Metro East Sun

State Representative Amy Elik of Alton expressed approval following the guilty verdict in the federal court case against former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan. The jury found Madigan guilty of conspiracy, bribery, wire fraud, and other charges. Evidence presented in court indicated that Madigan engaged in pay-to-play tactics, compelled companies to employ his associates for ghost jobs, and used his position for personal gain.

Representative Elik remarked on the timing of her own political career relative to Madigan's tenure: “The first day I took office in January 2021 was Michael Madigan’s last day as Speaker of the House after 36 years as Speaker and 50 years in office,” she said. She highlighted concerns about the dangers of concentrated power, stating, “Long before 2021, Illinois citizens began to see how dangerous so much unchecked power and influence in one person’s hands can be."

Elik also pointed out ongoing issues within the Illinois legislature: “Unfortunately, Madigan’s hands are still all over many aspects of the Illinois legislature." She emphasized that the verdict should prompt significant reforms to prevent similar abuses of power.

To address these issues, Representative Elik advocated for comprehensive ethics reforms proposed by House Republicans. These reforms aim to strengthen Illinois' ethics laws by preventing public officials from using campaign funds for legal defense and suspending pensions for retired lawmakers facing corruption charges. They also seek to eliminate practices such as quickly transitioning from legislative roles to lobbying positions.

“Until the General Assembly acts on these reforms, poor ethical behavior may continue," Elik warned. "The people of Illinois deserve so much better.”

Michael J. Madigan has not yet been sentenced following his conviction.