Rockford Sun

State Representative Joe Sosnowski, a Republican from Rockford, responded to the guilty verdict in the federal court case against former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan. A jury found Madigan guilty on ten counts of bribery, conspiracy, and wire fraud.

"Although Mike Madigan was found guilty on multiple counts, the culture of corruption in Illinois remains very much evident," said Sosnowski. "This verdict should send a message to the leaders in our state that something has to change. The pattern of corruption eroding public confidence in Illinois and abusing taxpayers cannot be tolerated."

Sosnowski urged for ethics reform, highlighting efforts by House Republicans who have introduced comprehensive ethics reform legislation aimed at strengthening Illinois' ethics laws. The proposed measures include prohibiting public officials from using campaign funds for legal defense, suspending pensions for retired lawmakers facing corruption charges, and ending the practice where legislators transition into lobbyists shortly after leaving office.

"Unless the General Assembly takes action to eradicate the practices that continue to allow the 'Madigan Way' to fester, unethical behavior will still be the norm in Illinois," Sosnowski stated. "Enough is enough! The people of Illinois deserve better."

Despite these calls for reform, the Democratic Supermajority in the House has not permitted committee hearings or votes on any of the proposed ethics legislation from House Republicans.

Representative Sosnowski represents Illinois' 69th District, which includes parts of Winnebago, Boone, and McHenry Counties.