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J.B. Pritzker Becomes Illinois' New Governor

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Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker addresses the crowd at his inauguration on Jan. 14, 2019.

J-B Pritzker is officially the 43rd governor of Illinois.

Pritzker’s inaugural address recounted several of his campaign pledges: legalizing recreational cannabis, rebuilding roads and bridges, and changing the state’s tax system so higher income levels are taxed at higher rates.
He also criticized now-former Gov. Bruce Rauner — without naming him — as Rauner looked on from the stage.

“I won’t hollow out the functions of government to achieve an ideological agenda – I won’t make government the enemy and government employees the scapegoats.”

Pritzker is counting on large Democratic majorities in the legislature to help pass that agenda. But he also faces challenges, like an immediate budget deficit of more than a billion dollars.

There are some new and some very familiar faces among Illinois' constitutional officers.

New statewide office holders include Attorney General Kwame Raoul and Lt. Governor Julianna Stratton. Stratton is the first African American to hold the position in Illinois and says she is honored to serve the public.
 
Rounding out the state's roster of constitutional officers are returning Treasurer Mike Frerichs and Comptroller Susana Mendoza. Secretary of State Jesse White continues his position...which he has held since 1999.


 
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