Welch Continues Listening Tour with Affordability-Focused Listening Events, Black History Site Tour
CHICAGO – House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch joined Rep. Kam Buckner for an affordability town hall with seniors, a barbershop conversation, a small business roundtable, and a tour Black History Month tour of Bronzeville landmarks, continuing Welch’s statewide listening tour.
“As we celebrate the many ways that our communities, our state, and our nation were built by Black history, we also recognize the role we all play in building a brighter future,” Welch said. “Our decisions in this critical moment will be just as consequential as the actions of the trailblazers and changemakers we recognize this month. We see that Washington’s out-of-touch agenda isn’t working, and that’s why in Illinois our efforts to help people make ends meet and create opportunity for all have to begin with listening.”
Having toured communities and held town halls throughout the suburbs and downstate last fall, Welch joined Buckner in his south shore district this month. The tour included a visit to the Chicago Prairie Tennis Club, the oldest Black-owned tennis club in the country. Buckner and Welch met with constituents at a neighborhood barbershop where former Congressman Bobby Rush was getting his regular haircut. Welch and Buckner also participated in a roundtable discussion with local business owners, and concluded the afternoon with a town hall with local seniors focused on the cost of living—and discussing Welch and Buckner’s efforts to help people make ends meet, lower utility bills, and ensure everyone has access to affordable public transit options.
“These conversations help ground our work in Springfield,” Buckner said. “From housing and healthcare to everyday expenses, it’s critical that we listen and respond with policies that make life more affordable and spending time in the community helps ensure our priorities reflect the real needs of the people we serve.”
