DeKalb Times

State Representative Jeff Keicher, a Republican from Sycamore, expressed approval following the jury's verdict in the federal corruption case against Michael J. Madigan, former Illinois House Speaker. The jury found Madigan guilty on ten counts of bribery, conspiracy, and wire fraud.

“Although Speaker Madigan was found guilty, much work remains to be done to end the culture of corruption in Illinois,” stated Rep. Keicher. He emphasized that public trust has deteriorated due to numerous legislators facing indictment and conviction for corruption in recent years. According to him, ethics reform is overdue and the verdict should motivate lawmakers to enact necessary changes.

Rep. Keicher serves on the bipartisan Legislative Ethics Commission since 2022 and has been a consistent advocate for ethics reform. House Republicans have introduced comprehensive legislation aimed at strengthening state laws to combat corruption and close existing loopholes. Proposed measures include banning public officials from using campaign funds for legal defense, suspending pensions of retired lawmakers charged with felonies, and ending the practice of lawmakers immediately becoming lobbyists after leaving office.

Keicher remarked, “Unless the General Assembly takes action to pass our reforms, unethical behavior will still be the norm in Illinois, with the ‘Madigan Way’ festering in the Capitol.” He urged House Democrats to collaborate on these reforms without further excuses or delays.

Despite these efforts by House Republicans, the Democratic Supermajority in the House has not scheduled any committee hearings or votes on their proposed ethics reform legislation.