Pritzker, GOP candidate say they support a free press, differ on tax credits

(The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he supports a strong, free press, but Republican Darren Bailey’s running mate says taxpayer dollars should not be spent on partisan outlets.

Pritzker spoke at the Illinois Local News Summit in Chicago on Friday and said Illinois was the first state in the nation to launch a tax-incentive program for local news.

“And in 2025, over $4 million in state tax credits supported 58 Illinois local news entities, benefiting more than 600 journalists that work there,” Pritzker said.

GOP candidate for lieutenant governor Aaron Del Mar said it’s important to support the Constitution and a free press, but taxpayer dollars should not support outlets like some in Chicago that only show one side of issues.

“A lot of these not-for-profit organizations are taking positions. They are reporting the news, not independently, but with a bit of a shadow depending on what their political beliefs are,” Del Mar told The Center Square.<...