While Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch has faced questions from members of the legislature regarding his handling of complaints against a former member, he announced his chamber would begin a working group to change policies on reporting sexual harassment.
Some argue the working group isn’t needed, or at the very least, Welch needs to be more transparent about it.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker said late last week that, based on an investigation report released by the Legislative Inspector General, the processes for victims and complainants to report harassment isn’t working.
Pritzker’s claims come after Welch’s public response to claims his office didn’t properly handle a complaint against former state Rep. Harry Benton, who was found to have sexually harassed at least one staffer and a lobbyist after the claim from three years ago.
Republicans have criticized Welch’s previous reliance on working groups in his caucus for what they say is a way for the party in the supermajority to get around having public discussions about legislation in committee hearings.
Story from Illinois Radio Network
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