Welch Discusses Education Funding, Middle-Class Retirement Security at Central Illinois Town Hall
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – House Speaker Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch brought his statewide listening tour in Central Illinois this week, joining Rep. Sharon Chung and Bloomington-Normal residents for discussions about equitable higher education funding, enhanced public transit for every Illinois community, and secure retirement benefits for educators and others who serve the public.
Welch joined Chung for a town hall meeting with local residents, a ribbon cutting to unveil the renovated Normal Public Library, and a roundtable with leaders from Illinois State University, Illinois Wesleyan University, and downstate community colleges.
“Even as so much feels out of our control, we can move our state and our communities forward when we take charge of the things we can control. That starts with listening, and governing for common sense and the common good,” Welch said. “People in every part of Illinois want to see opportunity for everyone who is willing to work hard. They want to build a brighter future for everyone through our colleges and universities. They want to see their leaders working together to invest in our communities. And they want a safe, and secure retirement. There’s more work to be done on each of these issues, and conversations like these are a critical piece of the work ahead.”
In a wide-ranging town hall meeting with residents, Welch and Chung heard about the need for equitable college funding to maximize opportunity for students, and reforms to strengthen retirement security for teachers, nurses, public safety workers, and others working on behalf of Illinois communities.
In the spring session, Welch passed a budget that includes funding to address the most immediate deficiencies in the state’s Tier II retirement system while tapping a group of lawmakers to consider comprehensive reforms to improve recruitment and retention in frontline public service professions.
Welch is also a chief sponsor of an improved higher education funding formula, encouraging ongoing discussions on how Illinois can reinvest in public universities, colleges, and community colleges that were severely cut under Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner.
“I was happy to join Speaker Welch to hear from my neighbors about the issues that matter to our community,” Chung said. “During this time of uncertainty, taking action to preserve our institutions and promote opportunity in working-class communities is vital. We will fight for a lower price of prescription drugs, greater tuition assistance, reliable flood management and lower property taxes—regardless of the status of federal funding.”
