Illinois governor doubles key staffers’ salaries out of own pocket

Government speechwriing jobs could become more lucrative, if new Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s unprecedented new practice prevails.

The billionaire is using his own money to double the state salaries of about 20 key staffers.

No word on whether a speechwriter is included in that core crew, but chief of staff Anne Caprara will reportedly get $148,00 from Illinois plus $150,000 from Pritzker for a grand total of $298,000.

“The governor-elect is committed to recruiting top talent to state government to best address the challenges Illinois faces,” his spokesman says. 

Critics like longtime Chicago political operative Marilyn Katz have more than a few concerns about the move.