Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s State of the State Address Thursday was received with mixed emotions by local DeKalb politicians.

Blagojevich addressed several issues in the speech, including health care, employment and workers compensation.

State Representative Bob Pritchard (R-Hinckley) said he was pleased on the issues the governor focused on.

“In general, I was happy to see the governor talking about a number of the priorities I pushed for,” Pritchard said.

During his speech, Blagojevich commented on the health care system and the importance of jobs in Illinois.

“For people to build better lives, they need more access to health care,” Blagojevich said. “They need the opportunity to earn a good living. They need an opportunity to have a good job.”

To have good jobs available, it is essential for business in Illinois to prosper, he said, adding that it is something the state has achieved.

“Over the past two years, we’ve negotiated over 200 deals with companies to create and retain jobs throughout the state,” Blagojevich said.

Although he addressed key issues, Pritchard said the governor was vague with his plans.

“I hoped he would have been more specific on things,” Pritchard said. “I think our side of the aisle is ready to work with him.”

Others agreed the governor spent too much time on old issues and not on future plans.

“The governor really laid forward a lot of thoughts and issues we have dealt with,” said State Senator Brad Burzynski (R-Sycamore). “Everything [the governor said] sounds good in general terms, but where’s the funding going to come from?”

A lot of the issues are going to cost taxpayers a lot of money, Burzynski said. He said the governor’s plan to build an airport in Peotone, a suburb about 40 miles south of Chicago, is unrealistic.

Burzynski said that expanding the Greater Rockford Airport, 60 Airport Drive, is a more logical plan that could save the state some money.

Others thought Blagojevich’s speech was a success.

“I thought his speech was well-delivered,” said Eileen Dubin, Democratic DeKalb County chairwoman. “He addressed key issues and hit on some major concerns.”

Dubin said she was happy to hear Blagojevich discuss education and health care as well as the medical malpractice issue.

“I was hoping he would say something about the malpractice cases,” Dubin said. “If it’s true that so many doctors are leaving the state, then this is obviously an issue.”

Insurance companies have some of the highest premiums of all states, causing doctors to practice in neighboring states, Blagojevich said.

“We can’t make health care more accessible or affordable if we can’t keep doctors in our state,” Blagojevich said.

Blagojevich will give a state budget address Feb. 16.

“It’s going to be really interesting to see how [the state] will pay for this when [Blagojevich] holds his budget meeting in a couple of weeks,” Dubin said.