On Wednesday, January 29, one day after President Obama delivered the State of the Union Address, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn delivered the State of the State Address. This speech occurred five years to the same day when Governor Quinn was first sworn into office, after the Illinois State Senate unanimously voted to remove Rod Blagojevich from.
Governor Quinn started off the speech recognizing those involved in recent emergency situations in Illinois.
He then painted a bleak picture of the state of Illinois five years ago when he took office, so that he could emphasize how improved the state's condition is now, owing to actions he has taken and lead the way on.
The address focused on how to create jobs in Illinois (ever an important topic) and how to foster an environment that allows the people of Illinois to get good jobs, including financial-related moves and job training, as well as raising the minimum wage to $10/hour. Then there was talk on education, emphasizing resources and services to enhance early childhood education from birth until age 5.
I was struck by how Governor Quinn said that during his time in office, difficult moves were taken to resolve problems. I can't say I'm convinced enough bold, difficult moves have really been taken. And while I have little expertise in matters surrounding pension reform, it's hard to say if the deal that was struck is really substantial enough, especially given how much time it took to finalize it.
Critics argue that the state of Illinois isn't really in such a rosy condition as Governor Quinn put it in his speech. There are more problems that will have to be sorted through to bring prosperity back to Illinois, with good leadership in state government as an important part. And as an election year, 2014 is a pivotal time for the voters to do their part to ensure that.
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