Metro East Sun

Illinois State Rep. Amy Elik shared her thoughts on the conviction of former Chicago Alderman Ed Burke, stating that she was "fighting to change" a provision that could allow Burke to pay his $2 million fine with campaign funds. She made the statement in a June 25 Facebook post.

"Former Chicago Alderman Ed Burke was sentenced to two years in prison and a $2 million fine yesterday in his corruption case," said E Elik, State Representative for 111st District (R), according to Facebook. "Unfortunately, Burke may be allowed to pay that fine with his campaign funds, a provision I am fighting to change in Illinois."

In her Facebook post, Rep. Elik shared a link to a WTTW piece on the sentencing of ex-Chicago Alderman Ed Burke, which was published on June 24. According to WTTW, Burke was sentenced to two years in federal prison and a $2 million fine. The sentence is "significantly less than the eight years federal sentencing guidelines called for, and the 10 years prosecutors sought." His sentence means significantly less time than Governor Rod Blagojevich, who served eight years of a 14-year sentence, and less time than former Governor George Ryan, who served more than five years of a six-and-a-half-year sentence.

Screenshot of Rep. Amy Elik's June 25 Facebook post | State Representative Amy Elik Facebook page

Burke, who had served the 14th Ward and was known as the longest-serving member of the Chicago City Council in the city’s history, spoke to U.S. District Court Judge Virginia Kendall before sentencing. "I’m sorry to see that career end like this. I regret the pain and sorrow I have caused my dear friends and family," said Burke. He showed no emotion as he was sentenced. His wife, Anne Burke, former chief justice of the state Supreme Court, cried with her face in her hands.

In December 2023, Burke was found guilty in a federal corruption case. According to an ABC7 report published on Dec. 21, 2023, he had been charged with 14 counts including racketeering, attempted extortion, and bribery. He was found guilty on 13 of 14 counts. ABC7 reported that Burke used his position to shake down developers of the Old Post Office to bring their business to his law firm; he attempted to extort the Field Museum for a close friend’s benefit; and he also attempted to extort owners of a Burger King to steer tax appeal business to his law firm.

Amy Elik has represented the people of the 111th District since 2021 following an election win in 2020. She has been a Foster Township Trustee, board member for St. Mary’s Catholic School, and co-leader of the Fosterburg AG 4H club according to her official biography.