Rep. Thaddeus Jones Congratulates Speaker Welch, Applauds Criminal Justice and Housing Reform

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Thaddeus Jones, D-Calumet City, who began a new term as state representative on Wednesday, released the following statement:

“I am proud to once again be chosen to represent our community in Springfield. Now more than ever, as the COVID-19 pandemic has left countless Illinoisans in financial strife, the trust of the people of our community means so much. I am eager to continue to work to build a stronger future for Illinois.

“First, I would like to congratulate state Representative Emmanuel ‘Chris’ Welch on his election to House Speaker on Wednesday. Ending the legacy of racial injustice begins with putting people of color in power. Progress such as this makes me hopeful for a better future for all black and brown children in our community and Speaker Welch has all my confidence. 

“Further, in the last several days, we have made tremendous progress correcting the destructive trends of white supremacy that continue to plague Illinois while emphasizing equality in our schools and on our streets. Particularly law enforcement reforms, such as the Pretrial Fairness Act, which ends cash bail; and economic empowerment initiatives, which will give underserved communities the tools to compete; are encouraging signs of good things yet to come for the African-American and Latinx communities.

“Due to the coronavirus, the past year has unquestionably thrust unprecedented challenges on our community. Small business owners, hard-working families and those afflicted with the COVID-19 have had to bear a burden they never expected. However, I’m confident that we will emerge from these challenges stronger.”