East Central Reporter

Opening statements commenced in the trial of former AT&T Illinois President Paul La Schiazza, who is accused of bribing former House Speaker Michael Madigan. Federal prosecutors alleged that AT&T Illinois secured Madigan's support for a bill ending mandated landline service by secretly paying thousands of dollars to a Madigan associate for a do-nothing contract.

“Ladies and gentlemen, this is a case about a corporate executive paying off the most powerful politician in Illinois to help pass his company’s prized piece of legislation,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Mower during his opening statement.

The trial marks another chapter in the federal investigation into Madigan and his 13th Ward political operation, which contributed to the end of his tenure as both House leader and state Democratic Party head. Although Madigan was not present in court, prosecutors displayed his driver's license photo while detailing his extensive influence over the state legislature.

“That power was no secret — including to the defendant,” Mower stated, showing emails where La Schiazza referred to Madigan as “King Madigan” and noted that “Everyone in the system is beholden to the Speaker … he rules the House with an iron fist.”

Mower described how Michael McClain, Madigan’s right-hand man, approached AT&T in early 2017 requesting funds for former state Rep. Edward Acevedo. La Schiazza responded promptly, emailing his lobbying team: “Lets move quickly to get this done.” He added, “We did get the GO order … Gotta love it! Try to get him for $2500/mon.”

In other news, Big Lots has filed for bankruptcy affecting its 29 stores in Illinois. Nine stores are set to close immediately with going-out-of-business sales underway. Each store employs around 20 individuals; thus approximately 180 jobs could be lost statewide.

Additionally, small businesses and manufacturers in Illinois face increasing financial pressures due to "stacked costs," which include regulatory requirements and litigation risks combined with high energy and wage costs. These factors have led to reduced output and orders, layoffs becoming common, and some plants closing permanently.

During a recent visit by State Reps. Martin McLaughlin and Tom Weber at HM Manufacturing in Wauconda, these challenges were highlighted. Rep. Miller criticized Governor Pritzker's claims about job growth: “Job opportunities in Illinois are deflated because of Pritzker’s handouts... Companies are fleeing Illinois and layoffs continue across the state.”

Manufacturers report that high operational costs divert resources from innovation and production necessary for economic growth. An economic impact report from CALA-IL indicated that frivolous lawsuits cost Illinois $14.48 billion annually or more than $1,800 per person.