Gregg Johnson grew up in a blue-collar union family in Rock Island County. His father was a lifelong UAW member who spent years on the floor at Farmall. When Farmall closed, his job – and so many others – we lost, throwing the community into chaos.

Gregg had planned to follow in his father’s footsteps after graduating from high school. Without that opportunity available, Gregg started a career with the Illinois Department of Corrections at 19 years old, first as a corrections officer and eventually as supervisor.  Gregg spent thirty-two years as an active union member and leader, working to keep his coworkers and our community safe. Gregg went on to become president of his AFSCME local.

Gregg lives in East Moline with his wife, Celia, and their youngest daughter, Gabby. As a father, a grandfather, and a husband, Gregg is committed to creating the kind of economic opportunities our families need to thrive and the kind of education system our kids need to succeed in the 21st-century economy.

Committee Assignments

• Elementary & Secondary Education
• Labor & Commerce
• Mental Health & Addiction
• Prescription Drug Affordability
• Transportation: Regulations, Roads & Bridges
• Veterans’ Affairs
• Business & Industry Innovation
  

Priorities

I came to Springfield to bring better opportunities to everyone in the 72nd District

Economy & Jobs:
Our region of Illinois – and the people that live here – have incredible potential that needs to be tapped. We must take advantage of our world-class workforce and geographic location to grow our economy and create more opportunities for workers and their families.

For too long, parents have watched their kids leave our area to seek educational and economic opportunities elsewhere. We can change that by investing in higher education, job training, and bringing new businesses to our area with smart policy decisions. These opportunities will create real economic security for working families.

Education:
Our children need and deserve the best possible education we can give them. Their future – and ours – is dependent on being able to compete in the 21st century economy. We absolutely must set them up for success.

Currently, schools are largely funded by property taxes, which drives up tax rates and punishes students who don’t live in wealthy zip codes. Shifting the burden of funding schools away from property taxes provides relief for homeowners while creating a more equal playing field for students in areas like ours.

Healthcare:
Access to quality, affordable healthcare should be standard in Illinois, including access to mental health and substance use issues. Too many of our friends, family, and neighbors struggle to afford the care they need.
I am focused on lowering the cost of prescription drugs and expanding the healthcare workforce to meet the growing needs of our state.