Welch Seeks Input from Community to Address Systemic Racism

HILLSIDE, Ill. – As the nation continues to come to grips with the tragic death of George Floyd and engage in an ongoing discussion on racial inequity, state Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, is asking local residents for their ideas to bolster police accountability and new reforms that will lift up communities of color.

“The voices of our community have been brushed aside for too long. We’ve been told to wait, that we can’t afford that after-school program this year, that meaningful police reform goes too far, and when the budget needs a cut guess whose community gets hit first—ours,” Welch said. “The time for change is now; it’s time for real police reform with real accountability for crooked cops, and it’s time for a major investment into black communities that have been disadvantaged by a system that treats us as lesser because of the color of our skin.”

Last week, Welch joined social justice activists and elected officials to call for major reforms to solve the injustices that are faced by communities of color every day. Welch is advocating for a billion-dollar investment in black and brown communities, reforms that hold police that use excessive force accountable, increased investment in education and scholarships to help increase minority enrollment at Illinois’ higher education institutions and increased diversity in hiring of state funded capitol projects.

As the discussion to address systemic racism continues, Welch is asking residents to send him their ideas to create a society that holds police accountable and fosters opportunity and growth for communities of color.  

“In our fight for equity we are stronger when we all stand together,” Welch said. “I encourage residents to be a part of creating a better future for our community by making your voice heard to help fix the decades of structural racism that has caused so much pain in our community.”

For more information, or to submit your idea contact repwelch@emanuelchriswelch.com.