J.B. Pritzker in 2021 Governor's State of the State speeches

On Budget & Economy: Entrepreneurs create most of the jobs in our state

Entrepreneurs are the folks who create most of the jobs in our state. Their businesses are key to our economic revitalization, and they're the most immediate way for us to help those that are shouldering the heaviest burden from COVID-19. While the federal government writes billion-dollar checks to big businesses, here in Illinois we're standing up for small businesses--or as I like to say--the big businesses of the future. Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Illinois legislature Feb 17, 2021

On Budget & Economy: Illinois pays billions more in federal taxes than it gets

For decades, Illinois has been forced to send billions more tax dollars every year to the federal government than we receive back from them in support of our citizens. Federal spending is rigged against Illinois. We've been subsidizing public services for other states, like Iowa, Kentucky, Indiana, and Missouri. So far, not a single Republican Congressman from Illinois has supported you getting back what you paid for. If not in a national crisis, when will they stand up for us? Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Illinois legislature Feb 17, 2021

On Education: No budget cuts; focus on meeting needs of students

In March of 2020, I promised schools that they wouldn't lose funding because of the pandemic, and this budget keeps that promise. No schools will have to reduce spending, and they can instead focus on meeting the needs of students who have tried to learn in a chaotic and trying time. The increased funding from the federal government will help us overcome the learning loss so many children experienced during this pandemic. Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Illinois legislature Feb 17, 2021

On Education: Expand college access for smart kids who can least afford it

Federal COVID relief funding will provide $740 million to post-secondary institutions in Illinois, so the most important place to invest in higher education is in expanding college access for those smart kids who can least afford it, which is why I propose a $28 million increase to MAP grants--to be sure, less than the $50 million I proposed last year, but enough to allow thousands more Illinois students to get a scholarship. Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Illinois legislature Feb 17, 2021

On Government Reform: Pass ethics legislation, restore public trust

It's time to pass ethics legislation this year. Nobody should hold the title of both legislator and lobbyist at the same time. We need meaningful disclosure of conflicts of interest. We must end the General Assembly's revolving door allowing legislators to get paid as lobbyists the day after they leave office. Restoring the public's trust is of paramount importance. There is too much that needs to be done. Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Illinois legislature Feb 17, 2021

On Jobs: Support for childcare aids women's workforce participation

Illinois has created the nation's largest childcare grant program, with $290 million going directly to 5,000 childcare centers and homes in 95 counties, allowing them to stay afloat over this challenging year. In short: even absent necessary federal action, Illinois gave our all to keeping an entire industry alive--an industry that has the power to make or break women's participation in the workforce--in a way that other states failed to do. Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Illinois legislature Feb 17, 2021

On Principles & Values: We need a reliably well-funded government

If there is anything the last year should have taught us, it is that we need a reliably well-funded government. In this unprecedented time, I believe we must fully support the agencies on the frontlines of the COVID-19 response--agencies that have been hollowed out deeply over the past two decades: the Departments of Public Health, Human Services, Veterans' Affairs, and Employment Security. Saving lives and livelihoods as this pandemic rages on is front and center. Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Illinois legislature Feb 17, 2021

On Principles & Values: We had to give up things; we didn't forget how to be human

We all had to change to fit the world we've had to live in for the last 12 months. We had to give up some of the best things about living our lives in order to save our lives. But we didn't forget how to hug old friends, toast at weddings, dance at concerts, cheer at baseball games, and share popcorn at a movie theater. We didn't forget how to be human. We didn't lose our fundamental character. Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Illinois legislature Feb 17, 2021

On Tax Reform: Cut corporate loopholes forcing middle class to pay more

This will be one of the most challenging budgets this government has ever had to craft, but I know there are willing partners in the General Assembly. In addition to the budget committee, I've spoken with members and committee chairs of the General Assembly, and incorporated their ideas, like cutting corporate loopholes that force the middle class to pay more. Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Illinois legislature Feb 17, 2021

On Technology: Universal broadband access by 2024

Telecommuting, telehealth, remote learning, videoconferencing--this pandemic laid bare the need for reliable broadband across the state. Fortunately, in 2019, working with the General Assembly, I prioritized broadband with the most aggressive vision for high speed internet in the nation. At least $50 million in additional state matching grants will be awarded this year, making substantial progress on our goal of universal access in 2024. Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Illinois legislature Feb 17, 2021

The above quotations are from 2021 Governor's State of the State speeches. Click here for other excerpts from 2021 Governor's State of the State speeches. Click here for other excerpts by J.B. Pritzker. Click here for other excerpts by other Governors.
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Page last updated: Feb 24, 2022