KANKAKEE – Today, Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan was found guilty on multiple counts of conspiracy, bribery, and wire fraud. In response, State Representative Jackie Haas (R-Kankakee) released the following statement:
“I applaud today’s guilty verdict that condemns the unethical, pay-to-play era of governance that Illinoisans have become all too familiar with,” said Rep. Haas. “ Not only were the actions of Former Speaker Madigan unethical and immoral, but his rule negatively affected Illinoisans through the unchecked and unbalanced power in our state government.
“While I am grateful that Former Speaker Madigan was found guilty of the crimes he committed while in power, his legacy of corrupt power and control continues to harm the people of Illinois through practices he instituted, such as gerrymandered maps and unfair house rules.”
Representative Haas continues to demand serious ethics reform be passed in the Illinois General Assembly. Numerous House Republicans have filed substantial ethics reform bills to strengthen regulation around campaign finance, lobbying, and fair legislative maps. None of the bills have been called for a vote on the House floor.
“House Republicans continue to call for increased ethics reform. I am hopeful that this verdict will motivate our colleagues across the aisle to finally take action and ensure this abuse of power and corruption will never happen again. The people of Illinois deserve a government that works for them. It’s long past due that we uphold that responsibility, govern responsibly, and rebuild the trust damaged by the actions of the Madigan era.”
For more information about Representative Haas, visit RepHaas.com.
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