Gov. Bruce Rauner delivered his first State of the State address Wednesday afternoon. (Adam Studzinski/WJBC)
By Adam Studzinski
SPRINGFIELD – It's a "new beginning" for Illinois.
That's according to Gov. Bruce Rauner, who delivered his first State of the State address Wednesday.
Rauner said the state's neighbors have been "kicking out tails" and it's time to make the state more competitive. He called for property tax relief, which he believed is one of the biggest impedances to economic growth.
"We must empower tax payers to take control of their property tax bills by giving them greater ability to control local government spending," Rauner said.
Podcast: Listen to Rauner's full speech.
As another way to increase competitiveness, Rauner said he wants to raise the minimum wage.
"Our economic growth and jobs package increases the minimum wage to $10 an hour over the next seven years," said Rauner. "Raising the minimum wage, in conjunction with improving the overall jobs climate, will make Illinois more competitive and create a booming economy."
Rauner wants to see right-to-work zones, which referred to as "employee empowerment zones."
"These zones will give employees the freedom to choose whether or not they want to join a union," said Rauner. "Local communities, local voters, deserve this option."
Rauner said he'll keep his promise to increase education funding. He told lawmakers education must be a top priority.
"Every child deserves access to excellent schools, but that's not what every child's getting in Illinois. Too many children are trapped in failing schools or schools that are not a good fit for them," Rauner said.
Rauner added the state must support its teachers.
"That means putting more resources directly into classrooms, reforming the education bureaucracy, and rolling back costly mandates," he said.
According to Rauner, other than being a parent, "teaching is the most important job in the world."
Term limits were another issue addressed by Rauner during his speech.
"Term limits overcome the power of incumbency and help bring fresh thinking to government," said Rauner. "Let's finally give the people a chance to enact term limits by putting that constitutional amendment on the 2016 ballot."
Rauner wanted to see the state comptroller and treasurer's offices merged.
"Doing so would save taxpayers $12 million per year and would be a fitting tribute to Judy Baar Topinka's legacy," said Rauner. "Let's make Judy's dream a reality."
Rauner said it's "now or never" for Illinois and together "we will get great things done for the people of Illinois."
Adam Studzinski can be reached at adam.studzinski@cumulus.com.
