Rock Island Today

In a March 30 Facebook post, Rep. Gregg Johnson (D-East Moline) shared an announcement of a construction-trade career expo.

The expo will take place on April 12, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the Rock Island High School gym. According to the post, representatives from the Tri-City Building and Construction Trades Council and a variety of trade groups will be attending including those representing carpenters, bricklayers, iron workers, roofers and sheet metal workers.

"Rock Island County needs YOU!," Johnson wrote. "If you, or anyone you know, has ever been interested in a career in any skilled trade - this is the sign you have been waiting for!"

Johnson is in his first term as a state representative, representing the people of the 72nd District, according to his official biography. He grew up in Rock Island County and is pro-union. He worked with the Illinois Department of Corrections, as a corrections officer, then as a supervisor. He was also president of his AFSCME local.

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

The legislator "had planned to follow in his father’s footsteps after graduating from high school," the bio said. "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 a supervisor. Gregg spent 32 years as an active union member and leader, working to keep his coworkers and our community safe."

Johnson 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," the bio said.

In November 2022, Johnson was elected to replace Michael Halpin, who won his race for the 36th District Senate seat, according to the Quad City Times.