State government watchdogs remain far too tame

By Austin Berg

06/14/2018

Illinoisans shouldn’t have to wait for yet another humiliating scandal to fix what’s wrong here: Politicians should have no place in policing their own oversight.

TAGS: #metoo, Lou Lang, me too, Mike Madigan, sexual harrassment

For Speaker Madigan, when do drips become a flood?

By Austin Berg

06/07/2018

A few brave souls have come forward with their stories about the behavior under Madigan’s dome. But how many still feel powerless?

TAGS: Alaina Hampton, Bruce Rauner, Kevin Quinn, Marty Quinn, me too, Mike Madigan, sexual harrassment, Shaw Decremer, Tim Mapes

Madigan chief of staff resigns after sexual harassment allegations

By Austin Berg

06/06/2018

Tim Mapes has resigned from his posts in Madigan’s office and the Democratic Party of Illinois after a fellow staff member accused him of sexual harassment.

TAGS: Mike Madigan, Scott Drury, sexual harrassment, Tim Mapes

Illinois General Assembly passes state budget out of balance by as much as $1.5B

By Adam Schuster

05/31/2018

Lawmakers voted to approve the 1,245-page budget less than 24 hours after it was revealed to the public.

TAGS: balanced budget requirement, Bruce Rauner, budget, Illinois General Assembly, John Cullerton, Mike Madigan

House passes Madigan’s progressive tax resolution

By Vincent Caruso

05/30/2018

A majority of House lawmakers sided with the speaker over tapped-out taxpayers.

TAGS: budget, income tax, Mike Madigan, progressive income tax, Robert Martwick, taxes

More than 90 local government leaders sign on to letter opposing progressive tax

By Jim Long

05/21/2018

Local government leaders across Illinois are asking their state lawmakers to stand up against House Speaker Mike Madigan’s progressive tax push.

TAGS: local government, Mike Madigan, progressive income tax, taxes

Progressive tax battle pits taxpayers against Madigan

By Austin Berg

05/03/2018

A progressive income tax isn’t really about fairness. It’s just the next idea in a long line of failed policies hoping to pay for spending levels Illinoisans can’t afford.

TAGS: income tax, Michelle Mussman, Mike Madigan, progressive income tax, taxes

Madigan files resolution supporting progressive tax

By Austin Berg

04/27/2018

State lawmakers are facing a choice: side with House Speaker Mike Madigan or with tapped-out taxpayers.

TAGS: income tax, Mike Madigan, progressive income tax, taxes

Madigan re-elected chairman of Illinois Democratic Party

By Austin Berg

04/23/2018

The longtime House speaker is the only state legislative leader in the nation to also serve as a party chairman.

TAGS: democrats, house rules, Mike Madigan

Will Illinois pass a budget this year?

By Adam Schuster

04/20/2018

History shows lawmakers prefer to avoid tough but necessary choices.

TAGS: balanced budget requirement, budget, credit rating, debt, income tax, Mike Madigan, progressive income tax, Spending, spending cap, taxes