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* The former state Representative has been with the administration from the beginning. Back in a minute with an update.
…Adding… Rough transcript of the governor’s remarks…
The progress that we’re here to celebrate today is progress that’s being replicated all around the state in East St. Louis, in Springfield, and Peoria, in Chicago, in Waukegan and elsewhere, Rebuild Illinois has rebuilt nearly 5000 miles of road and hundreds of bridges, cleared congestion and made communities safer and commutes safer, all while creating thousands of jobs and opening doors for a more diverse array of Illinoisans to build skills in this field through programs like Illinois works it’s the largest infrastructure investment in state history. And so much of it is still to come.
For a public servant, that alone could be the policy achievement of a lifetime. It would not have been possible without the leadership of a person that I have leaned on and relied upon, since day one of my administration, whose work on a bipartisan basis leaves a legacy that we all should admire.
Deputy Governor Christian Mitchell was my administration’s lead negotiator for the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. He dedicated every day and night for months on end to making sure that Illinois took nation-leading climate action with equity and workforce development at its heart. And when we announced this accomplishment, he asked me not to praise him. But instead, each and every one of his team members who slogged through pages of text, crunched every number and pursued every innovation possible to get it done. He wanted to ensure that their dedicated service behind the scenes got the credit that it deserved.
That spirit, that spirit of teamwork, of camaraderie of a fierce pursuit of progress, and justice and safety is evident in every policy initiative that he’s been a part of. From providing prompt relief for Illinoisans impacted by tornadoes and floods to ensuring that Illinois was a leader in gun safety. It’s evident even when the task at hand is unlike any ever seen before in government, like finding PPE anywhere in the world during the shortages in the spring of 2020, so that we could keep Illinois and safe from the virus. And of course, in negotiating and implementing our Rebuild Illinois capital plan, which we’re all here talking about, and Illinois Works as a fundamental part of it.
At every turn, Christian Mitchell has delivered. In my first inaugural address, I read a Franciscan prayer shared by Sister Barbara Centner of Mercy Hospital at a vigil for people who had passed away as a result of a terrible attack that occurred there. And I have pledged that my administration would do everything in our power to make a positive difference that would lift up the people of our state. Over the last five years, Christian Mitchell has proven himself a fierce believer in that creed over and over again. Integrity, loyalty, and passion have been the hallmarks of his time in state government. Of course, the greatest hallmark of public service is that if you do the job, right, we can provide support and relief and upward trajectory for the families and people that we serve that far outlasts our tenure in office.
In March, Christian will step down from his role as deputy governor and we will miss him immensely. Christian, thank you. Thank you for your dedication, for your hard work. You’ve been a tremendous friend and ally and have been committed to really doing the best that you could for the people of Illinois at every turn. I thank you for the leadership that you’ve shown. Illinois is stronger because of you.
…Adding… Press release excerpt…
Deputy Governor Mitchell played a pivotal role in negotiating landmark legislation during Governor Pritzker’s first term. He led efforts to pass the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) in 2021. Mitchell also oversaw the development and implementation of the Rebuild Illinois capital plan, a $45 billion plan that reimagines and revamps Illinois infrastructure, mass transit, public universities, and more. Mitchell was also point person for Governor Pritzker on the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act of 2019, advocating for policies that addressed historic criminal justice inequity and disinvestment through the legalization of cannabis. Mitchell was also lead strategist for the Governor’s office on the assault weapons ban, criminal justice reform, and vote-by-mail expansion, and led the state’s procurement of a personal protective equipment (PPE) stockpile during the COVID-19 pandemic. He oversaw a broad swath of state agencies during his tenure, including the Department of Transportation, Department of Corrections, State Police, Emergency Management, National Guard, Environmental Protection Agency, Capital Development Board, and Cannabis Regulation Oversight Office.
Mitchell has held consulting and advising roles throughout Chicago, Illinois, and national Democratic campaigns and offices. A Chicago native, he holds a Bachelor’s in public policy from the University of Chicago and a J.D. from Loyola University Chicago.
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Jan 27, 23 @ 11:18 am
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Stepping down for an ICC appointment??? He knows a lot of the subject matter.
Comment by Nobody Sent Friday, Jan 27, 23 @ 11:25 am
===Stepping down for===
Just hold your breath for a moment. Don’t be starting any rumors.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Jan 27, 23 @ 11:26 am
Definitely someone to keep an eye on for future moves.
Comment by NIU Grad Friday, Jan 27, 23 @ 11:48 am
Onwards and Upwards!
– MrJM
Comment by MisterJayEm Friday, Jan 27, 23 @ 11:54 am
One of the smartest guys to serve in Illinois government.
Comment by Predecessor Friday, Jan 27, 23 @ 12:17 pm
Pritzker’s praise is well deserved, but that can be a burn-out job, and he presumably knew when it was time to go. I wish him well and thank him for his service to Illinois.
Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Jan 27, 23 @ 12:20 pm
I cannot say that Mr. Mitchell won’t once again run for public office. I’m curious about how those he calls looking for campaign contributions will respond.
Comment by Tood Aloo Friday, Jan 27, 23 @ 12:22 pm
This news should make quite a few people happy.
Comment by So_Ill Friday, Jan 27, 23 @ 12:23 pm
Mitchell is very talented and was able to work across the aisle when he was in the GA. Good luck to him.
Comment by JS Mill Friday, Jan 27, 23 @ 12:30 pm
In the spirit of teamwork, of camaraderie of a fierce pursuit of progress Mr. Mitchell’s teamwork is a success. Congrats.
Comment by Mama Friday, Jan 27, 23 @ 12:36 pm
Difficult to believe that Mr. Mitchell would leave this high paying government job (with the JB Pritzker salary boost) for a lower paying government job. No, he’s going into the private sector — likely cannabis, miscellaneous lobbying, etc. But that’s just uninformed speculation on my part.
Comment by J. Willis McHugh Friday, Jan 27, 23 @ 12:41 pm
Christian has been a huge PIA for many lobbyists, which means he’s probably done his job well.
Comment by Thoughts Friday, Jan 27, 23 @ 12:55 pm
A win win - he can move into the private sector with a huge salary, and he can be replaced with someone better equipped to support and lead the agencies. They need it.
Comment by Lincoln Lad Friday, Jan 27, 23 @ 1:07 pm
You have to laugh at the haters here - pretty sure Christian is. Christian got it done - including some of the biggest pieces of legislation this administration can count as part of its success. It’s a huge loss for Illinois state government but I hope it allows Christian some well deserved down time.
Comment by Reality Bites Friday, Jan 27, 23 @ 2:12 pm
===You have to laugh at the haters here===
Oh, please. Most of us thought it would be FAR more intense. He’s made some enemies. Deal with it.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Jan 27, 23 @ 2:18 pm
State agencies are a mess. Pritzker has no interest in engaging in the minutia of state government in order to make it deliver on the promises he espouses on the campaign trail. Christian did a good job at legislative jockeying but much more needs to be done to actually deliver a functional, adequately staffed, and responsive government that can implement the gov’s priorities. To date, that is not happening. And no one seems to be doing anything about it…
Comment by Pothole Friday, Jan 27, 23 @ 2:34 pm
Thanks to his work on CEJA my electric bill is 3x what it was. Now I know who to send the bill to. Thanks
Comment by The Biggest Loser Friday, Jan 27, 23 @ 4:01 pm
State agencies are not a mess. Cite actual statistics from the Rauner years versus now or pipe down. Actually cite statistics about any administration from the last 20 years versus now or pipe down.
And yeah I won’t stop laughing about the haters. It’s absurd. Christian was no more or less a hardball player than a million other white men that get glowing send offs from the folks on here. The difference is he was a young black man. He wasn’t perfect - no one is. But he did a great job. And he deserves some nice words and our thanks as he heads off to another endeavor.
Comment by Reality Bites Friday, Jan 27, 23 @ 4:08 pm
===I won’t stop laughing about the haters===
By my count there was one (1) hater before you made your first comment. It’s like you pre-wrote it. And now you’re getting upset about my calling you out on it.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Jan 27, 23 @ 4:10 pm