Welch Begins New Term, Seeks to Pass Responsible Budget

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Chris Welch, D-Hillside, issued the following statement after being sworn in for his third term as state Representative of the 7th District on Wednesday:

“It is truly an honor to continue to represent the residents of the 7th district in Springfield, and I promise to continue to fight to for working families and to protect the state services they rely on.

“I share the frustration of many of my constituents that Gov. Rauner has held the budget hostage to his extreme Turnaround Agenda for the last two years. The consequences of the governor’s refusal to compromise on a budget are very real. When we see seniors lose their in-home healthcare and meals, women having restricted access to life-saving screenings, or children with autism having their services end, it’s clear that the governor’s dangerous agenda continues to only put our most vulnerable citizens at risk. I will continue working tirelessly to craft a bipartisan and balanced budget that leaves no one out in the cold.

“Without a budget, Illinois will not be able to fund human service providers, public universities, MAP grants, senior programs, homeless services, mental health and substance abuse treatment, after school and youth programming. That’s why I supported legislation to fund these critical priorities, and I urge the Senate to pass it so the governor can sign it into law.

“As always, I encourage anyone with questions or concerns to contact my constituent service office, and I look forward to continuing to stay accessible throughout the 7th District while the legislature is not in session in Springfield.”

Welch represents the 7th District which includes all or portion of Bellwood, Berkeley, Bellwood, Broadview, Forest Park, Hillside, La Grange Park, Maywood, River Forest and Westchester.

For more information, contact Welch’s constituent service office at 708-450-1000, e-mail repwelch@emanuelchriswelch.com or visit www.emanuelchriswelch.com.