During Gov. Bruce Rauner’s inauguration Monday as Illinois’ 42nd governor, he announced his first action to direct state agencies to freeze non-essential spending in an effort to restore the state’s economy.

“We must forget the days of feeling good about just making it through another year, by patching over major problems with stitches that are bound to break,” Rauner said. “Those stitches are now busting wide open and we must begin by taking immediate, decisive action.”

Rauner was sworn in as the first Republican governor of Illinois since 2003 at Prairie Capital Convention Center by Illinois District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman. This is his first public office. Rauner won the election against Democrat Pat Quinn in November with just over 50 percent of the vote.

In his inaugural address, Rauner also spoke about the struggles of small business owners in Illinois, crediting their difficulties to high taxes that drive both workers and those seeking jobs out of the state. He said he will work with the legislature to pass an economic package to spur job growth.

Rauner also highlighted the importance of focusing on the next generation with education investment, including reforming educational bureaucracy, as a strategy for building a strong economy and a “world-class workforce.”

He said the problems in Illinois are ethical as well as financial, and the government has a moral obligation to spend taxpayers’ money effectively. The governor will sign an executive order to improve accountability in the executive branch Tuesday, he said.

“These actions and others to follow will focus on regaining our state’s good name and reputation,” Rauner said. “We must prove every day that we have learned our lessons and are changing our ways.”

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