Chris Welch

State Rep. Sharon Chung says the state's new legislative inspector general should set clear expectations for lawmakers and give guidance on where their staff members can report harassment.

State Rep. Sharon Chung joined 25 Democrats in calling for a new speaker of the House. Current Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch has held the position since 2021 and announced he will not seek to retain his leadership role.

House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch says he’s sorry for his actions that a former House staff member said made her feel uncomfortable.

House Republicans raise concerns about an amendment to the Illinois constitution changing the requirements for House district maps in Illinois. It allows for the creation of racial coalitions or influence districts and creates a priority ranking for the requirements.

One proposed constitutional amendment imposing a 3% tax on millionaires would yield $1,500 checks to property owners. Another would divvy up proceeds between schools and property tax relief. An early May deadline looms to get a plan before voters this fall.

“Talking about a brand new Bears stadium when this one’s not even 25 years old, that’s insensitive to what real people are going through right now," said Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch.

His Black Excellence in Bleu has raised more than $1 million since it was formed last year, some of that from groups with a stake in his legislative decision-making. Unlike campaign contributions, such giving is harder to track.

The move comes after nearly a year of requests for voluntary recognition by employees in offices run by Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch.

The longtime Chicago Democrat called her removal “petty,” noting no one filed a complaint against her.

After a busy lame duck session which included the passage of an assault rifle ban, the 103rd Illinois General Assembly was sworn into office Wednesday afternoon.