“I am thrilled to see the U.S. Senate pass the bipartisan infrastructure deal. This is a monumental package that shows Washington can still work together, so I thank Senators Durbin and Duckworth for their leadership and contributions to reaching across the aisle. This deal is important for the people of Illinois to ensure we maintain our status as the transportation and logistics hub of the Midwest. I am also incredibly eager to see progress with the human infrastructure proposal, which includes significant investments to support working-class families. This is the type of progress we all need and deserve.”

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“I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka. I had the pleasure of meeting and discussing important issues for our working families with Rich just last week. Our nation owes a debt of gratitude to Rich for his tireless efforts in fighting for the rights of working families. He was a steadfast champion for all and will be dearly missed. His family and loved ones will be in my thoughts and prayers.” 

HILLSIDE, Ill. – State Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, will host a free Senior and Veteran Resource Fair on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy, located at 8601 W. Roosevelt Rd. in Forest Park.

“It’s critical that lawmakers assist area seniors and veterans in connecting with programs and benefits that are available to them,” Welch said. “There are a lot of programs out there that are meant to give seniors and veterans a helping hand, but not everyone is aware of them. I encourage folks to come by and see what resources they’re eligible for.”

Welch’s free Senior and Veteran Resource Fair will feature two timeslots of activity. From 10 a.m. until noon, residents will be able to meet with various vendors and service providers to answer questions about programs. Additionally, free health screenings and other resources, including free help with drafting wills and estate plans will be available to attendees. The second part of the fair, from noon until 2 p.m. will feature free lunch, bingo and other prizes.

“It’s a top priority of mine to advocate for seniors and veterans,” Welch said. “In addition to supporting policies that protect funding critical programs seniors and veterans rely on, it’s important to me that I connect folks in the area to resources that are available to them. I encourage local seniors and veterans to come by, learn about assistance they are eligible for, and participate in some of the fun activities we have planned.”

HILLSIDE, Ill. – State Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, and the Maywood Park District are inviting residents to the ribbon cutting of a brand-new park located at 1015 S. 10th Ave. in Maywood on Saturday, Sept. 28 at 11 a.m.

“Local parks offer great activities for children in our community, whether it’s through after-school programs or simply just a playground set for children to play at,” Welch said. “This new park will be an asset to our community for years to come. I hope families in the neighborhood are able to make it on Saturday to enjoy some fun family activities.”

Welch will join the Maywood Park District for the ribbon-cutting of ‘Emanuel “Chris” Welch Park’. The new park, located at 1015 S. 10th Ave. in Maywood, is replacing a lot that had been vacant for over 20 years and will provide recreational services to local families. The ribbon cutting is free and open to the public and will offer free food as well as other prizes for families.

The Maywood Park District partnered with local businesses to complete the project.

“Rep. Welch has served as an invaluable resource for our community and has accomplished so much for families in Maywood,” said Lonette Hall, Executive Director of the Maywood Park District. “Naming this new park after him was a great way to recognize the service that Rep. Welch has provided for our community. We are excited to unveil this new beautiful park that will offer a place for families to gather for years to come. I encourage residents to stop by the ribbon cutting and get a first-hand look at the new park.”

HILLSIDE, Ill. – In recognition of his strong record to protect the environment and combat climate change, state Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, received a perfect 100% rating from the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC).

“I am fully committed to taking action on climate change, fighting for clean air and water, and protecting our open spaces in my district and across our state,” said Welch. “I look forward to continuing to work with the IEC to combat climate change and ensure that our children can grow up in a clean and healthy planet.”

The IEC is a non-partisan, 44 year-old organization that promotes sound environmental laws and policies, provides a forum for environmentalists, and facilitates a statewide activist network. Each year, the IEC evaluates the voting record of each member of the General Assembly on legislation affecting the environment. The 2019 Environmental Scorecard includes 22 legislative measures.

“At every opportunity, Rep. Welch voted in the best interest of our environment, and because of their 100% voting record on these 22 key pieces of legislation, IEC considers Rep. Welch an environmental leader in Springfield,” said IEC Executive Director Jen Walling. “We are honored by Rep. Welch’s dedication to Illinois’ environment and we look forward to working together in the future.”

CHICAGO – State Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, passed legislation last week, House Bill 3394, requiring corporations based in Illinois to report the racial and gender make up of their board of directors to the Secretary of State’s office and requires the University of Illinois to study the data and make recommendations to improve representation of women and minorities. Additionally, Welch’s legislation would require the University of Illinois to publish an individualized rating for each corporation’s efforts to increase diversity on their boards.

“While many in the business community agree on the value of increasing diversity amongst corporate boards, creating more diverse boards has proven difficult,” Welch said. “This measure puts all the data on the table, identifies firms that are placing an emphasis on diversity, reveals best practices to increase board diversity, while also holding accountable corporations that are not taking the steps necessary to embrace a more diverse corporate culture.”

The best and most current thinking on corporate health emphasizes that diversity among organizational leadership results in more nimble, creative problem-solving in our rapidly changing world. A 2015 study by McKinsey and Co. found that companies that excel in racial and ethnic diversity are 35% more likely to have financial returns above their peers, and those excelling in gender diversity are 15% percent more likely. As the conversation on increasing corporate diversity in Illinois has developed, Welch’s proposal has seen a groundswell of support from the business community.

“I applaud Rep. Welch and Sen. Belt for their leadership. Organizations that cultivate diversity are more likely to attract top talent, foster innovation, stimulate creative thinking and improve problem solving—all leading to better outcomes,” said John Rogers Chairman and CEO of Ariel Investments who serves on the boards of McDonald’s, Nike and The New York Times Co. “Diversity and inclusion is not only the right thing to do, it’s the best thing to do for companies and the customers they serve.”

“With the country becoming more diverse and corporations serving a multitude of different customers, the idea of boards being made up of different expertise and diverse thinking is extremely important for overall corporate performance,” said Sam Scott retired CEO of Corn Products International (now Ingredion Inc.), Chicago civic leader and member of Abbott Labs and Bank of New York Melon board of directors, and co-chair of the Illinois Business Immigration Coalition. “Rep. Welch’s measure creates the incentive necessary for Illinois corporations to revamp their recruitment practices and put their words into action. The proposal not only reflects who we are as a nation, but also who we strive to be.”

“Latinos are 17% of Illinois population but only 2% of corporate boards. House Bill 3394 creates a legal requirement to bring focus and creativity to addressing the need for equity and inclusion,” said Jaime Di Paulo, President and CEO, Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “Thanks to Rep Welch’s leadership, Illinois will increase its competitiveness and position itself as a state with opportunities for everyone — regardless of race, ethnicity or gender.”

“You can’t make a beautiful tapestry with just one color. Diversity brings valuable perspectives to otherwise homogenous boards,” said Rey Gonzalez President and CEO, El Valor; former Vice President of Diversity, Exelon Corporation. “Over the past few years, we have seen large brands and companies make grave missteps due to their lack of cultural sensitivity and awareness, resulting in backlash and falling sales. Rep. Welch’s proposal will assist corporations to appeal to the very groups that are increasingly becoming consumer, commercial and social powerhouses.”

“I applaud Rep. Welch’s leadership to ensure our corporate boards reflect broad demographic changes of our state and nation,” said Tony Shu, Chairman of the Chinatown Chamber of Commerce. “Companies will reap the benefits from diversifying. It is a step forward for Illinois’ vibrant Asian American community.”

House Bill 3394 passed the House and Senate and awaits further consideration by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

HILLSIDE, Ill. – State Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, issued the following statement in response to the recent statement made by Pipeline Health:

“Given their recent unethical behavior, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Pipeline Health is making a last-second, political stunt and disingenuous offer that shirks the responsibility that they have to our community.

“The fact is, Pipeline Health knew of Westlake Hospital’s financial state when it was purchased, and they continued to promise our community that it would remain open for two years. Rather than honor their promise, they broke their word and chose to take access to healthcare away from a largely black and brown community.

“To make matters worse, when our community stood together demanding access to the care that we were promised, Pipeline made the unconscionable decision to close the hospital months before originally announced. A decision that I believe is direct retribution against our community for having the strength to stand against injustice and demand the healthcare that we were promised.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In an effort to protect consumers from predatory loans that target low-income communities, State Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, has introduced legislation that puts restrictions on extreme auto loan title lending practices.

“The predatory practices being used by these lenders trap lower-income folks in a cycle of debt that’s nearly impossible for them to get out of,” Welch said. “The extreme interest rates—some as high as 360%—are unfair and quite frankly unethical. It’s time to rein these predatory lenders in and protect consumers.”

Under current law, some lenders were able to offer nearly unregulated car title loans due to a loophole in the law. Welch’s legislation, House Bill 2468, would close this loophole and caps the interest rate that may be charged to consumers. The measure passed out of the House Executive Committee with strong, bipartisan support and awaits further action on the House floor.

“The way lenders operate currently puts consumers at a severe disadvantage,” Welch said. “This measure will level the playing field and help put an end to loans and rates that unfairly target lower-income communities. I am encouraged by the bipartisan support that this measure has received and look forward to continue working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to protect consumers and get this legislation signed into law.”

HILLSIDE, Ill. – State Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, spoke at the Paul Simon Institute of Public Policy as part of their Pizza and Politics program on Monday, focusing on bipartisanship in today’s polarized political landscape.

“During a time when partisan politics are dominating political discourse, now more than ever is it important that leaders on both sides of the aisle work together to solve the problems facing our communities,” Welch said. “I would like to thank the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute for inviting me to speak, as well as the students and community members that attended.”

The Paul Simon Public Policy Institute is a nonpartisan “think-tank” at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. The Institute’s “Pizza and Politics” program is a set of open events, primarily targeted for students, to engage in a free-flowing discussion led by an expert, professor, lawmaker or media figure. Speakers discuss public service, advocacy and important issues facing the state.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Children under the age of two will be required to be secured in a rear facing car seat under a new law spearheaded by state Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, which took effect on Jan. 1.

“Studies have shown that children in rear-facing car seats are exponentially safer than forward-facing,” Welch said. “This legislation is about helping make sure that children are traveling as safely as possible.”

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, rear facing car seats reduce serious injuries by 92 percent. The new law requires all children under the age of two to sit in rear-facing car seats, unless they weigh over 40 pounds or are over 40 inches tall. In addition to requiring children under the age of two to be in a rear-facing car seat, the Welch-sponsored House Bill 4377 also makes any person transporting a child under the age of eight to be responsible for his or her car restraint. Residents should visit http://www.buckleupillinois.org/default.asp for more details on car seat regulations changing in 2019.

“The new guidelines will help parents choose the safest car seat for their children to travel in,” Welch said. “I encourage parents to double-check the car seats their children are using and make sure they switch to a rear-facing seat if they are not currently using one.”