NW Illinois News

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan has begun serving a 7.5-year federal prison sentence at FPC Morgantown in West Virginia after being convicted on bribery and racketeering charges. Madigan, who led the Illinois Democratic Party for decades, was found guilty earlier this year.

Illinois State Representative Tony McCombie responded to the development, stating: “Today marks another painful chapter in Illinois’ long and troubling history of public corruption. Each scandal chips away at the public’s trust and further erodes confidence in our state government.

“What’s most disappointing is the silence from so many in the majority party, lawmakers either unwilling to condemn this behavior or unwilling to take real action to prevent it from happening again. Their inaction speaks volumes.

“Illinois can’t afford to keep repeating this cycle of scandal and shame. Meaningful ethics reform could be passed tomorrow, if only Democratic leaders would find the courage to join us in restoring integrity and trust in state government.”

During last week’s fall veto session, McCombie criticized House Democrats for what she described as partisan tactics instead of addressing key issues such as mass transit funding shortfalls, high energy prices, and cost of living concerns. She said: “Today, we witnessed yet another relentless barrage of partisan hypocrisy, filled with finger-pointing at the federal government instead of confronting the many important issues at home. While Illinois families are struggling with soaring costs and growing distrust in their leaders, Illinois Democrats are wasting time and taxpayer dollars to play political games.

“With only four legislative days remaining, Speaker Welch and the House Democrats are negotiating tax hikes and a new green energy giveaway package behind closed doors, while play acting on the House floor to distract from it.

“It’s time to put Illinois first and deliver solutions concerning skyrocketing energy costs, public safety, and overall relief to the families who need it most.”

House Republicans also voiced opposition after a resolution condemning political violence passed along party lines by a 74-34 vote. The resolution referenced recent immigration enforcement actions in Chicago. Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer said: “The purely political talk that we saw yesterday does not make things better for our constituents. It was an effort to divide this House and to keep it divided. We have to figure out a better way to move forward for the people of Illinois. Illinois is not getting better this way. It’s not getting safer.”

Republicans argue that legislative focus should shift toward addressing taxes, energy prices, and transit funding rather than political rhetoric.

On fiscal matters, GOP leaders expressed frustration that no significant legislation was passed before adjournment regarding tax relief for residents or businesses. Rep. Jeff Keicher warned that changes proposed by Governor JB Pritzker could hurt manufacturers’ willingness to invest in Illinois: “Because of the policies that continue to chase Illinoisans away, which are the nickel-and-dime taxes currently being proposed by the governor and Democrats, we are going to continue to see fewer and fewer people left to hold the burden, paying more, and developing an exit strategy from Illinois,” Keicher said.

Electricity prices remain high across much of Illinois following coal plant closures during 2025; Ameren Illinois expects rates will increase again next summer from 12.9 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) in 2025 up to 13.9 cents per kWh in 2026 for its service area customers.

McCombie commented: "Families and job creators are feeling the consequences of years of political energy experiments that ignore basic reality. Illinois has gone from being an energy leader to an energy importer—while bills climb higher and reliability slips away... We can’t afford policies that put politics before people."

Governor Pritzker drew criticism from Republicans after reportedly winning $1.4 million playing blackjack during a trip out-of-state while preparing new tax proposals back home for consideration during veto session deliberations.

Rep. Jeff Keicher stated: "The Governor is out of touch with reality... Since he took office, revenues have grown by 40 percent, yet every year he raises taxes and fees." Rep C.D Davidsmeyer added: "The Governor’s got to be one of the luckiest people on the planet... That’s not something the average Illinoisan can relate to."

Stellantis announced plans for a $600 million investment aimed at reopening its Belvidere Assembly plant as part of its broader U.S industrial strategy—a move expected eventually to support about 3,300 jobs locally after previous shutdowns idled production there since February 2023.

Open Enrollment for Medicare began October 15th; seniors may seek assistance through resources provided by the Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP), which offers counseling through local health departments statewide.

McCombie represents Illinois’ 89th House District as a Republican since her election in 2023 following Andrew Chesney's tenure.