SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Gov. J.B. Pritzker says his administration will take climate change seriously.
The Democrat announced in his inaugural address Monday that he will make Illinois a member of the U.S. Climate Alliance. It upholds the goals of the Paris Climate Accord. Former Democratic President Barack Obama entered the U.S. in the Paris accord in 2016 but GOP successor President Donald Trump withdrew.
The other goals Pritzker laid out were well known. He pledged an effort to change the state Constitution and allow a progressive income-tax system that forces the wealthy to pay a greater percentage.
He promised a capital construction plan to modernize travel and reduce commutes and says he will propose a gradual increase in the minimum wage to $15.