New Rep. Gregg Johnson Lays Out Goals for First Term

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Gregg Johnson, D-Rock Island, issued this statement following his inauguration Wednesday:

“I could not be more humbled – or overjoyed – to be standing here today. I am so grateful for the privilege and responsibility that the voters of the 72nd District have bestowed on me. I cannot thank you enough for that trust and I promise to do everything in my power to continue to earn your trust every day as Representative.

“I also have to thank my family – I wouldn’t be here today without them. My amazing wife Celia, who has been in the fight with me since day one. My resolute sister Tracy, who never let me give up. And of course, my fierce, intelligent daughter Gabby. She inspires me to fight every day to make this state and this world a better place for her to live.

“I’m also here because of my parents. My Mom passed away when I was young because she couldn’t access the healthcare she desperately needed. My family’s life was upended when Farmall shut down and my Dad lost his job. Those difficult parts of my life taught me what it means to struggle and I would like to spare others that lesson. Working families in our area are still suffering through these exact same problems and it’s time we finally solved them.

“Now that I am your representative, the real work begins. I’m going to Springfield to bring opportunity and good-paying jobs to our district so that parents aren’t up at night worried about how they’re going to pay the bills. I want every kid to go to school where they feel safe, and have the resources and guidance to reach their full potential.  I believe seniors deserve to retire with comfort and dignity after a lifetime of hard work – without being forced to choose between groceries and medication.

“I plan to invest in education and infrastructure to create long-term opportunities so that once our kids graduate with a world-class education, they can find real opportunities right here at home, not somewhere across the state or the country. And I will fight to make sure that good-quality healthcare – including mental health and substance abuse care – is affordable for every child, adult, and senior who needs it.

“Once again, thank you to the voters and volunteers who worked so hard to make today possible and thank you to my family, who made me the man I am today.”