandates.
- Heather Cox Richardson frames these losses as constitutionally approved tax dollars taken from Illinoisans.
Focus On Three Cost Drivers
- Tackle high household costs by focusing on housing, electricity, and health care.
- Pritzker proposes cutting local regulations, pausing data-center tax credits, and investing in renewables and nuclear power.