The Illinois Attorney General, Secretary of State, Treasurer and appointed Comptroller used their post-inaugural remarks to highlighted the accomplishments and goals after Gov. Bruce Rauner's inauguration Monday.
Attorney General Lisa Madigan said she speaks for families and communities and helps them fight against identity theft and data breaches. The Democrat said trying to fight for equality for Illinois citizens is why she takes the oath of office.
"That requires speaking for those who have no voice, and it drives so much of the work that I do as attorney general."
Madigan was first elected in November 2002. This is her fourth term as attorney general.
Jesse White is the first Secretary of State to be inaugurated for a fifth term. The Democrat said his biggest accomplishments are restoring integrity to the office, safer roads and making driver's license facilities more efficient.
"For as long as many of us can remember, visiting the DMV was once one chore that many of us would like to avoid. I think in fact many of us would rather go to the dentist's office rather than to the DMV."
White spoke yesterday after being sworn in. He was first elected to the office in 1998. He is 80 years old.
Rauner appointed Leslie Munger to the position of comptroller after Judy Baar Topinka's death. Munger had mixed emotions as she paid homage to her predecessor.
"Her legacy of servant leadership is a model for all of us. There will never be anyone quite like her."
Munger says she will govern in Topinka's spirit by continuing her legacy of fiscal responsibility. Munger will serve two years of the four-year term before deciding whether to run in a special election to complete Topinka's term. Topinka would have begun her second term as comptroller.
After being sworn in as treasurer, Mike Frerichs vowed to increase financial literacy programs to help Illinois citizens save for their retirement and their children's educations. The Democrat said he will also use his office to increase access to financial institutions and provide more opportunities for investment.
"I am ready to lace up my boots, to put on my work gloves. I am ready to work to join the people of Illinois in rebuilding the American dream."
Frerichs was a state legislator before running for treasurer. He narrowly beat his Republican opponent Tom Cross in November.
Editor's Note: Lisa Ryan contributed to this story.
