DECATUR, IL… State Representative Regan Deering (R-Decatur) commends the “guilty” verdicts that were returned in the high-profile federal court case against former House Speaker Michael J. Madigan. A jury found Madigan guilty of bribery, conspiracy, wire fraud, and other charges.
“Justice was served. But Illinois families have already been sentenced to pay the price for Madigan’s decades of corruption. The only way to stop the ‘Madigan Way’ is through bold and immediate ethics reform,” said Rep. Deering. “No one is above the law, even the most powerful and influential politician who ruled over our state for nearly 40 years. Now is the time to reform government to put it back on the side of working families.”
Rep. Deering has called for stronger ethics, pledging that if Republicans were entrusted with power, they would pass stronger ethics reforms. Legislation introduced by House Republicans calling for ethics reform includes measures that would suspend pensions from retired lawmakers that face corruption trials from time as an elected official, stopping the “revolving door” practice of being a legislator one day and a lobbyist the next, not allowing campaign funds for legal defense, and more.
“Madigan’s corruption wasn’t victimless—it drained taxpayer dollars, eroded public trust, and drove jobs and families out of Illinois. The Democrats may claim to have turned a page, but their refusal to take up ethics reform proves they’re still operating under the same broken system. Illinois needs real change, and the people deserve leaders willing to fight for it,” concluded Rep. Deering.
Currently none of House Republicans’ ethics reform bills have been called, as the Democratic Supermajority has refused to hear any ideas from House Republicans on the matter.
Former Speaker Madigan awaits sentencing.
For more information, contact Rep. Deering by visiting RepDeering.com.
###