* 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.
…Adding… Gov. Pritzker’s office…
“Governor Pritzker believes the release of the Legislative Inspector General’s report on former Representative Benton’s actions is the first step toward transparency and accountability, but that it is clear the General Assembly has more work to do. No one should fear any form of harassment in the workplace, and everyone deserves access to resources and recourse if they are faced with inappropriate behavior. The House now has a responsibility to resolve any unanswered questions, strengthen its harassment prevention and reporting procedures, and hold itself to the high standard the people of Illinois expect and deserve.”
- 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
- Dotnonymous x - Friday, Jul 31, 26 @ 4:25 pm:
Power abused in one way is likely to be abused in another.
- Ethics Police - Monday, Aug 3, 26 @ 9:57 am:
= 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.=
Going into the release of the report, there were references to allegations and victims. Then the Tribune talked to 2 of the victims. As part of the 2026 allegation Welch turned over to the LIG: (1) communications from the staffer (2) the state fair incident (3) the interaction with the IFT lobbyist (4) the Unity Day allegation and (5) the interaction with the lobbyist, known as the 2026 allegation. FIVE complaints against a member & yet his behavior continued. The release of the report caused me to have MORE questions.
To the LIG report and the IFT allegation and the LIGs handling of the investigation and Rep. Keicher‘s video regarding the release of the report. The LIG was correct, the IFT allegation was not sexual harassment. However, the Ethics Act is not limited to sexual harassment. It includes harassment, which is then defined in the Human Rights Act. To investigate this allegation, which had hit the 1 year statute of limitations and report that it was not sexual harassment and unfounded (bc of the 1yr) in my opinion is inaccurate and dismissive. It shouldn’t been labeled as sexual harassment, it should have been labeled as harassment. Regard Rep. Keicher‘s video I’m not sure labeling the IFT allegation as a political discussion is appropriate. By doing so, that is dismissive of how that complainant felt and it MAY have been harassment, but it was not properly investigated because of the 1yr and being labeled as sexual harassment.
Finally was anyone else surprised that the identity of the IFT lobbyist not better protected?