Rep. Amy Grant calls for transparency after report on harassment allegation response delays

State Representative Amy Grant called for increased transparency and accountability in the Illinois General Assembly following a Chicago Tribune report alleging delayed action by House Speaker Chris Welch’s office regarding harassment allegations against former State Representative Harry Benton, according to a July 21 statement.

Grant said, “The allegations described in the Tribune’s reporting are deeply troubling. Victims deserve to be heard and protected. Their safety and well-being should never take a back seat to political interests.”

According to the report, a staff member reported allegations against Benton in April 2023, but senior staff did not interview him until July. The former staff member also said Benton was not disciplined.

“Speaker Welch says he respects victims, but his actions must match his words,” Grant said. “The public deserves the full truth about how these allegations were handled.”

Grant is joining House Republicans who have called for the full release of the Benton report and stronger accountability and transparency policies within the legislature. She said, “Illinois families deserve a transparent government that protects the public—not politicians.”

For more information, constituents are directed to contact Grant’s district office at 331-218-4182.

Grant is currently serving her fourth term as State Representative in Illinois’ 47th District, which includes several communities in DuPage County such as Naperville, Warrenville, Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Lisle, Carol Stream, Bartlett, West Chicago, Winfield, and Wayne. Grant was elected to represent this district in 2023 after replacing Deanne Mazzochi as state representative, according to Rep. Amy Grant's office.