SPRINGFIELD - Following the Chicago Tribune’s reporting on the lack of action by House Speaker Emmanuel “Chris” Welch after receiving reports of sexual harassment against former State Representative Harry Benton, State Representative Amy Elik issued the following statement:

“Members of the Illinois General Assembly must be held to the highest ethical standards, but under Speaker Chris Welch’s leadership we’ve seen a total lack of accountability. Sexual harassment cannot be tolerated in the General Assembly, and any attempts to sweep allegations against elected officials under the rug must be met swiftly and with serious ramifications. Sadly, this is not an isolated event, but rather a culture of misconduct at the hands of Speaker Welch. It needs to end.”

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State Representative Amy Elik serves the 111th District, which includes a portion of Madison County. Elik serves as Assistant House Republican Leader, House Republican Deputy Budgeteer, and is a member of the Illinois Legislative Audit Commission.

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