(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson shared a message of collaboration as he addressed the Illinois General Assembly Wednesday afternoon.
He made it clear Chicago is connected to the entire state and that the city’s success translates to Illinois’ success.
“The people of Illinois are counting on us to figure it out and to do it together,” Johnson said. “I want to be a partner in this incredible progressive body that has delivered for people across the state.”
Johnson outlined plans to improve public education, invest in mental health services and protect women’s reproductive rights in Chicago — none of which, he said, needs to be taken away from the rest of Illinois.
“No one has to lose at the expense of someone else winning,” he said. “There’s more than enough for everybody in the State of Illinois.”
Another priority for Johnson’s administration: Reducing crime in Chicago.
He told Illinois House and Senate members they need to make “bold, necessary investments” that address the root causes of violence.
“We are going to expand mental health services for police officers,” Johnson said. “We will keep investing in reforms that build trust in law enforcement and working hand in hand with you and our Attorney General Kwame Raoul to ensure that that happens.”
Johnson also plans to promote 200 more detectives to improve crime clearance rates and increase the city’s youth employment rate by providing more job opportunities to young Chicagoans.
The mayor-elect joked about growing up with nine brothers and sisters, acknowledging he’s no stranger to conflict and that his administration won’t always get along with lawmakers.
Still, he made a commitment to working together.
“We stand ready to work with everyone in this legislative body and of course throughout the State Capitol.”
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