DECATUR, IL… State Representative Regan Deering (R-Decatur) issued the following statement following new reporting that Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch’s office was informed of harassment allegations against former State Representative Harry Benton in 2023 but failed to take prompt and meaningful action.
“For too long, Illinoisans have watched politicians protect one another, hide behind secret processes, and wait until a scandal becomes impossible to ignore before taking action,” said Rep. Deering. “The names change, but the playbook remains the same.”
“As a mother of two daughters, I find the Speaker’s handling of these allegations deeply disturbing. When a young woman finds the courage to come forward, government leaders should protect her—not the political insider she accused. Illinoisans deserve transparency, accountability, and leaders who stand with victims instead of protecting politicians.”
Deering called for the full Legislative Inspector General’s report concerning Benton to be released and for a complete accounting of what the Speaker’s office knew, when it knew it, what actions it took, and why Benton was reportedly allowed to remain in office without public consequences for years.
“Speaker Welch has repeatedly claimed to respect victims, but those words ring hollow if his actions tell a different story,” Deering said. “Springfield doesn’t simply have a scandal problem—it has a culture problem. Illinois doesn’t need another carefully worded promise that things will change someday. It needs new leadership willing to change them now.”
For questions, please contact Rep. Deering at (217) 876-1968 or visit RepDeering.com.
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