Rep. Gregg Johnson Lays Out Goals for New Term: Cutting Costs, Mental Health, Worker Protection

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Gregg Johnson, D-East Moline, issued this statement following his inauguration to another term representing his community in Springfield:

“Thousands of people in this community went to the polls last November and gave me the responsibility of standing for their priorities in Springfield, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do. While there is a variety of work in front of us this session, my focus will be cutting cost of living expenses, guaranteeing affordable mental healthcare and creating new protections for our workers.

“The challenges created by recent rises in cost-of-living expenses have to be met by proactive action. While we have taken steps to reign in the price of prescription drugs, groceries and utilities, there is more work to be done. I plan to make substantive efforts in coming months to tamp down the impacts that inflation continues to inflict on our community.

“Mental healthcare needs stronger emphasis in our state’s healthcare agenda. While I stand firmly behind efforts to expand physical healthcare, I will also be focused on helping achieve parity with mental healthcare. That means expanded mental health insurance, expanded scholarships for mental health caregivers and implementing mental healthcare plans to assist those with special needs.

“Our workers need safe workplaces, and too many employers are not taking that need seriously. This session, one of my priorities will be to crackdown on dangerous environments that Illinoisans are being forced to enter on a regular basis. Stories about mothers and fathers who get hurt doing their jobs and can’t take care of their kids are all too common. We must and can and will do better.”