State Representative Dan Ugaste (IL) | Representative Dan Ugaste (R) 65th District
State Representative Dan Ugaste (IL) | Representative Dan Ugaste (R) 65th District
Jurors in the trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan heard wiretap recordings last Thursday. These recordings featured conversations involving ComEd executive Fidel Marquez, who turned FBI informant, and Michael McClain discussing subcontractor arrangements allegedly linked to bribes. During a recorded meeting, McClain mentioned hiring contractors at Madigan's behest, suggesting that making it a federal court case would be straightforward.
In political developments, House Republican leaders outlined their priorities as the fall Veto Session commenced. Minority Leader Tony McCombie emphasized moving Illinois forward by addressing what she called poor public policies from the Democratic majority. Deputy Leaders Norine Hammond and Ryan Spain expressed concerns over the state's projected $3.2 billion budget deficit for Fiscal Year 2026 and called on Governor Pritzker to collaborate with Republicans on issues like energy prices and tax relief.
In legal news, Illinois' firearms ban was struck down by Judge Stephen McGlynn. The ruling found the law unconstitutional under both the Second Amendment and the 14th Amendment. This decision resulted in a permanent injunction against enforcing the ban. Supporters of the legislation have appealed to the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals.
House Minority Leader Tony McCombie introduced legislation aimed at protecting funding for meal delivery programs serving seniors, such as Meals on Wheels. Her bill seeks to reallocate $25 million from other state resources to support these essential services amid ongoing funding delays.
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