Gov.-elect J.B. Pritzker is starting to plan his inaugural festivities.
Pritzker and Lt. Gov.-elect Juliana Stratton say they've formed an inaugural committee that will plan events surrounding their January 14th swearing-in ceremony. Events will begin January 12th and 13th. A schedule and ticket information will be available on the committee's website.
The committee will be led by future Illinois first lady M.K. Pritzker and Bryan Echols, who serves as senior adviser to the Illinois treasurer. The executive director will be Mary Urbina-McCarthy, who was operations director for Pritzker's campaign.
The committee is made up of more than two dozen political and civic leaders. They include former Republican Gov. Jim Edgar and his wife Brenda.
Meanwhile, Governor Bruce Rauner says his office is working to make it a smooth transition for the new administration.
Until Pritzker's swearing-in on January 14th, Governor Rauner says his team will help guide the newcomers, something his predecessor didn't do.
Governor Rauner says he also wants to make sure there is no clemency petition backlog when he leaves office and says he will not be issuing a bunch of executive orders or appointments during his final days.
