Speaker Welch Wishes a Happy and Healthy New Year to All

HILLSIDE, Ill. –Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch hopes everyone has safely enjoyed this holiday season and sends well wishes to all in 2022. With the rising number of coronavirus infections driven by the Omicron variant, Speaker Welch wants to encourage everyone to receive their COVID-19 vaccination and booster shot to protect yourself and loved ones.

“We must continue to take this virus seriously,” said Speaker Welch. “As COVID-19 cases rise across the country, please make sure you have gotten your vaccine or booster shot. If you’ve already been vaccinated, please help a friend or family member speak to a health professional and book their appointment.”

Illinois is leading the Midwest in vaccinations and booster shots. Speaker Welch wants to thank everyone who continues to make safe choices as we work to put this pandemic behind us.

“After two years of this pandemic, I know we are all feeling the fatigue and are ready for a sense of normalcy,” said Speaker Welch. “But I’m so grateful to see the people of this state continue to prioritize the safety of themselves and their loved ones. We will get through this together and emerge stronger!”

Illinois continues to make it easier for residents to receive their lifesaving vaccination or booster. To find out where to get vaccinated, visit www.vaccines.gov. 

Additional Back to Business Grants Awarded

Speaker Welch would also like to congratulate Arts Language Music Alliance in Maywood, Empowerment Consulting Group in Elmwood Park, Lucky Entertainment in Hillside, and Nadeau’s Ice Sculptures in Forest Park for applying and receiving Back to Business grants.

The Back to Business (B2B) recovery program is intended to help businesses facing acute operation impacts due to COVID-19. For more information on the B2B program please visit DCEO’s website.