|
Representatives
Darin LaHood (IL-18), Rodney Davis (IL-13), Mike Bost (IL-12),
and Mary Miller (IL-15) issued the following joint statement
upon the resignation of former Illinois House Speaker Michael
Madigan:
“Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has been the constant
force in state government during Illinois’ steadying decline
over the past two decades, wrecking our state finances and
pushing policies that have run our state into the ground. During
his half-century in office, Madigan has shepherded tax hikes,
budget deficits, pension holidays, debt, and job-crushing
regulations through the General Assembly, all while accumulating
a massive amount of personal political power and enriching
himself through his property tax appeals law firm. Because of
Madigan’s failed leadership, Illinois families have been voting
with their feet and leaving our state in droves.
“Illinois will be better off without Speaker Madigan having the
final say on public policy, but let’s not forget, he still
serves as Chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois and
maintains much influence over politics in our state. And let’s
be clear - Madigan isn’t resigning on his own terms. He is
resigning in disgrace because he has been implicated in a
federal corruption investigation that has already seen
indictments of several of his close associates. Even as
Madigan’s time in public office comes to a close, he should not
avoid prosecution for crimes he may have committed in office.
Federal prosecutors should continue their investigation into the
years-long bribery scheme that was set up for the benefit of
Speaker Madigan.
“While Madigan may no longer be steering state government, the
consequences of his agenda and poor policy choices will be felt
for generations to come. We, along with the people of Illinois,
welcome his retirement from public office, but now is the time
to work to reform state government so that we never see another
politician accumulate and wield power like Madigan did.”
[Congressman Darin LaHood]
|
|
