We want strong families, but we have yet to embrace more robust policies supporting paid parental leave and affordable child care that will sustain them. We contend every day with an economy that gives little and takes too much… that allows passion and work ethic to be overwhelmed by student loans, unexpected health emergencies and the rising cost of living. Since Reverend Collyer’s time, Americans have often had to gather in broken cathedrals – some of stone and glass – some of aspirations and promises – to reaffirm our faith in one another. And we'll work together, and help each other out of our troubles.” Nature called the lakes, the forests, the prairies together in convention long before we were born, and they decided that on this spot a great city would be built. His words that morning have survived the 147 years since he delivered them…a testament to their power and truth: His parishioners gathered around him, the sun peeking through gutted walls and splintered beams, an overturned column serving as his pulpit.

This is where, on the Sunday morning after the Great Chicago Fire, Reverend Robert Collyer, pastor of the First Unitarian Church, an immigrant, an ardent anti-slavery abolitionist, and a women’s suffrage advocate, stood amidst the broken ruins of his once grand church and brought hope and vision to his devastated congregation. To all of you, on behalf of the people of Illinois, thank you for your service. I want to acknowledge the other distinguished guests here today: Chief Justice Lloyd Karmeier, President John Cullerton, Speaker Michael Madigan, Leader Bill Brady, Leader Jim Durkin, Attorney General-elect Kwame Raoul, Secretary of State Jesse White, Comptroller Susana Mendoza, Treasurer Mike Frerichs, Members of the General Assembly, Members of the Congressional delegation, Governor Jim Edgar, Governor Pat Quinn, Governor Bruce Rauner, Governor Jim Thompson, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, and National Guard Adjutant General Richard Hayes. And my parents Sue and Don Pritzker, who departed this world too soon more than three decades ago but who left behind a set of values around honor and decency that will endure as long as there are good people in the world.Īnd please join me in giving an ovation for my partner and your Lieutenant Governor, the incomparable Juliana Stratton.

First, my partner, my best friend, the love of my life, and now the First Lady of Illinois, MK Pritzker. I want to begin today by thanking my family.

Zadette rosado