Springfield, IL – Following the Chicago Tribune’s recent report of Speaker Welch’s response to sexual harassment complaints regarding former State Representative Harry Benton, State Representative Dennis Tipsword (R-Metamora) has issued the following statement:
“The Tribune’s report raises serious questions about how misconduct complaints from as far back as three years ago were handled by Speaker Welch’s office,” Rep. Tipsword stated. “This is totally unacceptable, and the pattern is becoming impossible to ignore. When misconduct emerges, Speaker Welch’s first instinct appears to be protecting his caucus rather than providing transparency to the public. Sexual harassment cannot be tolerated anywhere, especially in the General Assembly, and there should be zero tolerance for attempts to sweep allegations such as these under the rug. These allegations add to a growing list of scandals currently facing House Democrats, as Rep. Benton has resigned in disgrace, and Rep. Carol Ammons has been federally indicted. This culture of scandal and corruption must end.”
Rep. Dennis Tipsword serves Illinois House District 105. For more information, contact Rep. Tipsword’s District Office in Pontiac at 815-844-9344, or visit his website at reptipsword.com.