Good Government

Illinois Senate passes term limits for legislative leaders

Illinois Senate passes term limits for legislative leaders

The Senate on Inauguration Day took action to limit the power of its legislative leaders. Meanwhile, House Democrats re-elected Mike Madigan as House speaker, ensuring he will become the longest-tenured legislative leader in modern American history.

By Austin Berg

Madigan’s rules: How Illinois gives its House speaker power to manipulate and control the legislative process

Madigan’s rules: How Illinois gives its House speaker power to manipulate and control the legislative process

The little-known legislative rules that govern the legislative process in the Illinois House of Representatives give the House speaker extraordinary power to orchestrate the legislative or political outcomes he or she wants. Those rules allow the speaker to influence the makeup of legislative committees; how lawmakers vote; and when, if ever, the bills get voted...

By Joe Tabor, Ted Dabrowski