Illinois House Speaker on Budget Challenges, Trump’s Impact, and His Historic Leadership

Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch discusses balancing a $3.2 billion budget deficit, the implications of Trump’s presidency for Illinois, and his journey as the first Black speaker in state history (Photos Courtesy of Democrats for the Illinois House). When Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch delivered his inaugural address for the 104th General Assembly, he cited a passage from the Bible that could very well speak to what’s at stake for Illinois. “But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict,” which comes from Luke 21:14-15, which he shared in his address.& Indeed, as the Illinois General Assembly recently began its Spring session, the body faces sobering challenges like a $3.2 billion budget deficit for the upcoming fiscal year and reports of tension among the state’s Democratic caucus over a controversial hemp bill that Gov. JB Pritzker supported that never made it to the House floor.& That’s not to mention what a second Donald Trump presidency means for Illinois and Chicago. In a tone tinged with political retribution, the Republican president has threatened to...