State Representative Regan Deering (R-Decatur) has expressed her views following the sentencing of former Speaker Michael J. Madigan. Madigan, who served nearly 40 years in the Illinois legislature, received a sentence of 7 ½ years in prison, three years of probation, and a $2.5 million fine for his convictions on bribery conspiracy, bribery, and wire fraud.
“Mike Madigan will now be in prison, where he belongs,” said Rep. Deering. She emphasized that while justice has been served, Illinois families continue to face higher taxes and wasteful spending due to ongoing corruption issues.
Deering criticized the Democratic party for halting Republican efforts aimed at reforming state government ethics laws. “The people of Illinois deserve a government they can trust and that is responsive to the needs of the people,” she stated.
She further noted that “Madigan’s trial confirmed that he was more interested in making money for himself and his political cronies than he was in serving the public.” According to Deering, House Republicans have proposed legislation intended to strengthen ethics laws but have faced resistance from Democrats.
“We need a new way of doing business in Illinois and one centered around ethical government,” Deering asserted.
In response to these challenges, House Republicans have filed several bills this spring targeting public corruption. These include measures empowering the Legislative Inspector General’s office with subpoena authority without prior approval from those under investigation, banning public officials from using campaign funds for legal defense, and requiring a 72-hour budget review process before voting on it. However, these proposals remain stalled in the Rules Committee due to what Deering describes as Democratic Supermajority’s inaction.
For further details or inquiries, Rep. Deering can be contacted at (217) 876-1968 or through her website at RepDeering.com
