This week, Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch traveled to the White House for a roundtable discussion with the historic five Black speakers from across the country. This meeting provided an opportunity for the speakers to discuss policy priorities and how to effectively work with the Biden administration.
“I truly enjoyed this roundtable discussion with fellow history makers as we aim to strengthen our working relationship with each other and this administration,” said Speaker Welch. “We are all ‘firsts’ in our states’ political history; like those before us who first blazed trails into the halls of power, we carry the expectation that we use these opportunities afforded to us to create more opportunities for all those who will follow us. We feel the ever-pressing desire to build a more equitable and just society in each of our respective states, and we know that if we work together, consensus can be built. I’m grateful that we have the luxury of working with a president who has been a partner to Black history makers, and who is fighting to protect everyone – no matter where you’re from, the color of your skin, how you choose to worship, or whom you love. Despite current efforts in other states to repeal our progress or hide from our history, we must use our collective voices to push forward in our daunting, yet noble cause to build a more perfect union.”
Julie Chavez Rodriguez, Director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, hosted Speaker Welch, Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross of Maine, Speaker Adrienne Jones of Maryland, Speaker Joe Tate of Michigan, and Speaker Carl Heastie of New York.
“President Biden and Vice President Harris have ushered in some of the most significant federal legislation in decades and recognize the importance of a federal-state partnership to implement many of these critical laws,” said Director Chavez Rodriguez. “From economic opportunity, including lowering costs and expanding housing access and affordability, to voting rights, gun violence prevention, criminal justice reform, and reproductive rights, Administration and state leaders are aligned on an ambitious policy agenda.”
The discussion included open, candid conversations about challenges each respective state is facing, while also celebrating the progress that’s been made collectively as a nation. Speaker Welch highlighted Illinois’ historic criminal justice reform legislation, the assault weapons ban, efforts to rebuild Illinois’ fiscal house, and the state’s commitment to protect a woman’s right to choose.
Since Monday’s meeting, Rep. Joanna McClinton was elected the next Speaker of the House in Pennsylvania. She becomes the sixth Black speaker in the U.S.
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.
