Kane County Reporter

Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan reported to prison on October 13 after being convicted earlier this year on ten counts, including bribery, wire fraud, conspiracy, and other corruption charges connected to a scheme involving Commonwealth Edison. He was sentenced in June to seven and a half years in federal prison and fined $2.5 million. A motion filed by Madigan to remain out of prison during his appeals process was denied by the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Despite Madigan’s conviction and sentencing, Republican lawmakers say Democrats have not advanced significant ethics reforms. Several Republican-sponsored bills addressing government misconduct are currently pending in Springfield:

- SB 2165 (Snyder Decision): This bill would expand the definition of bribery and legislative misconduct to include receiving property or personal advantage after an improper act has occurred, rather than only for future actions. It excludes lawful campaign contributions under the Election Code.

- SB 1815 (Revolving Door): Would prohibit employers from offering jobs or compensation to individuals barred by revolving door restrictions, with penalties up to three times the annual compensation offered.

- SB 53 (Lobbyists - No Promising Anything of Value): Prohibits lobbyists from offering anything of value—including campaign contributions—in exchange for support or action on legislative matters.

- SB 2355 (No Private Pay for Public Work): Would bar state employees from receiving private compensation for work performed as part of their official duties.

- SB 211 (SOEI Family Disclosure): Requires disclosure if a filer’s immediate family is employed by or holds office in the same unit of government.

- SB 2378 (RICO Wiretap): Expands Illinois’ R.I.C.O. law and allows court-ordered wiretaps for certain public corruption offenses.

Legislators returned to Springfield this week for the first three days of the Fall Veto Session scheduled for October 14–16, with additional session days planned later in October. During these sessions, lawmakers can reconsider bills vetoed by the Governor and address unresolved issues such as public transit funding shortfalls, energy policy changes, and tax incentives related to large projects.

Senator Don DeWitte also reported on recent activities within his district. He attended events at Geode Mental Healthcare’s St. Charles location, participated in the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce’s annual City Update alongside Holly Cabel from the St. Charles Park District, and joined a graduation ceremony at McHenry County Problem Court honoring individuals overcoming substance abuse and mental health challenges.

The Illinois Senate Republicans are organizing their annual Veterans Day Wall of Honor display at the Statehouse from October 28 through November 13. Families are invited to submit photos and stories about veterans by October 24 via email or mail for inclusion in an electronic memorial display.

The Illinois Department of Revenue issued a warning about a new text message scam targeting taxpayers with fraudulent messages claiming tax refunds have been processed and requesting banking information under threat of losing refunds. The department reminds residents that it communicates primarily through official mail or its secure online platform MyTax Illinois; unsolicited texts should be ignored.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency announced updates to its Electric Vehicle Rebate Program following recent legislation passed by the General Assembly. Changes include expanding eligibility definitions for low-income applicants—now covering those earning up to 80 percent of regional median income—and extending application deadlines from ninety days post-purchase to one hundred eighty days. The next rebate application cycle runs from October 28, 2025 through January 31, 2026; rebates will be distributed on a first-come basis according to program rules outlined at https://epa.illinois.gov/topics/ceja/electric-vehicle-rebates.html.

DeWitte has represented Illinois’ 33rd Senate District since his election in 2018 as a Republican successor to Karen McConnaughay.