North Egypt News

Rep. Dave Severin (R-Marion) took the federal indictment of former House Speaker Michael Madigan as an opportunity to  stress the need for ethics reform in Springfield.

"House Democrats' refusal to enact real ethics reform in Illinois only further erodes public trust in our state government," Severin posted on Facebook. "One of the many anti-corruption bills killed by the majority party was HB 719, legislation which would prevent lawmakers from becoming lobbyists for two years after they leave office."

Madigan was indicted on 22 federal counts of bribery and racketeering on March 2.  The indictment alleges that Madigan was the leader of a criminal enterprise meant to give him more political power and financial stability, while making money for his political allies.

On the day of his indictment, Severin released a statement calling for Madigan to be held accountable.

"It is my hope that Madigan’s indictment on racketeering and bribery charges today will mean the people of the State of Illinois will be able to exact some measure of justice for the culture of corruption he fostered as the most powerful politician in the history of the State of Illinois, and that all those politicians that enabled his reign to continue under a swirling dark cloud would join me in demanding Madigan be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” Severin said.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker released a statement saying, "Ultimately, every person in elected office is responsible for doing the right thing – and not lining their own pockets. I am fully committed to eradicate the scourge of corruption from our political system, and today's indictment is an important step in cleaning up Illinois. I have faith that our justice system will help restore the public's trust in government."

In February 2021, Madigan resigned from the Illinois House of Representatives amid an ongoing probe of bribery connected to Commonwealth Edison. However, at that point, he hadn't been charged.