State Rep. La Ha Calls For Accountability, Transparency After Benton Allegations

LEMONT, IL — State Rep. Nicole La Ha, a Republican who represents Lemont and Homer Glen, is calling for accountability and transparency after allegations against former State Representative Hary Benton.

Democrat Benton resigned earlier this month, a day after Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch pressured him to step down.

In a news release from her office, La Ha said there is new reporting that Welch's office was informed of harassment allegations against Benton in 2023, but failed to take action.

"The headlines coming out of the Illinois General Assembly are unacceptable. Every new report of harassment, misconduct, or ethical failure further erodes the trust of the public that I work so hard to rebuild," La Ha said in a news release. "Speaker Welch has said we must respect victims. Those words must be matched by action. Our words as elected officials need to carry weight when we say them.”

Details of allegations against Benton have not been released. However, Speaker Welch said investigations into allegations of misconduct had been completed, and "the Legislative Inspector General's findings reveal clear patterns of conduct by Representative Benton that are outrageous, unethical, and unbecoming of a member of the Illinois House of Representatives."

"As more and more disturbing news continues to come out of the Illinois general assembly my thoughts are with survivors of sexual harassment and sexual assault," La Ha said in a news release. "Stories like these are triggering and serve as painful reminders of experiences they have endured. They also send a troubling message to the next generation of leaders considering careers in public service. No one should question whether they will be respected, protected, and taken seriously simply because they choose to serve."

"I have said this too many times this year, but the people of Illinois deserve better. They deserve a government defined by accountability, transparency, and a culture of respect," La Ha said.