Gov. J.B. Pritzker
Gov. J.B. Pritzker
Longtime Democratic state Rep. Jerry Costello II (116th District) abruptly announced his resignation on Tuesday, and Gov. J.B. Pritzker has already appointed him as Director of Law Enforcement at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
After nearly a decade in office, Costello’s move came without much warning, though he had recently raised the ire of some of his Democratic colleagues by going on the record with his intention to stand in opposition to the governor’s progressive income tax plan. With Costello now out of the mix, the path for Pritzker to push forward with the amended tax system he has been pushing for becomes that much easier.
Democrats are now free to appoint Costello’s replacement and are almost certain to install someone more in line with Pritzker’s tax-hiking vision.
Democratic state Rep. Jerry Costello
“After serving his country in the battlefields of Iraq and the people of Southern Illinois in the statehouse, I’m thrilled Jerry Costello is continuing his public service by leading law enforcement at the Department of Natural Resources,” Pritzker said in a press release. “His wide-ranging experience brings much value to an important piece of state government.”
A graduate of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Costello chaired the Agriculture and Conservation Committee. The 116th District includes parts of Randolph, Monroe, Perry and St. Clair counties.
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