Chris Welch, speaker of the Illinois House, says he is passionate about inspiring young people in the community that shaped him. Welch, who grew up in Proviso Township, visited Forest Park Middle School to speak with eighth-grade students on April 29. The visit was one of six stops he made to middle schools throughout Illinois’ 7^th congressional district that day.  

 “I think they have to see people like me — success stories from their community — and that will help them aspire to do the same thing,” Welch said.  

 A graduate of Proviso West High School, Welch went on to serve on the school board of the District 209 Proviso Township High schools. He led that board for many years. In 2012 he ran to be state representative from the Proviso area. He took his seat in the Illinois General Assembly in January 2013. He was elected Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives in 2021, succeeding longtime Speaker Michael Madigan and becoming the first Black lawmaker to serve in the role in Illinois history.  

During his talk, Welch discussed legislative process and his role as Speaker of the House.   

He said the Speaker of the House leads the Illinois House of Representatives by overseeing legislative sessions, guiding the passage of bills and helping shape state policy.  

 “It’s a pretty important job because every single bill that makes it to the governor’s desk has my signature on it before the governor signs it,” Welch said.   

 Welch also educated the students about House Bill 5024, a bill he sponsored that would restrict where federal immigration detention facilities can be placed. The bill would ban any centers from being operated within 1,500 feet of a home or apartment complex, as well as any school, daycare center, public park, or house of worship.  

“There are some places that should really always be safe spaces,” Welch said.

That bill was inspired by the controversy over the ICE detention center in nearby Broadview. That site was a center of active protests, arrests and detentions last fall. It remains in operation.  

In addition to discussing his career, Welch encouraged students to become active leaders in their own school and community. He urged them to advocate for causes that they care about by attending school board or park district meetings and getting involved in student council and community service. 
     “Today, I had the privilege of visiting middle schools throughout the 7^th District, meeting with both students and educators,” Welch said. “These conversations are incredibly important to me because ensuring the success of our children and strengthening our schools is a responsibility I take to heart.”  

 Terriyaka Watson, principal of Forest Park Middle School, said Welch’s visit was a great opportunity for the eighth-grade students. 

“He went to Proviso West, and that helps them know that what they want to do is limitless,” Watson said.