On Juneteenth, Welch Highlights Ongoing Efforts to Advance Freedom, Justice, and Equity
WESTCHESTER, Ill. – Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch is recognizing Juneteenth at a series of community events and by highlighting the work that House Democrats are doing to advance freedom, justice, and equity.
“Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, and a recognition of the generations of men and women who made that freedom possible—in ways both small and large—by calling on our country to be better, and to be truer to the idea that we are all created equal,” Welch said. “That work continues today and every day. It’s reflected in our state budgets that meet people’s biggest needs. In our reforms to make our justice system fairer for all. In our efforts to expand the rights of working people. Because every step—no matter how small—that advances freedom, justice, and equity is significant.”
Welch joined residents for a Juneteenth flag raising ceremony in River Forest this week, and will host his own community-wide celebration today in Hillside while also attending events in Westchester and Bloomingdale.
This Juneteenth, Welch and House Democrats are also highlighting new legislative efforts to advance equity and justice, including:
Funding the Illinois Family Roots Pilot Program in the state budget. Based at the University of Illinois, this research project is using DNA to reclaim family histories stolen by slavery. Participants in the program can trace up to 20 generations of their family trees at no cost to them.
Strengthening healthcare access for our most vulnerable communities. Even while Washington tries to kick hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans off Medicaid, Illinois’ budgets increase funding to meet the need for care at our safety net hospitals, free clinics, and federally qualified health centers.
Expanding the rights of ‘gig workers,’ by empowering rideshare drivers to collectively bargain for better working conditions.
Making the justice system fairer and promoting access to opportunity with the Clean Slate Act, which will automatically seal many minor criminal records—ensuring these records are accessible only to law enforcement, and not an obstacle to a job, education, or housing.
