Rock Island Today

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has been found guilty in a federal corruption trial in Chicago. Accused of exchanging legislation for favors from special interest groups, Madigan's case involved wiretaps and other evidence that revealed significant levels of corruption. Representative Dan Swanson expressed relief at the verdict, stating, "I am thankful for the investigators and prosecutors who spent years putting this case together and who finally brought Madigan to justice."

Swanson also highlighted the need for ethics reform in Illinois government following Madigan's conviction. He noted that Madigan was a powerful figure in Illinois politics, having served as Speaker of the House for 35 years.

In economic news, Illinois' corporate income tax receipts have decreased by 42% over the past year, resulting in a $145 million decline for the state treasury. State sales tax receipts also fell by $4 million in January compared to last year. Although taxes from electronic sports gambling increased by $28 million, they were insufficient to offset the overall decline.

The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability has warned that there are no reassuring signs of improvement in the state's financial outlook this year. Illinois faces a $3.2 billion budget deficit for the upcoming fiscal year and managed to balance current spending only by raising taxes nearly $1 billion.

Representative Swanson introduced several bills this spring session. House Bill 1149 proposes awarding academic credit for firefighter training applicable to degree programs at higher education institutions in Illinois. Another bill, House Bill 1754 or the TICK Act, aims to improve awareness of alpha-gal syndrome and Lyme disease by providing timely information to health departments and residents.

House Bill 3017 offers a $5,000 tax credit for employers hiring military spouses relocating with personnel assigned to new posts in Illinois.

Additionally, there will be a free showing of "Glory" at Galesburg's Orpheum Theatre tomorrow night at 7 p.m., supported by United Way of Knox County. The event aims to raise awareness about twelve local soldiers who fought with the 54th Massachusetts regiment during the Civil War.

Further updates include a U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit involving immigration against Illinois, tuition-free court reporting training programs offered by the state in Urbana and Wheaton, restoration projects using new technology at Rock Island Arsenal, and public access to Abraham Lincoln's ledger from his presidency through his assassination now open in Springfield.