J.B. Pritzker inaugurated as Illinois' 43rd governor, replaces Bruce Rauner

[nycbos]

Source: Chicago Tribune

Democrat J.B. Pritzker became Illinois’ 43rd governor on Monday, acknowledging the challenges the state faces and saying “our abdication of responsibility must end.”

His inauguration at a pomp-filled ceremony in Springfield capped a dominant campaign, when he defeated Republican Bruce Rauner by promising to change the state’s tax system, legalize recreational marijuana and restore social services that languished during a historic budget stalemate that dominated state politics over the last four years.

Without referencing his predecessor by name, Pritzker sought to suggest times were changing in Springfield after Rauner’s four years marked by fights with Democrats and a long budget war.

“That starts with leadership that abandons single-minded, arrogant notions,” Pritzker said. “No. Everything is not broken.”



Read more: https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-jb-pritzker-illinois-governor-inauguration-20190111-story.html#nt=oft12aH-1la1

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It was an honor to work on the campaign and be in Springfield for this event.

[greatauntoftriplets]

1. It somehow doesn't seem real yet.

[IllinoisBirdWatcher]

2. We are finally rid of the worst governor in the US

Rauner was a total disaster and "Trump Lite" with the same charming personality.

[OliverQ]

12. Scott Walker and LePage were worse.

[Gidney N Cloyd]

3. It's been a fascinating period-- all the way back to the 2014 primary.

When I volunteered in the election last fall I had to explain why I'd taken a repub ballot in the '14 primary. It was to cross over and vote for a less dangerous repub candidate than Rauner.

[roamer65]

4. Fuck Rauner and Snyder.

Good riddance to both. Congrats Illinois!

[Bradshaw3]

5. I thank you and my pension thanks you

So glad he won for the people of Illinois but also from a selfish point of view for me, so thanks for working on the campaign. I know Rauner's plan to subvert the pension program was halted by the state SC but he still made me nervous. Hopefully Pritzker and Madigan can get things straightened out.

[Joe Nation]

10. As an Illinois pension participant myself.....

I have to correct you. The Democrats sponsored SB16. As you mentioned, the SC found it unconstitutional but nevertheless, it was the Democrats that attempted to do the damage.

The Illinois Senate passed on May 17 a pension proposal sponsored by Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, which lumps together several different pension reforms into one large bill. Among other items, Senate Bill 16 includes a “consideration” model that lessens benefits for current workers, and a proposed hybrid plan for new workers, which features both a 401(k)-style plan and a pension component.

The next thing to keep your eye on is the possibility of a Constitutional Convention. If they open the State Constitution for any reason, all bets are off as to what they will do with the pension guarantee. The most recent attempt is the move to give Chicago the power to have a city charter which would require the legislature to open the State Constitution in order to implement the change. No one will talk about the rest of the consequences until it is too late.

[ProfessorGAC]

11. What Part of IL?

I'm in the NE but south of Chicago

[Joe Nation]

13. Not sure what you're asking?????

[ProfessorGAC]

14. Just Wondering Which Part of IL You're From (eom)

[Joe Nation]

15. Northern Illinois

Not too far from Wisconsin

[ProfessorGAC]

16. Corporate Was In Northbrook

And I had technical visits with customers near both Rockford and Milwaukee, so I get it.
Also, band used to play in Woodstock, Racine, and Kenosha.
And my mom had family from Waukeegan.
Been up that way many times.

[Joe Nation]

17. It's a funny state

Once you get outside of Chicago, it gets very conservative. Chicago politics just dominates the rest of the state.

[beachbum bob]

6. A new day for Illinois for sure

[blue-wave]

7. Ohh! I can breath a sigh of relief!!

This long nightmare is finally over. Rauner was a disaster for Illinois.

Congratulations to Governor Pritzker!!

[murielm99]

8. It was nice to work on a winning campaign.

JB worked hard for his win. Now he will work hard for the people of his state!

[Joe Nation]

9. We now have.....

A Democrat as Governor.
A Democratic super-majority in the State House
A Democratic super-majority in the State Senate
All State Offices are run by Democrats
2 U.S. Senators that are Democrats
13 of the U.S. House of Reps are Democrats

And the only question is, How do we get rid of the 5 Republicans in the U.S. House?