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Gwen Pepin
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Springfield, IL — During Black History Month, Democrats are celebrating a historic milestone in the state’s leadership. For the first time in 201 years, the Illinois House of Representatives is led by an African-American Speaker of the House, Emanuel “Chris” Welch.
Yesterday, the Illinois House passed House Resolution 150, introduced by State Representative Kam Buckner, to honor Speaker Welch’s historic leadership and impact.
“Illinois once passed laws to keep free Black people from settling here at all. Today, the very doors that were once closed are being held open by the people this House once tried to exclude,” said Bucker in his floor remarks. “HR 150 is a reminder that Speaker Welch’s leadership is not just symbolic. It is substantive. Equity is not just a talking point but a reality. Let us not just look back at history, but honor it.”
Since assuming the role in 2021, Speaker Welch and House Democrats have championed legislation that advances equity and supports communities across Illinois:
- Led the passage of the SAFE-T Act, making Illinois the first state to eliminate cash bail and address systemic racial disparities in the criminal justice system.
- Guided the General Assembly in enacting the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, which invests in environmental justice and clean energy jobs for underserved communities.
- Secured $350 million in additional funding for public education through the Evidence-Based Funding formula to ensure students across Illinois have access to quality education regardless of which zip code they live in.
- Increased funding for the Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants by $100 million to expand access to higher education for students in need.
“We are not just making history. We are making progress,” said Speaker Welch. “Black leadership in Illinois is not about symbolism. It is about meaningful change. The work we are doing today ensures that equity, opportunity, and justice are not just promises but realities for generations to come.”
Illinois Democrats remain committed to building on this progress and ensuring that leadership at every level reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.
