Metro East Sun

State Representative Charlie Meier, a Republican from Okawville, expressed approval of the recent federal court verdict against former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan. A jury found Madigan guilty of charges including bribery conspiracy, bribery, and wire fraud.

“This verdict should send a message to the leaders in our state that something has to change, and the pattern of corruption Illinois is plagued with can no longer be tolerated,” stated Meier. He questioned how many guilty verdicts would be necessary for Democrats to join Republicans in passing comprehensive reforms to address ethics laws and eliminate corruption.

Meier highlighted that House Republicans have proposed extensive ethics reform legislation aimed at strengthening Illinois' ethics laws. The proposed changes include prohibiting public officials from using campaign funds for legal defense, suspending pensions for retired lawmakers facing corruption charges, and preventing the rapid transition from being a member of the General Assembly to becoming a lobbyist.

“I have not heard from a single Illinois resident who is satisfied with the current state of ethics in Illinois,” Meier added. “We must do better, and House Republicans remain committed to putting forward legislation that will move this state forward.”

Despite these efforts, the Democratic Supermajority in the House has so far declined to consider any of the proposed Republican-led ethics legislation.

As for Madigan's case, he has yet to be sentenced following his conviction on multiple charges.