Mike Madigan began his term in the Illinois House of Representatives when I was four years old. He stepped down from his seat and Speaker’s role in 2021. He controlled the state with an iron fist and was one of the biggest reasons the state is in a shambles. When it comes to keeping a grip on political power he has no rival. You want to talk about gerrymandering? Madigan’s influence is second to none.
Controlling spending towards special interests? He helped to fleece the Illinois taxpayer to the point where the debt per capital is higher than the median annual income for an Illinois resident.
Our analysis at OpenTheBooks.com shows that an Illinois family of four now owes more in unfunded pension liabilities ($76,000) than they earn in household income ($63,585).
Why Illinois Is In Trouble – 109,881 Public Employees With $100,000+ Paychecks Cost Taxpayers $14B (forbes.com)
Personal gain at taxpayer expense? Well, what better position to hold than Speaker of the House while also running one of the most powerful real estate tax law firms in the state.
Mike Madigan is best known as the longest-serving state House speaker in American history. He’s been Illinois’ House speaker for all but two years since 1983. But Madigan doesn’t make most of his money in the speaker’s chair. He makes it through his business – lowering property tax bills on some of Cook County’s most valuable buildings.
A joint investigation released Dec. 7 by the Chicago Tribune and ProPublica Illinois reveals the extent to which Madigan & Getzendanner, a law firm Madigan founded in 1972, dominates the property tax appeals business.
That domination comes within a Cook County property tax system found to disproportionately harm lower-income residents, due in part to the appeals process.
Investigation: Madigan firm the biggest player in commercial property tax appeals (illinoispolicy.org)
Everybody knew but no one could indict… until now.
The 22-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury comes after a yearslong federal investigation and alleges Madigan participated in an array of bribery schemes aimed at using the power of his office for personal gain.
Ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan indicted on racketeering charges – Chicago Tribune
Can they make it stick? The feds have been at this for a while so hopefully they have all their ducks in a row.
A major focus of the indictment is what prosecutors call the “Madigan Enterprise,” an ongoing arrangement with Madigan, McClain, the speaker’s 13th Ward Democratic Organization, Madigan’s chairmanship of the state Democratic Party and his property tax appeals firm, Madigan and Getzendanner.
The purpose of the enterprise was exercise, preserve and enhance Madigan’s political power and financial well-being, reward his political allies and workers financially for their loyalty and to generate income for members and associates through illegal activities.
The indictment alleges the illegal acts ranged from Madigan using his vast power as speaker, including his ability to virtually pass or block legislation, to reward friends and political allies.
Ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan indicted on racketeering charges – Chicago Tribune
If they have enough to convict it still is too little too late. He’s out of office and his power is diminished. This needed to happen 30 years ago.