By: Ted Dabrowski
A jury of “everyday Illinoisans” found former Speaker of the House Mike Madigan guilty on 10 counts of corruption, including conspiracy, bribery, and wire fraud, on February 12, 2025.
Now he’s been sentenced. 7.5 years behind bars. A $2.5 million fine.
Does his sentence matter? Well, for sure he should be punished.
But if you ask if his imprisonment matters to Illinois going forward, the answer is no. It’s hard to find a way his punishment ends corruption in this state.
I’m not talking about the type of corruption that Madigan and former Chicago Ald. Ed Burke were convicted of – bribery, kickbacks, etc. What I’m talking about is the legalized corruption that stems from the power the government class has over the lives of everyday Illinoisans. Based on the system that Madigan built.
It’s a system designed around a symbiotic relationship between lawmakers and the public sector unions. Reinforced by a host of collective bargaining laws and constitutional protections. Administered by the most units of government in the country. Sweetened by pensions and guaranteed raises. And greased by votes and campaign contributions.
It’s how the government class can extract a punitive amount of taxes to pay for itself and ordinary Illinoisans can do nothing about it. It’s how the government class can centralize so much power in Springfield, stripping communities and local governments of any decision-making. And with the pension-protection clause and now the “Workers Rights” amendment in place, Illinoisans’ hands are tied.
That’s the system Madigan built over decades. Massive and disciplined. Not serving the public good, but empowering itself. And running smoothly no matter who is in charge.
The most recent evidence? Just look at the massive $55.2 billion budget bill passed last month at the last minute. Record spending. More tax hikes. The use of shell-bills to dupe Illinoisans. 3,000 pages released with no time to read it. Pension sweeteners. Oh. And salary increases for lawmakers. All done with no Madigan.
The government class wins. Everyday Illinoisans lose.
Madigan might go to prison, but nothing will change until his system is dismantled.
Only when that finally happens, will everyday Illinoisans no longer be subservient to their so-called public servants.
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With $162 billion more from taxpayers, couldn’t you deliver a few bond upgrades, too
Audio and summary 
A largely unasked question is becoming glaring: Is Illinois doing all it should to use artificial intelligence to make government cost less and work better? So far, the evidence says no.
Maybe what’s needed is a “no kings/ madigan” rally day in Springfield .
Nice summary. It can’t and won’t change until (a) the voting public, primarily Chicago, start voting for change, or (b) enough wealth leaves the state that it can’t be funded any longer. I am in the latter bucket, moving my mid-six figure income to another state next year.
IL Democrats will never pass a legitimate ethics reform bill. Democrats like the corruption because they are benefiting from corruption.
The public unions have been co-conspirators in Madigan’s criminal enterprise every step of the way. They were eager accomplices in looting the state. While Madigan has been convicted and may go to prison, public unions continue the looting program. They proudly tell us they are untouchable.
The damage be has done to the state and it’s residents is unreasonable. Any sentance less than life and surrender of ask wealth is a gift.
So dramatic
PPF, Your Dem King is headed to da pen!!
When will da Feds charge the Illinois Democratic Party as a criminal enterprise?!
Good. Makes no difference to me whether he is in jail for 1 day or the rest of his life. It won’t change one policy in the state nor alter our fiscal responsibilities. Da pension checks will keep flowing to da bank account. lol
“But if you ask if his imprisonment matters to Illinois going forward, the answer is no. It’s hard to see any way his punishment ends corruption in this state.”
Good point. Madigan is 83 and had a high-level, public-sector job for a long time. I think most IL pols would take the chance of going to prison at 83 if they led a life like Madigan. The average American male doesn’t even live to 83. If offenders were more often sent to prison in their youth or middle age, perhaps there would be a change for the better in IL.
The majority of Illinois’ electorate voted for this or endorsed via proxy by not participating in elections. Illinois voters are getting everything they deserve for being mopes.
Don’t you dare blame the voters. They can’t be expected to choose different candidates. Elected leaders should just do the “right thing” even if they ran on doing the opposite. It’s all up to them and not the voters.
The system continues, regardless of which politician is in charge. That was the point. Mighty Madigan has fallen, without creating so much as a ripple of difference. The true power behind the racket is not going anywhere, as you constantly remind us.
I agree…this is what the majority votes for every time.
A system infused with corruption is likely impossible to fix. But it would be nice to see Harmon forced to pay that $9 million including a fine for campaign cash violations. Perhaps our illustrious attorney general could take a break from fighting the feds over illegals to investigate CTU for lack of audits and CPS for sex abuse of students by teachers and admin. Why does it take the feds to investigate and prosecute state corruption? Would be nice to have someone like the attorney general doing his job. But…..
Great article. States exactly the far reaching impact this criminal has made on the people of Illinois, but while he was the ring leader…he didn’t do it alone. The corruption still stands with him in jail or not.
Look no further than Harmon’s arrogance.
Take a look at the backflips the current speaker, Welch, is going through to avoid paying big fines. Madigan was but the tip of a massive iceberg of Illinois corruption.
Meet the new boss, same as the old boss…but contrary to the next line…the useful idiot low information continues to get fooled again!
Agreed. However, articles published here are basically in an echo chamber. We know it’s wrong what our government does. Hopefully this article would get some more exposure.