Speaker Welch Makes Stops in Hillside and Melrose Park During Legislative Spring Break

HILLSIDE, Ill. – House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch visited Hillside Middle School this week to speak with students about the legislative process, the job of Speaker of the House, and how he became the first Black person to hold that title.

“When I was a kid, I never dreamed I’d be where I am today,” said Speaker Welch. “If you asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I probably would have said a professional baseball player; I never thought I’d be the Speaker of the House. Thankfully, I let my passion for helping people guide me and I get to wake up every day loving what I do. I want our youth to know they can do anything they set their mind to.”

Speaker Welch also stopped in Melrose Park for the Chamber of Commerce and Community Development’s Annual Legislative Breakfast. He was joined by Senate President Don Harmon to discuss priorities for the 2023 legislative session and take questions from members of the community.