As veto session begins and power goes back to the Democratic majority state legislature, the consequences of a single-party state are more evident than ever.

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s 7.5-year federal prison sentence started Oct. 13 for his role in a bribery scheme involving Commonwealth Edison, Illinois’ largest utility.

Out of almost 7,000 bills filed, the Illinois General Assembly passed a little over 400. Some were good. Some were bad. Here are 16 bills that would have improved life in the state had they passed.

Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan may be heading for a 7.5-year stint in the federal pen, but his corrupt legend lives on thanks to a folk song by a former staffer.

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan will face 7.5 years in prison for a bribery scheme involving the state’s largest utility company. When it comes to public corruption, he’s Illinois’ convict of the week.

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan was sentenced to 7.5 years in prison but his allies now run the Illinois House and Illinois Democratic Party. The rules he created to run his machine still work for new operators.

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s sentencing to 7.5 years for bribery, conspiracy and wire fraud ends his active role in Illinois politics. But his legacy of gerrymandering will continue to shape Illinois politics long after he’s behind bars.

Think former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s influence ended when he resigned or was convicted of bribery? Maybe not. Fifty-seven Illinois General Assembly members who received funds from Madigan’s political committees are still in office.