East Central Reporter

State Representative Brad Halbrook expressed his approval following the sentencing of former Speaker of the House Michael J. Madigan. Madigan received a 7 ½ year federal prison sentence after being convicted in February on charges including bribery, wire fraud, and conspiracy. Madigan's tenure as Illinois Speaker of the House spanned nearly four decades.

"Justice was served today, as Former Speaker Mike Madigan, now a convicted felon, is finally going to prison," stated Rep. Halbrook. "That is where he belongs. He is a criminal, convicted by a jury of his peers."

Rep. Halbrook highlighted ongoing concerns about corruption in Illinois politics despite Madigan's sentencing. "Although Madigan has now been sentenced, the culture of corruption in Illinois hangs over our state like a dark cloud," he said. He criticized current Speaker Welch for allegedly obstructing Republican-led initiatives aimed at addressing corruption through ethics reforms.

House Republicans have introduced several legislative proposals intended to tackle public corruption issues. These include measures to prevent legislators from working as lobbyists for municipal governments and to stop the use of campaign funds for legal defense purposes. According to Halbrook, these bills have been stalled by Speaker Welch.

"The people of Illinois deserve a government they can trust," said Rep. Halbrook, noting that efforts by Republicans to implement substantial ethics reforms have faced opposition from Democrats.

For further information, contact Rep. Halbrook at (217) 342-0220 or visit RepHalbrook.com.