Latest Post | Last 10 Posts | Archives
Previous Post: Madigan to resign House seat at end of the month
Next Post: House Bill 3653 Enjoys Wide Support Among Voters
Posted in:
* House Speaker Chris Welch…
As of last month, Michael Madigan has dedicated 50 years of service to the Illinois House of Representatives. I thank the former Speaker for his sincere and meaningful contributions to our state. Under him, we’ve had strong, sustained Democratic leadership in Springfield. We legalized same-sex marriage, abolished the death penalty and solidified abortion rights. Illinois also became the first state in the Midwest to increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour. These laws gave underserved populations a new sense of hope.
Now we must build on that with a new generation of leadership focused on racial and gender equity in all dimensions, improving government transparency, and leading with the kind of conviction, compassion and cooperation expected by our constituents. I truly appreciate his contributions and I join Illinoisans across the state in wishing him well.
I’m thinking this post will be updated.
…Adding… Illinois AFL-CIO…
The Illinois AFL-CIO, representing nearly 1 million working families across the state, today issued the following statement on the retirement of longtime Illinois House Speaker and State Representative Michael J. Madigan:
“The Illinois AFL-CIO and all of organized labor in Illinois wish to sincerely thank Michael J. Madigan for his indelible impact on Illinois public policy and politics, and his historic legacy of accomplishments for working families.
For the past 50 years, Michael J. Madigan has had unprecedented influence on our legislative process. Time after time, he has put the interests of working men and women first, even under dire circumstances and serious threats.
Speaker Madigan knew better than anyone that leading the Legislature means keenly understanding each legislative district and how best to support legislators representing their constituents back home and in Springfield. He knew how to bring people together behind the most important initiatives to move our state forward, while making the right political calculations to ensure his majorities grew and never lost touch with the will of the people.
When Illinois needed revenue to support the vital public services and programs we all depend on, Speaker Madigan put together the right recipe to get the job done. When Illinois desperately needed capital construction programs to create and support thousands of good-paying jobs, Speaker Madigan led the way.
When Bruce Rauner and other radical politicians threatened working families, Speaker Madigan stood firm.
And when legislators needed his help to advance the agenda that supports working men and women, time and time again Speaker Madigan was there for them.
Speaker Madigan strengthened and protected the prevailing wage to build our communities, stabilized our workers’ compensation system costs while protecting injured workers, fought for our collective bargaining rights, stopped senseless right-to-work crusades and expanded voter access for working families.
We wish Michael J. Madigan, his wife Shirley and his family well on his well-deserved retirement. Thank you for making Illinois a better place for working families, today and tomorrow.”
Tim Drea, President
Pat Devaney, Secretary Treasurer
* CFL…
Chicago Federation of Labor President Bob Reiter released the following statement regarding the resignation of Michael J. Madigan from the Illinois House of Representatives:
“Speaker Michael J. Madigan has been a steadfast, dedicated, and courageous champion of workers and their families in Illinois for a generation. His leadership in the fight for collective bargaining rights and worker protections in the state of Illinois spans more than five decades. In that time, Speaker Madigan partnered with labor on countless pieces of legislation to protect workers and protect the middle-class, keeping Illinois a strong pro-union state while many of our neighboring states joined the race to the bottom.
“Under Speaker Madigan’s leadership, the Illinois General Assembly enacted sweeping ethics reform laws, the first campaign finance limits in state history, equal pay requirements for women, landmark education funding reform, health care protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions, minimum wage increases, and many more pieces of vital legislation to move Illinois forward. He led the charge for increased infrastructure investment that has resulted in countless Illinoisans receiving a decent paycheck and benefits while building the foundation of our state.
“Speaker Madigan served alongside seven different governors, finding common ground and moving our state forward by working in a bipartisan way with lawmakers from across the political spectrum. However, he never compromised on his core values and he stood strong for four years against the attacks of former Gov. Bruce Rauner, the most fervent anti-union ideologue Illinois has ever seen.
“Speaker Madigan never forgot the constituents he served nor did he lose sight of the needs of working families in Illinois. His leadership and partnership will be missed, and we wish him and his entire family well as he begins the next chapter in his life.”
* David Orr…
The sudden resignation of former Speaker Mike Madigan is a clear indication Democrats are moving towards a more progressive political direction. Old politics has done extraordinary harm and enveloped around Madigan, leading to the loss of Democratic state seats, the recent Fair Tax Amendment, and most importantly the trust in government by Illinois voters. We can thank those who stood up to Madigan for change, clearing a path for a new speaker and a more accountable government for Illinois residents.
* Terry Cosgrove…
On behalf of Personal PAC, I extend my deep gratitude to Speaker Madigan for his many years of leadership in helping to steer Illinois in the direction of protecting the health care decisions of all women. First and foremost, he worked with Personal PAC to recruit, elect and re-elect our many outstanding pro-choice leaders in the Illinois General Assembly which has put Illinois at the forefront of protecting reproductive rights. Speaker Madigan fully understands that good politics is good policy and vice-versa. When Governor Rauner and his operatives were working overtime to sabotage HB 40 in the Illinois General Assembly, Speaker Madigan stood down Governor Rauner and helped to ensure that HB 40 landed squarely on Rauner’s desk where he was finally forced to keep his word and sign the bill into law. Speaker Madigan worked with then President Cullerton and Governor Pritzker in making the Reproductive Health Act (RHA) the law of our land in response to Trump’s numerous attacks on reproductive rights. In my 32 years at Personal PAC, beyond reproductive rights, the people of Illinois have witnessed unthinkable progress just a decade or two earlier, including marriage equality, abolishment of the death penalty and real criminal justice reform. Thank you Speaker Madigan for leaving Illinois in a much more equitable and better place than how found it 50 years ago.
* Former Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie…
“As Michael J. Madigan resigns his post in the Illinois House of Representatives, it’s time to recognize the contributions he made that have led to better lives for people across the state of Illinois.
“I served with Mike for 40 years, more than half as Majority Leader. Mike led the battle to improve and protect the state’s Freedom of Information Act, providing people the opportunity to know more about how their public officials, state and local, were making decisions affecting them. He took the lead on efforts to establish reasonable limits on campaign contributions and spending. And it was he who championed ethics reform and an end to pay-to-play politics in the state’s executive branch.
“Without Mike’s leadership, Illinois would not have approved same-sex marriage before the U.S. Supreme Court established that right nationwide. Without Mike’s leadership, the state would not have expanded voting opportunities for our citizens. Without Mike’s leadership, the state would not have led the nation in criminal justice reforms.
“With Mike at the helm, Illinois expanded access to health care and strengthened reproductive rights. With several increases in the minimum wage, Illinois showed its people that we value workers and their families.
“I am grateful for Michael J. Madigan’s leadership. He understood the meaning of public service: helping those in need and ensuring everyone a chance to succeed. His legacy is a proud one, and I am confident his successors in Springfield will continue to build on that legacy.”
* Secretary of State Jesse White
As a state legislator, I had the honor of working with Mike Madigan for 16 years. During that time, I found Speaker Madigan to be one of the smartest people to ever serve in state government. His in-depth knowledge of so many issues was and is incredible. His commitment to those most in need in our society and the working men and women of our state was unwavering. In my current role as Secretary of State, Speaker Madigan was a strong supporter of our office’s road safety agenda, including legislation to strengthen teen driving laws, battle distracted driving, and toughen DUI laws. I wish Speaker Madigan and his wife Shirley the very best.
* IRMA…
“Throughout his historic service to the state, former House Speaker Mike Madigan proved time and again he was sensitive to the needs of the retail community. He demonstrated a keen awareness of the importance of the retail sector to the state economy and its unique position as a major contributor to state and local governments,” said Rob Karr, president & CEO, Illinois Retail Merchants Association. “Even in time of disagreement, he encouraged and ensured genuine dialogue and worked in a collaborative fashion. On behalf of the state’s retail industry, IRMA thanks the former Speaker for his distinguished service and wishes him, Shirley and his family well.”
* Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters Executive-Secretary Treasurer Gary Perinar…
“On behalf of the 30,000 hardworking men and women of the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters, I thank Speaker Madigan for a truly distinguished career in government highlighted by his unparalleled record of fighting for the working families of Illinois. No other elected official in our state has done more to advance the cause of the labor movement, and we will always be grateful for his stalwart leadership.
While organized labor is perennially under attack in states across the nation through Right-to-Work laws, bans on Project Labor Agreements, and other anti-worker initiatives, that has never been case here in Illinois during Speaker Madigan’s tenure. Thanks to his leadership, workers’ rights are protected and labor unions in Illinois have the strength to collectively bargain for their members so they can earn fair and decent wages and benefits that ultimately lift the middle class.
We are forever grateful for Speaker Madigan’s commitment to the labor movement.”
* ILGOP Chairman Don Tracy…
“Chairman Madigan’s legacy is that of presiding over the decline of a once great state, ballooning pension liabilities by hundreds of billions of dollars, and the accumulation of historic political power that primarily benefited government insiders and special interests. Chairman Madigan may no longer be a state representative, but he is still Chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois where he personally controls over $15 million in campaign cash.”
* House Republican Leader Jim Durkin…
“Today’s news of Rep. Madigan’s retirement comes as no surprise to me and every other Illinoisan, and I have been looking forward to this ‘new day’ in Illinois for some time. I urge the Democrats in both Chambers and the Governor to reflect on how we can use this opportunity to improve Illinois. Rep. Madigan’s autocratic rule over the decades has not made Illinois a more prosperous nor competitive state. Our state is in shambles – financially, structurally and ethically. New ideas and sincere collaboration between the parties is the only pathway forward.”
* Gov. JB Pritzker…
“When you dedicate your career to public service, it’s your loved ones who make the biggest sacrifices – whether it’s because you’re away from home, working long hours or spending time with constituents,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Michael J. Madigan and his family dedicated countless hours to serving Illinois families, particularly during the Rauner years, when he served as the bulwark against constant cruelty to the most vulnerable.
Over his decades in office, he shepherded through some of the most consequential changes to our state: bringing about the legalization of gay marriage, fighting on the frontlines for workers’ rights, raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour, expanding access to voting and protecting women’s reproductive rights. The people of Illinois have much to be grateful for thanks to his dedicated public service, and the many sacrifices he and his family made to make a difference in our lives. I know how dearly he loves his wife Shirley, their children and grandchildren, and I hope that in this next chapter, his family can begin to make up for lost time.”
* Former Gov. Rauner…
React to #MadiganResigns from former Gov Bruce Rauner: “One of best birthday presents I’ve ever had.”
Today is Rauner’s 65th birthday.— Mary Ann Ahern (@MaryAnnAhernNBC) February 18, 2021
* 13th Ward Ald. Marty Quinn…
“Leading by example, Speaker Madigan has taught me many invaluable lessons. His unwavering commitment to his family has instilled in me how to be a good husband and father. Speaker Madigan has always fought for the little guy, ensuring people have the opportunities to build a good life for themselves and their families. I’m particularly proud of our accomplishments to provide nearly $250 million in quality educational opportunities to students of all ages throughout the district. Working alongside Speaker Madigan has been the honor of a lifetime. The immense sacrifices the entire Madigan family has made for the people of Illinois and the residents of the 22nd district will be felt for years to come.”
* Lt. Gov. Stratton…
Michael Madigan has retired after 50 years as state representative of the 22nd district. He worked tirelessly on behalf of the residents in his southwest side district, and fought for the rights of all Illinoisans when it came to advancing resources and rights in gaining fair wages, voting, women’s empowerment, and more. He leaves a legacy of service and sacrifice that is to be admired and is deserving of our gratitude.
It is simply not possible to give so much to the people of Illinois without sacrifice. From my family to his, I wish him and his wife Shirley happiness and joy as they enjoy these retirement years together after a long career in public service.
* Rep. Lindsey LaPointe
Today marks the end of an era in Illinois politics.
In looking back, all of us who share a progressive vision for Illinois owe a debt of gratitude to Speaker Madigan for his tireless and successful efforts on behalf of workers’ rights, marriage equality, reproductive healthcare, and many other issues that are crucially important to the people of Illinois.
I also have deep gratitude for my House colleagues and others who stood up for increased public integrity and accountability and called for new leadership for Illinois that will put power back in the hands of the people, where it belongs.
As we begin the 2021 legislative session, I am hopeful that this will be a turning point, and that a new generation of leaders will meet this moment, lead us out of the current crisis, and rebuild people’s trust in both government and politics.
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 9:52 am
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
Previous Post: Madigan to resign House seat at end of the month
Next Post: House Bill 3653 Enjoys Wide Support Among Voters
WordPress Mobile Edition available at alexking.org.
powered by WordPress.
This is the time to put up a statute of the man. And Barack Obama. And Ronald Reagan (there’s a resolution in the hopper for that one). Longest legislative leader in the nation’s history. That’s a big deal. We should celebrate that.
Comment by Dan Johnson Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:03 am
Naming things and erecting statues immediately is not a good idea. Many Halls of Fame have a waiting period for a good reason.
Besides, let’s at least wait to see if he goes to prison first.
Comment by don the legend Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:11 am
=Naming things and erecting statues immediately is not a good idea.=
Amen. I think we have spent the past few years dealing with “statue remorse” in this country.
Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:15 am
== Longest legislative leader in the nation’s history. That’s a big deal. We should celebrate that.==
He kept a stranglehold on power for decades and that’s cause for celebration?
Comment by TKMH Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:24 am
ORR
Even on the way out the door you had to kick him in the A–.
Your remarks show a total lack of class.
Comment by MOON Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:30 am
Is there anyone under 65 who cares what David Orr says? He ran his own patronage machine and cut his own backroom deals. What a hypocrite.
Comment by what the what Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:30 am
I agree with JS Mill.
I think it would be prudent to wait for the dust to settle before erecting a Madigan statue.
In Chicago, there is a public discussion about removing statues of Lincoln, Grant and Logan. One wonders if the state anthem “Illinois” will have to be edited or dropped as well? All three of the historical personages named are included in the lyrics.
Comment by Practical Politics Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:32 am
Thank you Mr. Madigan. For the over fifty years of backing the working men and women in Illinois. We noticed and we appreciated you.
Steven Conrad
IL Valley Building Trades - Retired
Comment by Steven Conrad Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 11:19 am
=== Chairman Madigan may no longer be a state representative, but he is still Chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois where he personally controls over $15 million in campaign cash.”===
Look under your bed… what do you see.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 11:23 am
Keep it classy, Don. Obscurity is treating the IL GOP well.
Comment by ;) Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 11:35 am
Don Tracy isn’t going to give up his patented Blame Madigan strategy over a little thing like this.
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 11:37 am
Is it too much to ask for a reaction from the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois?
Comment by Citizen Kane Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 11:49 am
Tracy’s idiotic comment doesn’t surprise me. I expected better from David Orr. Madigan helped many progressive candidates and causes backed by Orr.
But as what the what said above, no one under 65 cares what David Orr thinks. I’ll add anyone who doesn’t live along the Lakefront really cares either.
Comment by low level Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 11:52 am
=== “Today’s news of Rep. Madigan’s retirement comes as no surprise to me and every other Illinoisan, and I have been looking forward to this ‘new day’ in Illinois for some time. I urge the Democrats in both Chambers and the Governor to reflect on how we can use this opportunity to improve Illinois. Rep. Madigan’s autocratic rule over the decades has not made Illinois a more prosperous nor competitive state. Our state is in shambles – financially, structurally and ethically. New ideas and sincere collaboration between the parties is the only pathway forward.”===
Narrator: Jim Durkin, as a Republican, gladly accepted a committee chairmanship in the Illinois House from one Mike Madigan.
Durkin, now, easily, the longest serving caucus leader of the four… has been leader for 8 years come August.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 12:00 pm
Regarding Rauner’s statement, I’m no fan of Madigan, but he beat you like a rented mule. Maybe stick with reflection rather than some kind of undeserved gloating.
Comment by Excitable Boy Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 12:03 pm
=== React to #MadiganResigns from former Gov Bruce Rauner: “One of best birthday presents I’ve ever had.”
Today is Rauner’s 65th birthday.===
Narrator: Bruce Rauner is a Florida resident.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 12:04 pm
Maybe dedicate a real nice portrait of Madigan instead of a statue. Much easier to move if backpedaling required.
Comment by Sayitaintso Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 12:10 pm
The lose of institutional and legislative knowledge is staggering.
Comment by Huh? Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 12:11 pm
I really wish Mr. Madigan had retired when Lisa needed him to do so in order to run for Governor. He would have likely completely avoided the entire Com Ed scandal if he had.
Comment by Rod Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 12:18 pm
Now he can do that podcast with Rod.
I’d listen to that.
Comment by OneMan Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 12:37 pm
Who cares what David Orr thinks?
Comment by under the bus Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 12:51 pm
Speaker Madigan had this to say when Governor Thompson stepped aside:
“In politics, the ultimate test is whether or not you won the last election,” observed House Speaker Madigan when the governor announced his decision to forego a try for a fifth term, “and so he leaves the office a complete winner. ”
(H/T Charles N. Wheeler)
Everything that all of his supporters and fellow elected officials say in praise of Madigan is true. The Yabbit Rabbits can point to whatever criticism they want of the budget, and everything said in praise of Madigan still remains true. If you think it all would have happened without Madigan, look at Ohio, Michigan and Wisconsin.
By stepping aside now, Madigan preserves his place in history and in his view, leaves a success. He also rebuts his critics who claim the only thing he cares about are his power and himself. Madigan has forfeited the one card that every defense attorney says you should hold - your office. He appears to have done it to protect the best interests of his caucus, his party, and the working families of the state.
I wish him a long and happy retirement with his wife, children and grand children. I trust that the Democratic Caucus he built and leaves behind will carry on well.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 1:08 pm
== Today’s news of Rep. Madigan’s retirement comes as no surprise to me and every other Illinoisan,==. Durkin.
That statement alone shows one reason why Republicans keep losing. Probably 90%+ of the population of Illinois could really care less what happens in Springfield or who the Speaker of the Illinois House is. All of this is inside baseball.
Comment by low level Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 1:11 pm
Boy ChairmanDon and Durkie really know how to class up the place…maybe he should in the DOT pickle barrel to match the Ds cash pile
Comment by Annonin' Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 1:12 pm
Glad to see that David Orr’s outsized sense of his own importance hasn’t diminished since leaving a low level, patronage filled clerical office two years ago. I never cease to be amazed by a guy who’s official bio touts his weeklong tenure as Chicago’s Acting Mayor by saying, “Following the death of Chicago Mayor Harold Washington, Orr took over as mayor and was recognized for his strong and sensible leadership during one the most tumultuous periods in Chicago’s political history.“
Comment by SouthSide Markie Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 1:14 pm
== He also rebuts his critics who claim the only thing he cares about are his power and himself. Madigan has forfeited the one card that every defense attorney says you should hold - your office. ==
At the end of the day, 19 of his critics held firm and forced him out of leadership. But for that, he’d still be around. In a way, he “lost” his last election because he didn’t have the sufficient number of votes to remain Speaker. Let’s not act like he’s some noble do-gooder who’s leaving because his time is up and it’s the right thing to do. He’s leaving because he lost what made holding the seat worthwhile.
Comment by TKMH Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 2:17 pm
As much as David Orr is a political soothsayer (/s), there is no larger point here about how MJM’s resignation is ushering in a new wave of progressive politics.
Comment by Boone's is Back Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 2:22 pm
== there is no larger point here about how MJM’s resignation is ushering in a new wave of progressive politics.==
Could you elaborate on that?
Comment by low level Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 2:27 pm
==* Former Gov. Rauner…==
This guy needs more in his life. Hate ages you.
Comment by Precinct Captain Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 2:42 pm
Original text of Rauner’s statement.
ITALIA — “Uno dei migliori regali di compleanno che abbia mai avuto”
Comment by Third Reading Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 3:33 pm
Now he can enjoy that 170 % pension.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 3:46 pm
No reaction from Mike Coffey Jr. yet? He’s the Saputo’s owner.
Comment by Essential State Employee Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 4:25 pm
===Could you elaborate on that?===
Sure. What I’m saying is that Orr is trying to draw an inference here that isn’t justified. Just because MJM was pushed aside due to the ComEd probe doesn’t mean that the IL Dem Party is becoming more like this “brand.” Ie, an insane liberal who doesn’t understand how to govern. For instance, look at the fight for Speaker. Do you see the new Speaker as someone in the vein of David Orr? I certainly do not.
Comment by Boone's is Back Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 4:26 pm
Jim, Interested in this collaboration point you speak of so boldly. You think your policies don’t pass because of the Speaker? The GOP is anti-union, anti-science, anti-minority, anti-equality, anti-social programs etc, etc?
You just spent 4 weeks blasting the Black Caucus agenda.
Does Durkin think all Dems are closet Republicans?
Comment by Frank talks Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 5:02 pm