Equity and Inclusion

Leader Barbara Hernandez was recently on News Nation to dispel the myths regarding a new bill she co-sponsored which allows eligible individuals to apply to become police officers in Illinois.

Illinois enacts bill allowing noncitizens to join police force

August 14, 2023

(NewsNation) — Amid an alarming shortage of police officers across the country, there’s a bold new proposal that might help solve the problem: filling police ranks with non-U.S. citizens. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a bill last week that would…

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Avg. Share of Board Members Women Graph

Illinois’ 2022 Corporate Board Diversity Report Shows Major Gains for Women

April 13, 2023

In 2019, legislation sponsored by House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch aimed at increasing the diversity of our corporate boards was signed into law. Today, Denominator reports the average share of women who hold a board seat has increased by 38%…

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The Illinois Senate will now consider a bill passed by the House of Representatives that honors the legacy of Native American citizens after they pass by returning their remains to their tribe or cultural home. (Shutterstock)

Arlington Heights Lawmaker Helps Pass Bill Honoring Native Remains

April 11, 2023

Democrat Mark Walker is behind a bill that would create a state process for the reburial and repatriation of remains of Native Americans. ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — An Arlington Heights lawmaker is attempting to pave the way for the remains…

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With a bipartisan vote of 75-32, the Illinois House of Representatives has now advanced legislation sponsored by Rep. Maurice West that would require Native American History be taught in our schools.

Illinois House Passes Legislation to Require Illinois Students to Learn Native American History

March 24, 2023

ROCKFORD (WREX) — The Illinois House of Representatives passed HB1633, on a bipartisan vote of 75 to 32 with one member voting present. The bill was sponsored by State Representative Maurice West (D-Rockford.) The legislation requires certain courses of American…

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Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch, talking here with state Rep. Debbie Meyers-Martin, says minority rights must be protected when drawing the boundaries of legislative districts. | AP Photos

First Black Speaker of Illinois House Hints at Need for More Diversity in Legislative District Map

February 27, 2021

Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch gave his standard reply to a question about redistricting reform last week when queried at the Chicago Economic Club, saying different people have different opinions about what a “fair map” actually is.

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