State Senator Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) issued the following statement calling on House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch to resign following the release of the Legislative Inspector General’s report regarding former State Representative Harry Benton:
“The Legislative Inspector General’s report on former State Representative Harry Benton confirms what many Illinoisans have feared for years: the culture of protecting politicians instead of people remains alive and well in the Illinois House.
“Speaker Welch had a responsibility to ensure allegations of sexual harassment were handled immediately, thoroughly, and with the seriousness they deserved. Instead, the report details delays, failures, and repeated missed opportunities to protect employees who came forward. That alone is a profound failure of leadership.
“What is equally disturbing is that Speaker Welch communicated with the complainant in a manner that was inappropriate given the circumstances. Rather than recognizing that at the time, he only acknowledged it as being potentially inappropriate after public backlash. That demonstrates an alarming lack of judgment and a complete failure to understand the responsibility that comes with serving as Speaker.
“The people of Illinois deserve leaders who protect people, hold wrongdoers accountable, and lead with integrity. Speaker Welch has failed on all three counts.
“Illinois has suffered through far too many ethics scandals and failures of leadership. Enough is enough. For the good of the institution, the employees who serve it, and the people of Illinois, Speaker Welch should resign immediately.”