Prairie State Wire

Darren Bailey, the current Illinois State Senator who is running for Governor J.B. Pritzker's seat in November, is opposing former House Speaker Michael Madigan's extended pension payment.

"Why in the world is JB Pritzker’s buddy indicted former speaker Michael Madigan receiving a taxpayer-funded pension while he awaits criminal trial," Bailey asked. "The corruption in our state government runs so deep that elitists like Gov. Pritzker don’t even bat an eye."

Bailey reminded his constituents to go to bat for change in this coming election if the State wants to rid Illinois of corruption practices. 

"We need leaders in our state who are no longer numb to the graft and corruption that has been the hallmark of state government for far too long," Bailey said. "It is time to do more than just talk about rooting out corruption in Springfield. We need a leader who will actually lead and change the culture. I will be that leader."

A federal court has granted Madigan an extension in his bribery prosecution. Nevertheless, he has managed to earn a taxpayer-funded pension of $149,000 each year, with a $63,000 boost in 2021 when he retired, according to Chicago Tribune. Madigan served as House Speaker for 36 years and as a House Representative for 50 years.

The $150 million bribe charge against Madigan concerning the power grid behemoth ComEd (Commonwealth Edison Company) is threatening to throw the former House Speaker in jail. ComEd has won a legal fight that bans the company's customers from collecting compensation since they do not have any other alternatives for energy use. The $200 million in reparations paid to ComEd's board members did not include ratepayers, Illinois Policy reported.

Madigan has maintained his political activity while being accused of 22 counts of public corruption. According to an NBC Chicago story, Madigan was seen in his prior campaign headquarters on Chicago's southwest side.