Madigan Reports to Prison; Republicans Continue to Push for Ethics Reform
Yesterday, October 13, disgraced former Speaker of the House Mike Madigan reported to prison. Madigan was convicted in February of this year on 10 counts, including bribery, wire fraud, conspiracy, and related corruption charges tied to a scheme with the utility Commonwealth Edison. In June, he was sentenced to 7½ years in federal prison and fined $2.5 million.
The former Speaker filed a motion to remain out of prison while he exhausted his legal processes and appeals, and 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected that motion.
Despite Madigan’s fall from power, Democrats have been unwilling to seek substantive ethics reform. The following Republican bills are currently pending in Springfield:
- Snyder Decision (SB 2165): Expands bribery and legislative misconduct to include receiving property or personal advantage after an improper act, not just in exchange for future actions. It excludes lawful campaign contributions under the Election Code. The change follows the Supreme Court’s Snyder v. United States decision, which distinguished bribes—pre-arranged payments for official acts—from gratuities, which are given after the fact without a prior agreement.
- Revolving Door (SB 1815): Employers are prohibited from knowingly offering employment, compensation, or fees to individuals barred by the Act’s revolving door restrictions. The Executive and Legislative Ethics Commissions have jurisdiction over violations and may impose penalties up to three times the total annual compensation offered.
- Lobbyists- No Promising Anything of Value (SB 53): Prohibits lobbyists and lobbying entities from offering anything of value, including campaign contributions or endorsements, in exchange for support or action on specific legislative or executive matters. It does not restrict lawful voluntary contributions.
- No Private Pay for Public Work (SB 2355): Prohibits State employees from receiving compensation from private parties for work performed within their official duties.
- SOEI Family Disclosure (SB 211): Requires anyone who files a statement of economic interest to disclose any spouse, sibling, child, or parent employed by, contracted with, or holding office in the same unit of government, including their title or the nature of their work.
- RICO Wiretap (SB 2378): Expands Illinois’ R.I.C.O. law to cover bribery, official misconduct, solicitation of misconduct, and legislative misconduct. Also allows court-ordered wiretaps for these offenses.
Legislators Return to Springfield for Fall Veto Session
Legislators have been back in their home districts since the beginning of June, but this week we return to Springfield for the first three days of the 2025 Fall Veto Session. Session days are scheduled this week for October 14, 15, and 16. We are also scheduled for fall session later this month on October 28, 29, and 30.
During this time, the legislature can reconsider bills that received a partial or full veto by the Governor this year. It is also a time when lawmakers can take up issues that were not resolved during the regular session. Issues that could come before us for action this month include:
- Public transit fiscal cliff, additional transit reforms, and board reconfiguration (with associated tax hikes that include a delivery tax on almost any item delivered to your door)
- Energy (rates, capacity, environmental concerns, etc.)
- “Mega-Project” tax incentives (think Chicago Bears…)
It is possible that other issues may also be heard during these final session days of the year.
Senator DeWitte: Out and About in the 33rd District
Last week my staff and I had an opportunity to attend several events throughout the 33rd District. I enjoy meeting and talking with constituents about issues that are important to them and providing updates about legislative activity in Springfield and at home.
I am shown in the collage above (L-R) at Geode Mental Healthcare’s St. Charles location to learn about the services offered at this facility, at the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce’s annual City Update (shown with Holly Cabel, Executive Director of the St. Charles Park District), and at the McHenry County Problem Court’s graduation ceremony that honored individuals who have overcome substance, DUI, and mental health issues.
Submit Info for Veterans Day Wall of Honor Display by October 24
My Illinois Senate Republican colleagues and I are once again hosting our annual Veterans Day Wall of Honor display at the Statehouse, from October 28 to November 13. This project provides families across Illinois with an opportunity to pay tribute to their loved ones who courageously served our nation.
The memorial will feature a large electronic display of veterans and their stories, along with a wall where visitors can write notes of thanks to those who served.
I would encourage friends and families to submit a photo and written story (max: 250 words) along with the following information: name, military branch (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, National Guard, Navy) and conflict served (Afghanistan, Iraq, September 11, Gulf War, Vietnam, Korea, WWII, WWI, Peacetime, other). Military photos are preferred but not necessary.
Please email submissions to veteransday@sgop.ilga.gov by October 24, to be included in the Veterans Day Display at the Illinois State Capitol. Submissions can also be mailed to Veterans Day Wall, 110 D Statehouse, Springfield, IL 62706. For additional information, please call (217) 782-1154.
IL Department of Revenue Warns of New Text Message Scam Soliciting Banking Information
The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) is warning taxpayers about a new nationwide text message scam targeting individuals with fraudulent messages that appear to come from state revenue or treasury agencies. This latest phishing scheme involves unsolicited, urgent text messages claiming that a tax refund has been processed. Recipients are then asked to provide or verify their personal banking information under the threat of losing a state refund.
IDOR primarily communicates through official correspondence sent through the U.S. Postal Service or through MyTax Illinois, the department’s secure and free online account management platform. Unsolicited messages that claim to be from IDOR and arrive by text, email, or social media, particularly those requesting personal or financial information, should be considered fraudulent and ignored. Taxpayers should avoid clicking on any links and delete any message(s).
Taxpayers who have questions about their Illinois refunds, account balances, or any correspondence received should verify that information directly with IDOR at tax.illinois.gov or by calling 1-800-732-8866.
Expanded EV Rebates: More Time, Broader Access for Illinois Drivers
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced revisions to its Electric Vehicle Rebate Program, incorporating changes from 2025 legislation passed by the Illinois General Assembly.
The updates include a revised definition of low-income applicants, now encompassing individuals and families with incomes not exceeding 80 percent of the regional or county median income for the current state fiscal year, as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Illinois Income Limits by metropolitan area and county. Additionally, the timeframe for submitting applications following vehicle purchase has been extended to 180 days, an increase from the previous 90 days. All applications must be submitted during an open application period.
The next application cycle will commence on October 28, 2025, and conclude on January 31, 2026. Rebates are issued on a first-come, first-served basis.
Eligibility criteria require the vehicle to be a new or used all-electric model legally operable on public roadways, purchased—not leased—from an Illinois Secretary of State-licensed dealership. Applicants must be Illinois residents, retain ownership for at least 12 consecutive months post-purchase, and not have received a prior rebate under the program. One rebate is permitted per individual.
Further details, including full program requirements under the EV Rebate Act, are available on the Illinois EPA’s Electric Vehicle Rebate Program webpage. Inquiries may be directed to EPA.EV@illinois.gov, and updates can be received by subscribing to the EV Listserv on the program’s site. https://epa.illinois.gov/topics/ceja/electric-vehicle-rebates.html.