Inside:
- Former Speaker Madigan sentenced to prison
- Pritzker signs budget, state revenue in decline
- Senior and Veterans Fair in Galesburg
- Secretary of State office in Aledo closed – new location coming soon
Former Speaker Madigan sentenced to prison
In the latest high-profile corruption case to rock Illinois state government, former House Speaker Michael Madigan has been sentenced to 7.5 years in federal prison following his corruption trial conviction in February.
Madigan dominated Illinois politics for decades, holding almost absolute power in the legislature as recently as 2020. He was forced from office amid a corruption investigation in 2021, was indicted, stood trial over the winter, and is now a convicted felon and on his way to federal prison.
The trial, in which Madigan was convicted on ten corruption counts, revealed that he directed a decade-long criminal enterprise to shake down a utility company for jobs and money for his cronies. Prosecutors called his enterprise the “Make Mike Madigan Money Plan.”
House Republicans have introduced legislation to reform Illinois’ broken system of ethics laws. Our proposals would strengthen the office of the inspector general, would prohibit lawmakers from using campaign funds for their legal defense, and would stop the revolving door of legislators becoming lobbyists, just to name a few of our ideas.
But even with former Speaker Madigan’s conviction, statehouse Democrats refused to even allow our ideas to get a hearing in committee, much less a floor vote. This year’s spring session ended without any ethics reform being passed. We have to act to clean up the corruption in Springfield. This Madigan conviction and sentencing is just the latest reason why.
Pritzker signs budget, state revenue in decline
This week Governor Pritzker formally signed the state budget for Fiscal Year 2026 into law. The budget sets an all-time Illinois spending record of $55.2 billion. The previous record was set last year. The budget will go into effect on July 1, but it will only be balanced by a series of gimmicks, tax increases and fund sweeps.
The revenue report for May from the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability indicates continued slowing in income tax receipts for the state. Last month, income tax receipts were down by $56 million as compared to the same month last year. Income tax receipts have been growing in importance for the state budget as other revenue streams have stagnated, such as cigarette taxes, casino taxes and cannabis taxes.
Meanwhile, the budget which Governor Pritzker signed this week will increase state spending. Upward pressure continues on spending items like pensions and state-funded health care. All this portends serious fiscal problems ahead for the state. But the “solution” in this year’s budget involves shorting the state’s Rainy Day Fund and delaying payments into the Road Fund. These kinds of gimmicks, along with continuing increases in taxes and spending, cannot be sustained.
Senior and Veterans Fair in Galesburg
Thank you to Seminary Village and to all of our vendors for putting on an outstanding senior and veterans fair in Galesburg this week. Thank you also to Eagle Enterprises Recycling for accepting old electronics for recycling and to the Vault at Artisan Ales for hosting.
We had a great event and shared a lot of helpful information for seniors and those who care for them. It was nice to see so many of our neighbors stop by and visit the fair. I hope we will see you again next year!
Secretary of State office in Aledo closed – new location coming soon
Unfortunately the Aledo DMV site closed at the end of business last Wednesday.
Galesburg (1066 E. Losey), Silvis (Twin Oaks Shopping Center) or Monmouth (330 N. Main) are available to serve you.
The Secretary of State staff is collaborating with Aledo Mayor and City Administrator to find a new location. SoS is committed to reopen a site in Aledo, it will just take a little time to finalize the transition and move.
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