Representative Emanuel Chris Welch Elected Speaker of the House

Dear Neighbor,

This week, as I prepared to take the oath of office for my fifth term as a state representative and fought to pass several measures to advance justice and equality for all, I was chosen by my Democratic colleagues to serve as our nominee for Speaker of the House. On Wednesday afternoon, I was elected as the Speaker by the full House of Representatives for the 102nd General Assembly. I am grateful to have the privilege of representing you in Springfield and I am honored that my colleagues have trusted me to lead the work of the House of Representatives.

As the Speaker, I pledge to ensure that the People’s House will be inclusive and focused on addressing the needs of families across the state. Together, I know we can build a better and stronger Illinois for all families.

Over the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic has devastated families, disrupted the education of children, led to the closure of small businesses, and altered every aspect of our lives. As the legislature gets back to work for 2021, I know that we must continue the work of renewing and rebuilding our state.

However, we cannot simply return to the status quo that existed before the pandemic that left so many families behind. I will fight to build on the pillars of equity and justice passed earlier this week to raise the playing field for all families in all parts of Illinois. As Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “We refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt.” Working together I know, as Dr. King said, that we can achieve “the riches of freedom and the security of justice.”

As I begin this journey as Speaker, I want to thank you once again for trusting me to represent you, as well as our community.

Sincerely,
Emanuel Chris Welch
Speaker of the House