McHenry Times

Republican candidate for governor Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Louisville) has proposed legislation that would prevent convicted politicians from receiving state pensions. 

In explaining his proposed legislation, Bailey also expressed confidence that it could also serve as another tool for fighting crime in the state.

"Illinois is mired in corruption, and it is time we make Illinois the state with the highest penalties in the country for public corruption crimes," Bailey said. "Stopping crime and supporting the rule of law begins with punishing corrupt public officials," he said. "One of the best places we can start is to enact legislation denying pension benefits to any public official convicted [of] public corruption. Rooting out the culture of corruption in Springfield is not just a talking point. Rooting out corruption is an essential part of my mission to transform Springfield."

The proposed legislation comes as former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan continues to receive a taxpayer-funded pension despite being charged in a federal bribery case. After he retired in 2021, Madigan gets paid $149,000 annually for the 50 years he spent in the State House of Representatives, 36 years of which he functioned as a Speaker, the Chicago Tribune reported.

Madigan is embroiled in a $150 million bribery scandal involving the giant power company ComEd, according to Illinois Policy. Madigan has denied all charges.

Madigan is facing a lengthy prison sentence if found guilty. Despite being charged with 22 counts of public corruption, Madigan appears active in politics. According to an NBC Chicago report, he was seen in April in his former campaign office on the city's southwest side, Prairie State Wire reported.