Latest Updates:
Speaker Welch’s Statement on Madigan Indictment
“As Chair of the Special Investigating Committee, I made it clear that this matter needed to be handled in a court of law, completely separate from the legislature. As is evident by this federal indictment, the full weight of the justice system was needed to ensure all charges are investigated properly and thoroughly. At my direction, the Office of the Speaker has fully cooperated with the investigation and will continue to do so.”
Speaker Welch’s Statement on Dr. Ngozi Ezike’s Service to Illinois
“For the past two years, Dr. Ezike has dedicated herself to protecting the health and safety of all Illinoisans. She has been a calming and reassuring voice for our entire state as we navigated through a global health crisis. We owe Dr. Ezike our deepest gratitude for her continued commitment to keeping us all safe and I wish her luck in future endeavors.”
Gonzalez Measure to Plan for Nation’s 250th Anniversary Advances to the House Floor
CHICAGO – State Rep. Edgar Gonzalez Jr., D-Chicago, is pushing for a measure to plan a celebration honoring the 250th anniversary of America’s independence and highlighting Illinois’ role in American history. The measure just passed the House State Government Administration committee and is advancing to the House floor for a vote in front of the entire body.
House to Reopen Public Gallery and Bring Back Clergy, Pages
SPRINGFIELD – Amid an ongoing decline of COVID-19 hospitalizations, House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch announced on Monday that the House Chamber is relaxing some of the mitigations that were necessary during the height of the pandemic. The gallery will be open to members of the public at 50% capacity and outside visitors, such as clergy and pages, will be allowed on the floor.
Rep. Barbara Hernandez Announces Grants of up to $30,000 in Housing Relief for Eligible Homeowners
AURORA, Ill. – State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, is raising awareness of mortgage grant assistance available from the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) through the Illinois Emergency Homeowner Assistance Fund (ILHAF), which supports homeowners financially hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rep. Barbara Hernandez Brings Winter Cheer to Healthcare Workers, Hands Out Valentine’s Cards
AURORA, Ill. – In recognition of their hours of hard work and sacrifice, state Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, organized a Valentine’s Day card campaign for healthcare workers in her community. She was joined by state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, who helped coordinate letter gathering for the campaign as well.
Ammons Touts New Small Business Assistance, Committee Progress
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In a Thursday press conference, state Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Urbana, touted the accomplishments of the House Small Business, Tech Innovation and Entrepreneurship committee. Several major policy initiatives have passed the committee, all focused on providing relief to small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and removing barriers to entry for professionals in underserved communities.
Hirschauer Pushes for More School Nurses, Funding for School Health Services in Coming Budget
WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – In a continued effort to improve education in Illinois, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is introducing a measure to fund a study on school nursing capacity in Illinois.
Rep. Barbara Hernandez Announces Grants of up to $30,000 in Housing Relief for Eligible Homeowners
AURORA, Ill. – State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, is raising awareness of mortgage grant assistance available from the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) through the Illinois Emergency Homeowner Assistance Fund (ILHAF), which supports homeowners financially hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hoffman Backs Judge McCuskey for Legislative Inspector General
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Belleville, joined a bipartisan effort Thursday to name former Judge Michael McCuskey the state’s next Legislative Inspector General.
Illinois House Appoints Justice Michael McCuskey as Legislative Inspector General
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Following the Democrat's commitment to ensure ethical oversight over the General Assembly, the Illinois House of Representatives took decisive action to appoint Michael McCuskey, a veteran judge of both federal district court and state circuit...
Kelly Supports Legislation to Improve Mental Health Care Access
CHICAGO, Ill. — State Representative Michael Kelly, D-Chicago is co-sponsoring a bill that would preserve and expand access to mental health care across the state.
Walsh to Host Blood Drive with Troy Township Feb. 17 in Shorewood
SHOREWOOD, Ill. – State Rep. Larry Walsh, Jr., D-Elwood, is joining Troy Township and Versiti Blood Center of Illinois to offer a community blood drive Thursday, Feb. 17 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Troy Township Community Center, located at 25448 W. Seil Rd. in Shorewood.
Croke Responds to Governor’s Address, Remains Focused on Honoring Fiscal Commitments, Keeping Illinois Families Safe
CHICAGO, Ill. – State Rep. Margaret Croke, D-Chicago, issued the following statement Wednesday after Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s annual budget address:
Budget Proposal Keeps Places of Worship, Communities Safe
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) and State Representative Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) lauded the inclusion of $20 million for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program in this year’s proposed state budget.
House to Resume Legislative Session In Person
Speaker Welch announced on Thursday that House members will return to Springfield for legislative session next week.
Stuart Invites Residents to Townhall on Education
COLLINSVILLE, Ill.- State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, is inviting teachers, parents, and residents interested in education issues to attend a citizen advisory committee meeting on Jan. 24 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Collinsville Public Library located at 408 W. Main St.
Gordon-Booth Opens Applications for Annie’s Girls Mentorship Program
PEORIA, Ill. – Service-oriented high school junior and senior girls in Peoria are being encouraged to apply to be one of Annie’s Girls this spring, a mentorship and scholarship program started by state Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, that helps cover the cost of prom and connects young women with leading mentors in the community.