It’s been quite a whirlwind for the new Illinois Speaker of the House Chris Welch, as he’s received more than one thousand text messages from all over the country as well-wishers congratulate the state legislature’s first-ever Black Speaker. “I got a call from the very first Black Speaker of the House ever, from California,” he said. “We talked forever.”.
Audio from interview with Winnebago County Sheriff Gary Caruana.
The Illinois House followed the state Senate to approve a stripped down set of reforms from the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus. It includes changes to police certification, the use of force and the cash bail system. The bill now goes to Governor J.B. Pritzker.
The original package drew early opposition from members of law enforcement including Winnebago County Sheriff Gary Caruana.
“This isn’t against law enforcement, OK. It s against the community, protecting the community, the victims’ rights and to keep you safe, and have you know, be able to function in society, ” Caruana said.
A bill aimed at making college education and teacher preparation programs more accessible and affordable for people of color began working its way through
Illinois House continues lame duck session this week
By Jerry Nowicki, Pater Hancock and Raymon Troncoso
Capitol News Illinois
Lawmakers convene at Springfield convention center
By Jerry Nowicki, Pater Hancock and Raymon Troncoso
Capitol News Illinois
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois House lawmakers were back in the capital city Friday for the first time since May, kicking off a five-day “lame duck” legislative session.
No substantive action was taken in the brief House session Friday, which began with Republican Minority Leader Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs, requesting greater access for members of the media in the Bank of Springfield Center which hosted the session. Only a handful of reporters were allowed on the second level of the 7,700-seat arena due to strict COVID-19 restrictions.