Stellar Snippets
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker is well-admired by so many that he reportedly receives a $30 gift every three days, most of which he doesn't even see.
But because of the 25-year-old Gift Ban Act, public officials like him are forbidden from accepting any gift, with broad exceptions.
The second-term Democrat has got 561 gifts worth $16,6890 from all over the world - like a $950 Japanese Whiskey bottle and three $450 tequila bottles.
The Hyatt Hotel heir who is worth $3.5 billion is clearly not in need, but gets these gifts during an inauguration, while championing a cause, or even Mardi Gras.
However, office staff and visitors get to enjoy the perishable food, while the rest eventually go to an appropriate charity.
Gifts from a single source should not exceed $100 per year, and individuals cannot accept food or refreshments worth more than $75 in a single day.
Aside from the four bottles of expensive liquor, only six gifts are restricted, including a $200 watch from the Swiss ambassador to the U.S. and a $120 eco-friendly gift set from a citizen.
In office since 2019, Pritzker is the wealthiest U.S. governor who has served as the chairperson of tech council ChicagoNEXT.
Pritzker has been an advocate of reproductive rights, a ban on firearms, and LGBT rights, among various other progressive political moves.