Madigan Reports to Prison; Republicans Continue to Push for Ethics Reform
Yesterday, October 13, disgraced former Speaker of the House Mike Madigan reported to prison. As you may recall, I was one of the original petitioners for the initial internal investigation into political wrongdoing by the former Speaker.
Madigan was convicted in February of this year on 10 counts, including bribery, wire fraud, conspiracy, and related corruption charges tied to a scheme with the utility Commonwealth Edison. In June, he was sentenced to 7½ years in federal prison and fined $2.5 million.
The former Speaker filed a motion to remain out of prison while he exhausted his legal processes and appeals, and 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected that motion.
Despite Madigan’s fall from power, Democrats have been unwilling to seek substantive ethics reform. The following Republican bills are currently pending in Springfield but have been blocked from consideration by Senate Democrats:
- Snyder Decision (SB 2165):Expands bribery and legislative misconduct to include receiving property or personal advantage after an improper act, not just in exchange for future actions. It excludes lawful campaign contributions under the Election Code. The change follows the Supreme Court’s Snyder v. United States decision, which distinguished bribes—pre-arranged payments for official acts—from gratuities, which are given after the fact without a prior agreement.
- Revolving Door (SB 1815):Employers are prohibited from knowingly offering employment, compensation, or fees to individuals barred by the Act’s revolving door restrictions. The Executive and Legislative Ethics Commissions have jurisdiction over violations and may impose penalties up to three times the total annual compensation offered.
- Lobbyist No Promising Anything of Value (SB 53):Prohibits lobbyists and lobbying entities from offering anything of value, including campaign contributions or endorsements, in exchange for support or action on specific legislative or executive matters. It does not restrict lawful voluntary contributions.
- No Private Pay for Public Work (SB 2355):Prohibits State employees from receiving compensation from private parties for work performed within their official duties.
- SOEI Family Disclosure (SB 211):Requires anyone who files a statement of economic interest to disclose any spouse, sibling, child, or parent employed by, contracted with, or holding office in the same unit of government, including their title or the nature of their work.
- RICO Wiretap (SB 2378):Expands Illinois’ R.I.C.O. law to cover bribery, official misconduct, solicitation of misconduct, and legislative misconduct. Also allows court-ordered wiretaps for these offenses.
Legislators Return to Springfield for Fall Veto Session
Legislators have been back in their home districts since the beginning of June, but this week we return to Springfield for the first three days of the 2025 Fall Veto Session. Session days are scheduled this week for October 14, 15, and 16. We are also scheduled for fall session later this month on October 28, 29, and 30.
During this time the legislature can reconsider bills that received a partial or full veto by the Governor this year. It is also a time when lawmakers can take up issues that were not resolved during the regular session. Issues that could come before us for action this month include:
- Public transit fiscal cliff, additional transit reforms, and board reconfiguration (with associated tax hikes that include a delivery tax on almost any item delivered to your door)
- Energy (rates, capacity, environmental concerns, etc.)
- “Mega-Project” tax incentives (think Chicago Bears…)
It is possible that other issues may also be heard during these final session days of the year.
Nearly 400 IPASS Stickers Distributed at Chesney IPASS on Demand Event in Galena
I want to thank everyone who came out to my IPASS on Demand event in Galena last week. The talented mobile team from the IL Tollway successfully distributed just under 400 new stickers during the four-hour event. Since turnout for these IPASS events continues to be strong, I will certainly be hosting more of them across the 45th District.
Up next on my events calendar is the annual Pet Adoption event, which will be held at the Friends Forever Humane Society in Freeport. Please mark your calendar now for this popular event.
- Saturday, December 13: Pet Adoption Event in Freeport, 12:00 Noon – 2:30 PM, Friends Forever Humane Society, 966 W. Rudy Road, Freeport
Additional events are added regularly to my outreach calendar. Please visit the Events page of my website to remain up to date on events near you.
IL Department of Revenue Warns of New Text Message Scam Soliciting Banking Information
The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) is warning taxpayers about a new nationwide text message scam targeting individuals with fraudulent messages that appear to come from state revenue or treasury agencies. This latest phishing scheme involves unsolicited, urgent text messages claiming that a tax refund has been processed. Recipients are then asked to provide or verify their personal banking information under the threat of losing a state refund.
IDOR primarily communicates through official correspondence sent through the U.S. Postal Service or through MyTax Illinois, the department’s secure and free online account management platform. Unsolicited messages that claim to be from IDOR and arrive by text, email, or social media, particularly those requesting personal or financial information, should be considered fraudulent and ignored. Taxpayers should avoid clicking on any links and delete any message(s).
Taxpayers who have questions about their Illinois refunds, account balances, or any correspondence received should verify that information directly with IDOR at tax.illinois.gov or by calling 1-800-732-8866.
