Speaker Welch Calls For a Return to Civil Public Discourse in House

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch made a public request to members of the Illinois House of Representatives this week to bring civility and respect back to Springfield.

"As I've said since I was elected Speaker 13 months ago, we must work to lower the divisive rhetoric," said Speaker Welch. "We must operate with a mutual respect for everyone and find ways to work together. Not only is this how the democratic process should work, it’s what the people of our state expect and deserve."

Last week, a handful of members of the Republican Party chose to defy the House rules by refusing to wear a face mask. Despite these rules being in place for two years and approved by a majority of duly elected representatives, these members attempted to stop the work of the people at every opportunity. Eventually, they were removed from the chamber and allowed to participate remotely.

"Members may choose to conduct themselves as they wish outside of this chamber, but our rules are in place for a reason," said Speaker Welch. "With just a few weeks left this session, we cannot afford a COVID-19 outbreak among ourselves or staff. Most importantly, we have colleagues with family members who are ill or immunocompromised and we need to do our part to make sure we can all go home safely."

Additionally, after a heated floor debate, a Republican member engaged in behavior that was unbecoming and caused a Democratic member to fear for her personal safety. It was because of these recent events that Speaker Welch held a meeting with Republican Leader Jim Durkin, not only to request a formal apology for actions of the Republican member on the floor, but to find a way to work together civilly and respectfully.

"I left that meeting feeling optimistic," said Speaker Welch. "It was cordial and productive, and I'm grateful. We know there are times when we'll fundamentally disagree on issues as Democrats and Republicans, but it is our responsibility to find solutions, areas of compromise and a common purpose in government."

On the House floor this week, the Republican member offered a public apology. Leader Durkin also joined in the call for civility and respectful public discourse and the chamber was able to resume daily business on behalf of the people of Illinois.