Madigan Gets Prison, Corruption Marches On- How Illinois Democrats keep blocking reform—even after their kingpin goes down
Madigan Sentenced—Now What?
After decades of ruling Springfield with an iron grip, former Speaker Mike Madigan is finally headed to federal prison. His conviction on multiple felony counts is long overdue—but justice for one man doesn’t erase the deep culture of corruption he built. This week, I’m calling out the system that still protects political insiders, spotlighting how Speaker Welch is stalling real ethics reform, and exposing how taxpayer dollars are quietly funding radical protest groups. Also in this update: our trip to Washington to confront Gov. Pritzker on sanctuary policies, a salute to the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday, and a reminder to enjoy our great Illinois parks this summer.
Brad
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Madigan Sentenced on Multiple Felony Counts
Madigan headed to jail, where he belongs.
State Representative Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) issued the following statement after former Speaker of the House Michael J. Madigan was sentenced to 7 ½ years in federal prison after being found guilty of bribery, wire fraud, conspiracy and other charges this past February. Madigan served as the Illinois Speaker of the House for nearly 40 years.
“Justice was served today, as Former Speaker Mike Madigan, now a convicted felon, is finally going to prison,” said Rep. Halbrook. “That is where he belongs. He is a criminal, convicted by a jury of his peers.”
“Although Madigan has now been sentenced, the culture of corruption in Illinois hangs over our state like a dark cloud,” continued Halbrook. “Take Speaker Welch for example. He was hand-picked by Madigan and has stifled House Republican efforts to curb corruption through meaningful ethics reforms.”
To offer solutions, House Republicans have filed several bills to end public corruption. Legislation that would end the practice of legislators working as lobbyists for municipal governments, close the revolving door for legislators wishing to become lobbyists, and ending the practice of using campaign funds for legal defense purposes have all been stalled in the House by Speaker Welch.
“The people of Illinois deserve a government they can trust. Unfortunately, Democrats have repeatedly stopped Republican efforts to clean up state government and enact tough and lasting reforms to our ethics laws,” Halbrook said.
More interesting, is that Judge Blakey noted when handing down his sentence that Madigan is a liar and he showed no remorse. His arrogance knows no bounds.
The Republican Caucus Blog gives a full synopsis of the case.
In the Links below, Illinois Policy Institute reports on
Madigan’s legacy will be one of terrible public policy, indebting Illinois taxpayers, and having our state be known as the most corrupt in the nation.
Illinois Freedom Caucus Goes to Washington
“Sanctuary state laws protect no one except illegal aliens.” – Rep. Halbrook
My colleagues and I were in D.C. to hear first-hand the sworn testimony of Gov. Pritzker to the House Oversight Committee about the sanctuary state policies he supports in Illinois. The hearing lasted over eight hours including breaks. Many issues were raised and not surprisingly, Governor Pritzker refused to answer even the simplest questions honestly. Multiple times he was asked how much illegal immigrants cost the state. He said he didn’t know, even denying at one point that they were receiving Medicaid despite it being widely reported that the state has spent millions on Medicaid for illegals.
Following the hearing, Congresswoman Miller joined us for a short impromptu press conference to recap the hearing.
Listen to the Entire Oversight Hearing at this Link
WATCH: Pritzker says he's willing to be arrested defending sanctuary policies
Center Square clipped this response from the Oversight Hearing showing Gov. Pritzker defending his sanctuary policies and saying he is willing to be arrested over the policy.
Those Protests – You’re Paying for Them
This is a picture downloaded from the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant & Refugee Rights Facebook page. It was taken at a Chicago protest march on Friday, June 13, 2025.
Democrats fund this group every year in the state budget. Last year, we found that $1.65 million was earmarked to this group.
And this is just one of many groups that we fund that are nothing more than political activist organizations. In fact, we can show you over a $1 billion being spent on non-essential, bogus NGOs.
Center Square Illinois also reported on this topic. Read more at this Link.
A grateful nation recognizes and thanks those who answered the call over the last 250 years to serve in the United States Army.
Your sacrifice and commitment to duty, honor and country will not be forgotten.
At a time when the world is in serious conflict, I appreciate those who serve in uniform to protect America.
This link gives both a timeline of significant US Army events and prominent heros from the last 250 years.
School’s Out!
Take Time to Explore Illinois State Parks
Get all the information you need to plan your get-away.
The IL taxpayers will now be supporting Madigan in Federal Prison.