Madigan Sentenced: 7 ½ Years, $2.5 Million Fine for Public Corruption
Once the most powerful politician in Illinois, former House Speaker Michael Madigan was sentenced on Friday to 7½ years in federal prison and a $2.5 million fine for corruption. It’s a stunning fall for a man who ruled state politics like a mob boss, controlling government, rewarding allies, punishing opponents, and building one of the most formidable political machines in the country.
Madigan was indicted in 2022 after years of federal investigations. Prosecutors charged him with racketeering, bribery, wire fraud, and extortion for orchestrating a scheme in which he traded official favors for personal and political gain. At the heart of the case was a series of deals involving utility giant ComEd, which prosecutors said secured favorable legislation in exchange for funneling no-work jobs and contracts to Madigan’s allies.
The trial revealed a political operation run like an organized crime syndicate—one that blurred the lines between public service and personal power. Madigan was ultimately convicted on all major counts, ending a career that shaped state government for half a century.
But while Madigan faces justice, the system that enabled him remains intact. Not a single ethics reform targeting the General Assembly has passed since his indictment. While Senate Republicans have introduced measures calling for independent oversight and tighter revolving-door laws, Democratic leaders have blocked action. Without meaningful reform, Madigan’s conviction may serve as a warning, but not the fix Illinois still desperately needs.
DeWitte Launches Summer Survey
With the 2025 legislative session now complete, I wanted to gather some input and suggestions about issues just approved and other topics that remain unresolved in Springfield. Your opinions are very valuable, so I hope you will take a few minutes to participate.
My 2025 Summer Survey offers constituents an opportunity to weigh in on a variety of topics, including the budget, the proposed $1.50 delivery tax and other proposed tax increases, illegal immigration, and more. The survey also provides space where you can offer suggestions on how we can work together to make Illinois the best it can be.
Click here to access the survey. Paper copies are available at my offices in West Dundee and St. Charles.
Pritzker Defends His Sanctuary State Agenda While Illinoisans Pay the Price
As Governor J.B. Pritzker traveled to Washington, D.C. to testify on Illinois’ sanctuary state policies, his immigration agenda has cost Illinois citizens billions of dollars. While Pritzker claims he’s simply following existing law, in reality he has pushed policies that dramatically limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement—even in cases involving repeat offenders, violent criminals, and known gang members.
In 2021, he signed legislation forcing counties to cancel long-standing ICE detention contracts, weakening the state’s ability to detain and deport dangerous individuals. He also empowered the Attorney General to investigate and penalize police departments that assist federal immigration officials, sending a chilling message to law enforcement across Illinois..
Beyond enforcement, Pritzker created the taxpayer-funded Welcoming Illinois office to expand benefits for undocumented immigrants, including free healthcare—costing billions at a time when working families are struggling with inflation, rising taxes, and public safety concerns.
The testimony wasn’t just about immigration policy. It was about a governor more focused on currying favor in Washington than protecting the people of Illinois. Residents deserve leadership rooted in accountability, not political ambition.
Senator DeWitte Announces Art Contest Winners
Each year my office hosts an art contest for 5th grade students throughout the 33rd Senate District, and every year the quality of the projects just gets better and better.
Last week the winners of the 2025 contest joined me at Colonial Café in St. Charles for an ice cream party to celebrate their success. Five schools participated in this year’s contest and winners were chosen from each school.
The grand prize winner this year was Malin Doctor from St. Patrick’s School in St. Charles. A copy of her drawing will be displayed at her school, and another copy will be displayed in my West Dundee office.
I want to extend a special thank you to the teachers at Coventry Elementary, Canterbury Elementary, Heartland Elementary, St. Patrick’s, and Century Oaks Elementary, who helped make this year’s contest a great success. These art teachers instill a love of art in students across the region, and the look of pride on their faces as their schools’ winners were announced were priceless.
Full Room for DeWitte/Ugaste Property Tax Seminar
Thank you to everyone who attended the Property Tax seminar I co-hosted last week with State Rep. Dan Ugaste in St. Charles. Kane County Supervisor of Assessments Mark Armstrong did an outstanding job of taking an intricate topic and explaining it in an easy-to-understand way.
There was a lengthy Q & A session following his presentation, and I believe everyone learned a lot and left with a clearer understanding of how tax bills are created, and how to appeal an assessment. This annual outreach event has become one of our most well-attended events of the year.
Upcoming Events in the 33rd District
Please mark your calendars for these upcoming events:
- June 17: Traveling Office Hours, Geneva Public Library, 227 S. 7th Street, Geneva
- June 28: Document Shredding Event and Food Drive, Salvation Army Tri-City Corps Community Center, 1710 S. 7th Avenue, St. Charles, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- July 15: Traveling Office Hours, Lake in the Hills Village Hall, 600 Harvest Gate, LITH
- July 9: Traveling Office Hours, Gail Borden Public Library District (South Elgin Branch), 127 S. McLean Blvd, South Elgin, 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
- August 6: Traveling Office Hours, Algonquin Public Library, 2600 Harnish Dr, Algonquin, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
- August 19: ICASH Unclaimed Property Event, Gail Borden Public Library District (South Elgin Branch), 127 S. McLean Blvd, South Elgin, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- September 4: Senior Fair in Carpentersville, Dundee Township Rakow Center, 665 Barrington Ave, Carpentersville, 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
- September 16 or TBA: Senior Fair in St. Charles, Details TBA
- October 14: Senior Fair in Crystal Lake, Grand Oaks Recreation Building 1401 IL-176, 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
Additional events are added regularly, so please visit the Events page on my website to remain up-to-date on outreach activities in the district.
Illinoisans Warned to Beware of SOS Phishing Scams
The Secretary of State’s (SOS) Office is warning Illinoisans to keep on the lookout for text message scams claiming to be from the “Illinois State Department of Motor Vehicles” that threaten to suspend vehicle registration and driving privileges.
The text messages are phishing attempts designed to trick residents into giving up personal or financial information. Recipients should not respond or open any links found in unsolicited texts and emails.
Please know that the SOS office does not send text messages that include threats to suspend vehicle registration or driving privileges. The office only sends text messages to remind residents about scheduled DMV appointments. It does not send text messages regarding driver’s license or vehicle registration status.
Illinoisans are encouraged to report scam attempts to the Federal Trade Commission by visiting reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Sports Betting Just Got More Expensive—Thanks to Illinois Democrats
Illinois Democrats recently approved a new per-wager tax on online sports bets, adding another financial burden to consumers and threatening the state’s legal sports betting industry.
Beginning July 1, Illinois sportsbooks must pay $0.25 on each of the first 20 million bets placed statewide annually and $0.50 on every bet after that. FanDuel has announced it will begin charging a $0.50 fee on every wager starting September 1.
This follows a steep tax increase passed last year that already raised rates to as high as 40% for top operators.