Pritzker strikes optimistic tone, lays out second-term priorities in
inaugural address
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[January 10, 2023]
By NIKA SCHOONOVER
Capitol News Illinois
nschoonover@capitolnewsillinois.com
SPRINGFIELD – Gov. JB Pritzker was sworn in to his second term Monday
with the state’s other constitutional officers, promising a bold and
ambitious agenda for the next four years.
The ceremony was held at the Bank of Springfield Center, the same venue
that for several months served as a makeshift House floor during the
height of the COVID-19 pandemic to allow for social distancing. Pritzker
recalled that time while reflecting on his first term in his inaugural
address.
“The hope we share, the hope I expressed at my first inauguration, was
born of a truth lodged firmly in my heart – that Illinois has always
stood at the intersection of American ambition and human resilience. And
that combination is what has made this the greatest state in the union,”
Pritzker said.
A friendly crowd of supporters and fellow dignitaries was enthusiastic
about the governor’s proposals, applauding and cheering at the mention
of banning assault weapons, bringing down the cost of higher education
and ensuring reproductive rights in the state.
Pritzker said education will be a main priority in his second term, and
he emphasized the importance of making preschool more readily available
and college tuition free for every family with median-income or below.
“I propose we go all in for our children and make preschool available to
every family throughout the state,” he said, eliciting an eruption from
the crowd. “And let’s not stop there. Let’s provide more economic
security for families by eliminating child care deserts and expanding
childcare options.”
With time running out to pass a ban on the sale of assault weapons in
Illinois before the new General Assembly takes office Wednesday,
Pritzker used the opportunity to advocate for the version of a bill
passed by Democrats in the state House last week.
“When I campaigned for reelection and promised to pass an assault
weapons ban, eight states already had one. Very soon, Illinois must be
the ninth. And we ought to have a real accounting of the assault weapons
currently in circulation,” Pritzker said. “Let’s get it done, and then
the federal government should follow our lead.”
He also touted accomplishments from his first term, including Illinois’
six credit upgrades, raising the state’s minimum wage, legalizing
recreational marijuana and passing legislation that targets climate
change.
As he emphasized the importance of protecting reproductive rights, the
crowd responded with enthusiastic applause and even shouts.
“The extremists still want to take away a woman’s right to choose, and I
don’t intend to let them,” Pritzker said. “That’s why yet again, on
women’s rights, Illinois will lead.”
Mirroring that sentiment, Attorney General Kwame Raoul in his speech
praised Illinois’ reproductive health care laws, comparing them to
neighboring Missouri’s, where his daughter recently graduated from the
state’s flagship university.
“I was so pleased to drive into the state of Missouri to the temporary
graduation last year, but not nearly as happy as I was to drive out of
Missouri – out of a state that does not reflect a woman’s right to make
decisions about her body,” Raoul said.
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Gov. JB Pritzker takes the oath of
office for his second term Monday at the Bank of Springfield
convention center. He struck an optimistic tone while laying out
policy goals for the next four years, including expanding access to
child care and preschool and making in-state college free for middle
class families. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Jerry Nowicki)
Pritzker was sworn in by Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis, accompanied by
First Lady MK Pritzker and their daughter Teddi and son Don. He took his
oath on two Bibles. One belonged to Henry Horner, Illinois’ 28th
governor who held the office from 1933 until 1940. The other belonged to
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States whose image is
ubiquitous in the capital city, which is home to his presidential
library.
The ceremony followed an interfaith service held at First Presbyterian
Church earlier this morning. In addition to Pritzker and Lt. Gov.
Juliana Stratton being sworn in for their second terms, Secretary of
State Alexi Giannoulias was sworn in to his first, replacing Jesse White
who is retiring after 24 years.
Raoul was sworn in for his second term, and Comptroller Susana Mendoza
and Treasurer Michael Frerichs each took their third oaths of office.
The event featured a variety of musical performances, including The
Star-Spangled Banner performed by the Southern Illinois Children’s
Reunion Choir and a variety of selections performed by The Illinois Air
National Guard Band of the Midwest.
After Pritzker was sworn in, Senate President Don Harmon issued a
statement congratulating the governor.
“He showed the country that Illinois stands for progress, overseeing the
passage of landmark legislation protecting reproductive rights,
reforming our criminal justice system and moving us toward cleaner
energy. And he led us through a once-in-a-century pandemic, maintaining
constant, steady presence while making difficult decisions,” Harmon said
in the statement.
Giannoulias took a moment to thank White, who has spent a historic 24
years as Illinois’ secretary of state: “the legend, who passed me the
baton.”
Giannoulias previously served as treasurer from 2007 to 2011, and he
expressed excitement for serving in office again, but nodded to the
historical baggage attached to the secretary of state’s office, and
Illinois government in general.
“Today, as soon as I leave here, I will sign new executive orders
ensuring ethics and integrity in the Secretary of State’s office,”
Giannoulias said.
He said transparency, good governance and technology innovation can help
“eliminate the time tax too many of you are paying everyday just to
access simple government services.”
“The secretary of state’s office can make your lives better and we will
be relentless in making sure it does,” he said.
The celebration was scheduled to continue Monday night with an
inauguration party at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.
Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news
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is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R.
McCormick Foundation. |