Lawmakers Return to Springfield for 2022 Legislative Session

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch and state legislators returned to the Illinois State Capitol for the first day of the 2022 legislative session on Wednesday. Due to a recent spike in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, Speaker Welch and Senate President Don Harmon cancelled the remainder of session days this week, as well as next week.

“Illinois is averaging more than 20,000 cases per day and in some areas of the state, ICU bed availability is dangerously low. This pandemic is not over,” said Speaker Welch. “We must take necessary precautions to keep everyone as safe as possible, but we know how important the people’s work is and we are committed to getting that done in a safe way.”

Despite COVID-19 disruptions, lawmakers were able to pass high-priority legislation including a new Judicial Subcircuit map that will better reflect population and demographic shifts across the state while also allowing a greater opportunity for diverse representation. Lawmakers strengthened election law to place a greater emphasis on voter access and election security and also improved upon a nation-leading criminal justice reform bill thanks to ongoing conversations with the law enforcement community. 

“I want to thank the entire House of Representatives for all of their hard work in getting these important pieces of legislation across the finish line, especially our Democratic caucus,” said Speaker Welch. “I’m inspired that we are constantly striving to do more and better for our communities and I cannot wait to see what’s in store for the rest of the legislative session in 2022.”

Speaker Welch is closely monitoring COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations and is diligently working to keep state representatives safe, while also completing the necessary work of session. He encourages everyone to take advantage of the free, lifesaving vaccines or booster shots. To find out where to get vaccinated, visit www.vaccines.gov.