House passes legislative rules handing Madigan iron grip
House passes legislative rules handing Madigan iron grip
No other state in the country grants as much power to its House speaker as Illinois does to Mike Madigan.
It’s time to reform Madigan’s rules
It’s time to reform Madigan’s rules
The Illinois House should change its legislative rules to diminish the control they give the House speaker over the legislative process, which far exceeds the power that other states grant their legislative leaders.
New bill would even the playing field for third-party and independent candidates
New bill would even the playing field for third-party and independent candidates
Senate Bill 63 would make signature requirements to get on the ballot uniform for all candidates.
Calumet City aldermen and state representative Thaddeus Jones accused of exploiting campaign funds
Calumet City aldermen and state representative Thaddeus Jones accused of exploiting campaign funds
The Illinois State Board of Elections is accusing state Rep. Thaddeus Jones, who is now running for mayor of Calumet City, of misusing thousands of dollars of campaign funds.
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.
Madigan makes history while Illinois’ middle class races toward extinction
Madigan makes history while Illinois’ middle class races toward extinction
At the end of his term in 2019, Madigan will be the longest-serving House speaker of any state in modern U.S. history.
Madigan set to become longest-serving House speaker in modern U.S. history
Madigan set to become longest-serving House speaker in modern U.S. history
Chicago Democrat Mike Madigan will hold the speakership for a record 17th time.
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...
New Illinois laws going into effect in 2017
New Illinois laws going into effect in 2017
2017 will usher in more transparency and opportunity in areas from criminal justice to government employee expenses to pensions.
2016 Corruption Watch: Chicago, East St. Louis take top corruption spots
2016 Corruption Watch: Chicago, East St. Louis take top corruption spots
This year was full of corruption and mismanagement from public officials, but four instances in particular stand out.
What 2017 brings the Illinois General Assembly: Lame duck and the end of Madigan’s supermajority
What 2017 brings the Illinois General Assembly: Lame duck and the end of Madigan’s supermajority
January 2017 will see a new General Assembly, but the lame duck session casts a long shadow over the new legislature.
Springfield 2016: Taxpayer, criminal justice victories amid ongoing budget gridlock
Springfield 2016: Taxpayer, criminal justice victories amid ongoing budget gridlock
Although the battle for the budget drags on, there were several important legislative wins for Illinoisans in 2016 including criminal justice reform, averting tax hikes, and stopping Madigan’s agenda in the lame duck session.
All I want for Christmas is a new speaker
All I want for Christmas is a new speaker
If Democrats choose Madigan for the 17th time, he will be crowned the longest-serving House speaker in U.S. history.
7 public officials arrested in Metro East area on corruption charges
7 public officials arrested in Metro East area on corruption charges
Corruption from several public officials in Metro East underscores the need for more government transparency in the area.