Here is the Pritzker Administration’s press release:

Gov. Pritzker’s State of the State: Illinois Growing Stronger Each Day

Governor Outlines Ethics Reform Priorities to Restore Faith in Government and Emphasizes Continuing to Work Together to Build on Successes

Springfield, Ill. – Governor JB Pritzker today delivered the State of the State address, showcasing how Illinois is growing stronger each day – from improving financial stability to historic bipartisan accomplishments.

Working with members of both parties, Governor passed a balanced budget on time, launched a historic capital plan to transform infrastructure throughout the state and made record investments in education.

Using that progress as a blueprint, the Governor emphasized that the state can continue to address our challenges when we work together.

The Governor stressed that the state’s historic progress must not be hampered by corruption and self-dealing and urged the General Assembly to pass comprehensive ethics reform, including

• a ban on lawmakers lobbying any unit of government,
• more disclosure of conflicts of interest with stiff penalties for withholding information, and
• a revolving door prohibition for lawmakers.

“We have to work together to confront a scourge that has been plaguing our political system for far too long,” said Gov. JB Pritzker. 

“We must root out the purveyors of

• greed and
• corruption

— in both parties — whose presence infects the bloodstream of government.

“It’s no longer enough to sit idle while

• under-the-table deals,
• extortion, or
• bribery

persist.

“Protecting that culture or tolerating it is no longer acceptable.

“We must take urgent action to restore the public’s trust in our government.

“That’s why we need to pass real, lasting ethics reform this legislative session.”

The Governor also looked forward, outlining an agenda that prioritizes fiscal stability while rebuilding a hollowed-out state government to provide key services.

“Bit by bit, inch by inch, I am working hard to reverse the harm that has been done to people and communities that have been left behind over many generations by government policies and elected officials who were content to simply ignore them,” said Gov. JB Pritzker. 

“I remind myself every day that I have obligations not just to the current people of Illinois, but to the many people who preceded us who were discriminated against, harmed, treated as lesser, and forgotten – lasting damage that echoes through too many communities today.

“We are obligated to make our future more equitable and fair.”

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The full speech will be published Saturday.