* The Chicago Tribune…
Embattled Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch’s office has retained a Chicago-based employment law firm to conduct an evaluation of the workplace culture of the chamber’s Democratic majority “and provide actionable recommendations for improvement,” according to an email sent to Democratic House lawmakers and staffers, obtained by the Tribune. […]
The Prinz Law Firm entered into a six-month, $450,000 contract with the General Assembly on Sept. 21, state records show, and has been tasked with reviewing internal House policies, administering confidential surveys, conducting interviews with lawmakers and legislative staffers, and compiling a detailed report of findings and recommendations. […]
Welch’s office in August announced the formation of a working group, made up of only Democratic House lawmakers, to address workplace culture issues, including exploring ways to protect legislative employees from harassment. But the office’s engagement with the Prinz Law Firm is a separate effort, according to sources familiar with the situation, who were granted anonymity to discuss internal caucus matters. […]
Welch’s office said in the email that participation in the evaluation would be voluntary and the office would not know who had been chosen to participate. The email also said the firm’s final report would be released publicly, along with proposed steps to implement recommended changes.
