Weekend Edition | Speaker Welch's Response to Staffer Assault Complaint Draws Questions on His Own Conduct

(The Center Square) – After reporting about a now-resigned state representative and allegations that Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch may have mishandled allegations against the lawmaker, new questions are being raised about the speaker’s own behavior, particularly toward women on staff. The Chicago Tribune reported details last week from an unnamed former staffer of former Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, who accused the lawmaker of sexual harassment in 2023. Questions arose as to why Welch didn’t take immediate action on the complaint made to his office until a second woman, this time a lobbyist, reached out with her own complaint about Benton earlier this year. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.