To embed, copy and paste the code into your website or blog: It’s a time of transition, both in Washington DC and in Springfield. Nationally, the Biden Administration is filling out its Cabinet and other appointments. In Springfield, newly-minted Speaker Welch is working through new House rules and committee chair appointments for the upcoming legislative session. All of these changes will have an impact on policy, and we are tracking them all. Here are some additional items we are watching: State Representative Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch Becomes Illinois House Speaker State Representative Emanuel Chris Welch has been officially chosen to be the new Speaker of the Illinois House, ending Speaker Michael Madigan’s run as Illinois’ longest-serving House Speaker