House Speaker Mike Madigan: ‘what a difference it makes’ when having someone new in office

Posted on June 3, 2019
Michael Madigan
In his closing remarks, House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) explained what a difference it makes to have someone new leading the governor’s office. (Photo courtesy WikiMedia/Illinoislawmakers)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Just before adjourning the Illinois House until fall veto session, House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) could not resist a dig – without naming names – at ex-Gov. Bruce Rauner.

In welcoming Gov. JB Pritzker to the floor, Madigan said, “So, Mr. Governor, do you see what a difference it makes to have somebody new in the governor’s office? I understand the difference.”

“A lot of people have said some tough stuff on the floor,” said House Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs), noting the large number of freshmen this year. “Did you hear that today? Did you notice the tenor of the debates and the feeling that I had in the chamber today? It was pretty darned good. And you know why? Because we worked it out.”

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected].

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…