State Bill Would Slap Companies That Build Wall Along Mexican Border
By Stephen Gossett in News on Nov 22, 2016 3:59PM
U.S.-Mexico border fence / Getty Images / Photo: David McNew
An Illinois lawmaker is taking a shot across the bow of the President-elect’s anti-immigration demagoguery—and trying to cajole Gov. Bruce Rauner out of his prevaricating relationship with Trump in the process. State Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) will announce on Tuesday a bill that would punish companies that partner in building a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.
The bill, which Guzzardi introduced to the General Assembly last Wednesday, would divest all of Illinois’ pension funds and investments from companies that build the proposed wall. Any company working to build the wall would land on the state's Prohibited Investment List, which also sanctions companies that boycott Israel, among others.
“I hope this bill gives the governor an opportunity to show us that he is with the people of Illinois, with the immigrant community and with all of us who support that community and not on these issues of mass deportations, and building walls and scapegoating immigrants,” Guzzardi told the Sun-Times.
In an email sent to House Democrats on Monday morning, Guzzardi rebuked Rauner, saying “it’s time for Rauner to pick sides.” It was revealed last week that Rauner spoke to Trump on the Friday after the election. The governor spent the campaign season on an endless contortionist act in regards to Trump, in the (largely successful) attempt to not dissuade Trump-loving downstate Republican voters who could also advance the governor’s own state political interests. Guzzardi wasn't too thrilled with that either.
Hey @GovRauner since you guys are on such good, positive terms, want to tell him to #FireBannon? Or not feeling like calling your buddy out? pic.twitter.com/yV2QC51tiz
— Will Guzzardi 🖇 (@WillGuzzardi) November 16, 2016
Guzzardi said in the email, via Capitol Fax:
He’s trying to have it both ways. Trying to stay moderate on immigration and other issues while also not alienating his Trump base by actually criticizing the man’s rhetoric, his appointments, etc. We can’t let him do that. We need to make him decide if he’s with Trump and his agenda or if he’s with the people of Illinois.
Guzzardi will announce the bill in Chicago at 12:30 pm at the Thompson Center. According to the Sun-Times, Guzzardi said he has the support of several House Democrats. He hopes the bill comes to a vote when lawmakers return to the General Assembly next week.
Other prominent Illinois politicians have joined in the pushback against Trump's immigration baiting in recent weeks. Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced last week that Chicago would remain a sanctuary city for undocumented immigrants—an admirable move that's been accompanied by perhaps a bit of self-congratulation. And Rep. Luis Gutierrez has blasted Trump's pick of "opponent of legal immigration" Jeff Sessions for Attorney General.
The bill can be read here.