Serving Working Families Everyday
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF ILLINOIS
February 25, 2021
COVID-19 Vaccination Plans for Illinois and Our Community
Dear Neighbor,

As health care providers begin rolling out safe and effective vaccines for COVID-19, I wanted to update you on the vaccination plans for Illinois and our community.

Illinois has developed an equity-centric approach to vaccination based on guidelines from doctors and medical professionals at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Our state is delivering the vaccine in phases, beginning with people who are the highest risk of mortality and exposure to coronavirus. 

In the first phases, Illinois is prioritizing frontline health care workers and residents and staff in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. During this time, seniors and essential workers are also eligible for the vaccine. This includes educators, first responders, child care workers, agriculture workers, corrections workers, grocery store workers, incarcerated individuals, postal workers, public transit workers, and staff at shelters. In future phases, Illinois will focus on other essential workers as well as adults and teenagers with high-risk medical conditions. The final phase will include all Illinois residents.

Vaccinations occur by appointment and as a greater supply of vaccines become available, new vaccination sites are being created all around Illinois. You can find out where vaccinations are given locally by visiting bit.ly/VaccinationLocations.

COVID-19 vaccines are currently available free at the point of service through a partnership with the federal government. You will not be charged a co-pay or face a deductible just for getting a coronavirus vaccination.

You can find out more about vaccine safety and availability by visiting bit.ly/ILVaccineFAQs. If you have other questions about COVID-19, I encourage you to contact the Illinois Department of Public Health at 1-800-889-3931 or [email protected]. You can also view the latest news about COVID-19 in Illinois by visiting coronavirus.illinois.gov.

If you have any thoughts you’d like to share or if I can be of assistance, please contact my constituent service office at 708-450-1000 or [email protected].

Sincerely,

Emanuel "Chris" Welch
Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives
Dear Neighbor,

Interested in assisting state efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 by promoting and sharing information on prevention measures, testing resources, vaccines and other relevant information? The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is looking for volunteers to serve as Illinois COVID-19 Ambassadors.

Responsibilities of Ambassadors include:

  • Proactively promoting COVID-19 prevention measures and related community resources.
  • Commending individuals who are practicing public health measures.
  • Providing input into the development of messaging and outreach materials.
  • Organizing and implementing virtual outreach activities (such as Facebook Live events).
  • Sharing success stories with IDPH.

IDPH estimates that the time commitment for the volunteer position is around 1-2 hours per month.

If you would like to participate or learn more, please visit https://www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19/ambassador-program, where you will find an online survey to sign up. 

For up to date information on the state’s response to COVID-19, please visit coronavirus.illinois.gov. If my office can be of any assistance on a state matter, please contact us at 708-450-1000 or [email protected].

Sincerely,

Emanuel "Chris" Welch
Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives
For more information, or to submit your idea contact Welch's district office at 708-450-1000 or [email protected]. You may also visit our website.
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Illinois Manufacturers' Association (IMA) Makers Madness Nomination Round

Across Illinois, thousands of people work building and manufacturing innovative and interesting products. Thanks to the Illinois Manufacturers Association, we can recognize some of those products, including ones made right here in our community. Cast your vote for the Coolest Thing Made in Illinois and share some of your favorite things made in Illinois.

Voting Open | February 17-28, 2021
Black History in Springfield

Presented by the Cook County Bar Association's Legislative Committee. Recognizing Speaker, Illinois House Emanuel "Chris" Welch. Update on HB 3653, Criminal Justice Bill.

Thursday, February 25, 2021
6:30 PM

Virtual Event
Rapid Results COVID Testing in Melrose Park

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Monday - Friday
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Saturday
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Speaker Welch's office can assist you in navigating a wide variety of state services and offers several events year round.

Call Speaker Welch's Full-Time Constituent Service Office at 708-450-1000 to learn more. 
Congratulations, Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch!
State Representative Emanuel "Chris" Welch was designated a Lifetime Environmental Champion by the Illinois Environmental Council! He stands with IEC in making it a priority to safeguard the environment for generations to come.
State Representative Emanuel "Chris" Welch was named Legislator of the Year by The Illinois Association of Park Districts.
State Representative Emanuel "Chris" Welch was awarded the prestigious Friend of Education Award from the Illinois Education Association, Illinois' largest teachers union.
State Representative, D-7th Emanuel "Chris" Welch
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