Speaker Welch statement (Updated)
Friday, Jul 31, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Press release…
Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch released the following statement:
“I thank the Legislative Ethics Commission for releasing this report and the Legislative Inspector General for conducting a thorough, independent investigation. The report reaffirms confidence that our office acted responsibly—following legal guidance, respecting the wishes of those who came forward, and taking decisive action as additional information established a pattern of misconduct.
“We know that even when established procedures are followed, we have a responsibility to ask whether those procedures are strong enough, clear enough, and responsive enough to protect people—especially women who may fear that speaking out could jeopardize their careers, relationships, or standing within this institution. This report must represent more than an accounting of what happened. It must serve as a catalyst for meaningful, structural change. If there are gaps in our policies, our laws, or our workplace practices, then it is our duty to close them. The work has already begun. My office will work with all members of the House to explore creating a centralized human resources office to assist all members as employers and support their district office employees, and we will bring in an outside expert to review this case and make additional recommendations. We look forward to bringing together legislators, advocates, workplace experts, and other stakeholders to identify stronger protections, streamline reporting processes, improve support for those who come forward, and ensure greater clarity and accountability at every level. Women are leaders championing issues that move us all forward, and when women thrive in the workplace, we all thrive.
“We will work together to strengthen our laws, improve our policies, modernize our practices, and continue building a General Assembly worthy of the trust placed in it by every employee, every legislator, and every Illinois resident we are privileged to serve.”
…Adding… From earlier this month…
Welch previously said McCuskey’s report will provide “a full and accurate account of the steps my office took to support those who came forward.
Um, I didn’t actually see much of that in the report.
- Think Again - Friday, Jul 31, 26 @ 12:57 pm:
=If there are gaps in our policies, our laws, or our workplace practices, then it is our duty to close them. The work has already begun=
Nice deflection from his own “gaps”
- Resign - Friday, Jul 31, 26 @ 12:59 pm:
It does appear that Welch and his staff followed the law, and his previous COS reminded the young staffer she could still pursue the LIG route if she so chose.
- Not Enough - Friday, Jul 31, 26 @ 1:05 pm:
Why is the initial complaint letter dated February 20th? The report says they did not receive the complaint until March 4. That’s a substantial amount of time between when they removed Benton from caucus and when they actually asked that he be investigated.
To those saying Welch did no wrong, did you not catch that there was a third victim in 2025? If Welch had acted seriously in 2023 (and if he had not financed Benton’s reelection campaign) he would have saved two staffers from sexual harassment. He is directly to blame for not taking action.
- Steakhouse - Friday, Jul 31, 26 @ 1:19 pm:
He wants to see young women thrive in the workplace, that’s why he meets them at the Gibson’s bar to give them advice