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Carbondale Reporter

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Illinois representative calls for ethics reform after ex-Speaker Madigan's conviction

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State Representative Dave Severin (IL) | Representative Dave Severin (R) 116th District

State Representative Dave Severin (IL) | Representative Dave Severin (R) 116th District

State Representative Dave Severin has expressed strong opinions following the conviction of former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan on multiple counts of bribery, conspiracy, and wire fraud. Severin described the verdict as a crucial first step in addressing public corruption in Illinois, which he claims has long tarnished the state's political reputation.

"Five governors sent to jail, multiple legislators busted for bribery and corruption, and now, the longest ever serving Speaker of the House has been found guilty by a jury of his peers on multiple counts for a decade-long conspiracy that saw Madigan using his power to illegally influence companies and land jobs and contracts for his political pals," Severin stated. He emphasized the need for immediate action to reform ethics and tackle corruption within state governance.

Severin criticized current Democratic leadership in the Illinois House of Representatives, urging them to pursue ethics reforms: "Hopefully, these guilty verdicts will be a stark wake-up call to Madigan’s handpicked Democrat leadership that still runs the House of Representatives that the time is NOW to move on ethics and corruption reforms."

Additionally, Severin addressed proposed legislation aimed at regulating homeschooling more strictly. He voiced opposition to HB 2827 filed by three Democratic legislators, arguing it represents excessive government intervention. "My immediate reaction to reading through the sweeping new regulations on homeschool families is this: NO," Severin declared. He defended homeschooling families' efforts in providing quality education outside public schools.

In response to HB 2827, Severin launched a petition against what he describes as government overreach into homeschooling freedoms.

Madigan's conviction marks a significant moment in Illinois politics. The former speaker was found guilty on ten felony counts related to bribery schemes involving major corporations like ComEd and AT&T Illinois. His trial concluded with deliberations lasting 64 hours over two weeks before reaching a partial verdict.

Despite Madigan's ouster from power amid an expanding federal investigation back in January 2021—and subsequent resignation—his legacy continues under scrutiny as calls for reform intensify among state Republicans.

Emanuel “Chris” Welch succeeded Madigan as Speaker but faced criticism for allegedly obstructing investigations into his predecessor’s activities: "Let’s not forget the lengths he went to stall and hinder a bipartisan committee that was investigating Madigan’s corruption," said sources familiar with internal proceedings within Springfield circles.

House Republicans advocate comprehensive legislative packages designed explicitly toward combating entrenched practices associated with previous administrations’ unethical conduct while restoring public trust across governmental institutions statewide—a sentiment echoed widely amongst their ranks post-verdict announcement last week when Timothy Blair confirmed suspension regarding future pension payments owed towards convicted officials like Michael J., who amassed substantial sums throughout decades-long tenure holding office until recent indictments emerged publicly revealing extensive misconduct patterns perpetuated therein historically speaking overall contextually relevant terms here today!

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