“This is what decentralized, collective leadership looks like,” declared House Speaker Chris Welch’s spokesperson Jaclyn Driscoll not long after the chamber approved the climate/energy bill on an unexpectedly lopsided 83-33 roll call on September 9.
Read More“This is what decentralized, collective leadership looks like,” declared House Speaker Chris Welch’s spokesperson Jaclyn Driscoll not long after the chamber approved the climate/energy bill on an unexpectedly lopsided 83-33 roll call on Sept. 9.
Read MoreChris Welch, a civil litigation attorney, took his first shot at elected office in 2001 when he pursued a spot on the Proviso Township High School District 209 board. Faculty and staff from Proviso West High School in Hillside, Illinois, where Welch had graduated 12 years prior, had encouraged him to run amid intense union strife. “I didn’t realize I was launching myself into political life,” he says.
Read MoreState’s first Black House Speaker says his position allows young black kids to see themselves in the role, lauds his first legislative session at the helm.
Read MoreIt was clear from the start of the start of the 102nd Illinois General Assembly that this year would be different.
Read MoreSPRINGFIELD, Ill. - House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch is the first Black person to serve in the leadership role in Illinois. While that accomplishment is historic by itself, many feel his first session is one most lawmakers will never forget.
Read MoreEven those who didn’t vote for Welch gave him glowing reviews as Mike Madigan’s replacement.
Read MoreSPRINGFIELD, Ill. (NEXSTAR) — Speaker Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch recapped his first session as the leader of the Illinois House on Capitol Connection.
In a one-on-one interview, Welch discussed the state budget, ethics, energy negotiations, redistricting, and explained how he’s different than his predecessor.
Read MoreIllinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch and the super-majority he now leads passed a bevy of bills during the first legislative session with Welch at the helm. Democrats say he did it with a “refreshing” collaborative approach. But Republicans say, for them the new boss is the same as the old boss.
Read MoreSPRINGFIELD – Illinois lawmakers are staying open for business as they await a possible deal on a sweeping energy proposal that would keep the state’s fleet of nuclear power plants online while providing incentives for development of more wind and solar generation.
Read MoreIt’s T minus 15 days for Illinois state lawmakers to get everything they need done this legislative session.
As always, the budget is priority one.
Read MoreFormer Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan held a tight grip on the gavel for 36 years – a term only interrupted by a two-year blip in the ‘90s.
Read MoreThe site of the former Hobo store, 7630 Roosevelt Rd., will be turned into the one of the biggest COVID-19 vaccination sites in the state on March 26, offering 1,000 shots per day to start, Monday through Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Read MoreCHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Governor JB Pritzker joined state and Cook County leaders Monday morning to announce a new mass vaccination site in Forest Park set to open Friday.
Read MoreIn his first appearance before the City Club of Chicago since becoming speaker, Welch laid out his top four legislative priorities, a list that he said “kind of set” itself.
Read MoreThe omnibus legislation, which was drafted by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, addresses early childhood, primary, secondary and higher education.
Read MoreOK, so new Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch still is in the early days of his first big turn on the public stage.
He told the Economic Club of Chicago last week that Gov. J.B. Pritzker should try a do-over on the graduated income tax — and then, in a forum the very next day, said he was just “spitballing” those remarks.
Read MoreThe Honorable Emanuel "Chris" Welch, Speaker of the House, Illinois House or Representatives, addressed the Club as part of its Chicago Conversations series on Feb. 24, 2021. The conversation was moderated by WTTW's Amanda Vinicky.
Read MoreIllinois House Speaker Emanuel Chris Welch sits down with WGN-TV Political Reporter Tahman Bradley to talk about the state budget, redistricting, and ushering in a new era at the statehouse.
Read MoreOver the eventful past year, the Chicagoans in this ranking have stepped up in a big way, wielding newfound clout and making change happen.
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