Serving Working Families Everyday
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF ILLINOIS
February 11, 2021
Illinois House of Representatives Adopts Strong Rules Package for Transparency
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Yesterday, the Illinois House of Representatives adopted rules for the 102nd General Assembly based on a package proposed by Leader Harris and a working group convened earlier in the session. These rules allow for remote legislating so House committees can continue hearings and mark-ups with safety and health top-of-mind. These new rules also align with Speaker Welch’s intention to offer reforms that allow for more transparent legislative processes.  

Highlights of the new rules package include:

  • Allowing remote participation and voting in committees, including the Rules Committee, with proper disclosure of technology and software to allow public participation;
  • Creating term limits for the Speaker and Minority leader of five General Assemblies;
  • Prohibiting the Speaker and Minority Leader from serving on the Rules Committee;
  • Requiring the Speaker and Minority Leader to recuse themselves from disciplinary proceedings if they are a petitioner or subject of the proceedings;
  • Allowing the chair of special investigating committees or select disciplinary committees to adopt procedural rules without the approval of the Speaker.

“My first priority for these new rules was to approve remote work so the House can get to work on the long list of critical issues facing the state,” said Speaker Welch on Wednesday. “In addition to that, my other priority was to institute reforms that would allow for new leaders to cycle into leadership at a faster pace. I thank Leader Harris and Working Group members for developing a set of concrete changes that allow us to get to work today.”

A copy of the rules package can be viewed here. With these new rules adopted, House committee chairs will chart out their schedules for remote work and hearings, while Speaker Welch and Minority Leader Durkin complete the roster of committee membership in the coming days.
For more information, or to submit your idea contact Welch's district office at 708-450-1000 or repwelch@emanuelchriswelch.com. You may also visit our website.
Job Opportunity in the Office of the Speaker

The position of Press Secretary within the Office of the Speaker is a senior level staff position, full-time and salaried. Ideal candidates will have experience in media relations, communications strategy, and developing a clear message around an issue. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to (i) collaborate with caucus leadership and other senior staff on the public face of the Speaker and the Office, (ii) develop an overall strategy for the relationship between the media and the Office, and (iii) thrive in a professional, fast-paced work environment.

Responsibilities:
  • Develop external communications in partnership with the internal Speaker's Staff leadership team, the
  • Speaker, any designated advisers for members of the media and the general public
  • Meet regularly with Speaker and senior staff to gain insight on the day-to-day operations of the House,
  • develop an understanding of the pertinent issues and assist with planning on communicating that to
  • media and the public
  • Respond to media inquiries received by the Speaker and the staff
  • Assist with the preparation of external communications material for the Speaker and other designees
  • concerning information the Speaker wishes to highlight, on behalf of both himself and the Office of the
  • Speaker and the Illinois House
  • Develop and manage a communications plan and calendar in partnership with policy experts and other
  • team members to highlight programming, services, and announcements
  • Develop and execute best practices for consistent, optimized regional/local communications
  • Prepare the Speaker for media interviews and speaking engagements

Qualifications:
  • At least 5 years of experience in communications and media relations
  • Strong written skills, including drafting press releases, statements, and digital content
  • Excellent verbal communication skills, with the ability to think and communicate clearly, formulate a clear
  • point of view on complicated issues, and create a concise and well-written narrative
  • Strong understanding of Illinois media, the legislative process, and the political landscape
  • Proven ability to work well within a team and elevate potential press opportunities or challenges to
  • leadership
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced work environment, work well under tight deadlines, and readily adapt to
  • changing priorities
  • Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks/projects at once
  • On the record experience and experience working with news media

Salary Range:
  • Minimum of $70,000; Full-time position; compensation based on experience and education
  • Health, dental, vision, prescription, behavioral health, and life insurance, for details visit:
  • https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/StateEmployee/Pages/StateInsuranceProgram.aspx)
  • Participation in State Employees’ Retirement System
  • Optional participation in health savings account and deferred compensation programs
  • Competitive vacation, sick, and personal time

Qualified applicants should submit cover letter, CV, and contact information for three professional references to:

Pamela Lassiter
Human Resources Director
Illinois House of Representatives Office of the Speaker
Room 419, Stratton Building
Springfield, IL 62706
Subscribe to Speaker Welch's YouTube Channel!
Subscribe to Speaker Welch's YouTube channel to stay up-to-date with Speaker Welch. If you missed Speaker Welch's speech to the 102nd General Assembly after taking the gavel, then watch it below:
IDPH Mobile COVID-19 Testing Site

There will be an IDPH mobile COVID-19 testing site this week on Saturday in Melrose Park. Please see details below:

Saturday, February 13, 2021
9 AM - 3 PM

Village of Melrose Park
2701 W. Lake St., Melrose Park, IL
Rapid Results COVID Testing in Melrose Park

Results while you wait. Uninsured included. No appointment necessary.

Monday - Friday
10 AM - 1 PM
4 PM - 8 PM

Saturday
10 AM - 2 PM

West Lake 24/7 Urgent Care
1419 Lake Street, Melrose Park, IL
Meet Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch
Did you know he has a dog named Rico? Get to know Speaker Welch!
Stay Connected - Follow @RepChrisWelch
Follow Speaker Welch on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat: @RepChrisWelch.
What Can Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch do for you?
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
708-450-1000 | 708-450-1104 fax