Welch Statement on Student Athlete Endorsement Act

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, issued the following statement Wednesday after the Legislature adjourned the fall legislative session without the Senate passing House Bill 3904, the Student Athlete Endorsement Act:

“I’m very disappointed that we were not able to get this reform that brings equity and fairness to college athletes in Illinois sent to the governor’s desk for his signature.

“It’s unacceptable that the NCAA, collegiate athletic conferences and universities are earning billions of dollars every year, while student athletes are prohibited from earning a few extra bucks from working at a meet and greet at a local business.

“I would like to thank Governor Pritzker and all the stakeholders who worked so hard to pass this bill out of the House. And I look forward to continuing our fight in January of next year to do the right thing, get this bill signed into law, and give college athletes the opportunity to receive the compensation that they deserve.”