Speaker Welch on the Resignation of Madigan
Speaker Welch on the Resignation of Madigan (Springfield, IL) – 50 year IL State Senator and former Speaker of the House Michael Madigan announced that he is resigning today amid corruption claims and federal investigation. He has served in the Illinois House since 1971, and served as speaker since 1983, with a two-year gap from 1995-1997 when Republicans took control of the House.
Newly elected Speaker, Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch released a statement saying, “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.”
Madigan has a 56% majority vote in selecting his replacement. We can expect the announcement to come soon as Madigan is expected to formally give up his role as Senator by the end of the month.
Speaker Welch on the Resignation of Madigan
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