Bruce Rauner was sworn in as governor Monday. (Photo courtesy Illinois Department of Central Management Services)
By Adam Studzinski
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois officially has a new governor.
Bruce Rauner took his oath of office Monday, becoming the 42nd governor in state history.
"I've come to work for you and every family in our great state," he said.
His first action, Rauner said, is to freeze "non-essential" spending by state agencies.
"I will ask every agency to review and report on every contract that's been signed since Nov. 1," said Rauner. "And I will follow through on my person pledge to reduce my own salary to $1 and I will decline all benefits."
Podcast: Listen to Rauner's full inaugural address.
He planned to issue executive orders Tuesday to strengthen ethics in the executive branch.
"I will send a clear signal to everyone in our state, and to those watching outside of our borders, that business as usual is over," Rauner said.
Rauner added he will be working with the legislature in the coming weeks on passing a comprehensive jobs and economic package.
"People are leaving to find jobs or because they run companies and they're taking their jobs with them," said Rauner. "Our local businesses look in every direction and see states that are more appealing."
Rauner spoke about the importance of education. He said Illinois must support its teachers.
"That means putting more directly into the classrooms, reforming the education bureaucracy, rolling back costly mandates, and giving more students access to grade schools," Rauner said.
Rauner is the first Republican governor in Illinois in more than a decade.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Adam Studzinski can be reached at adam.studzinski@cumulus.com.
