Dupage Policy Journal

Veteran state Rep. Amy Grant (R-Wheaton) can’t think of a worse time for lawmakers in Springfield to be absolving their responsibilities.

“I think it’s a terrible move,” said Grant about Illinois legislative leaders recently announcing the cancellation of the fall veto session over COVID-19 concerns and rising infection rates. 

“I think that Speaker (Mike) Madigan should be taking into consideration that people here need fair government. Right now, we have one person making all the rules and shutting down all our businesses," said Grant.

Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan, who is currently under investigation in an ongoing federal correction probe | File Photo

Grant stated she doesn’t put much stock in an email sent from Madigan’s office to lawmakers where he insists he has the backing of a “strong majority” of House Democrats who support the move in light of the circumstances.

“This is about Mike Madigan being kin trouble and not wanting to face any questions about,” she said, “There might be some concerns about COVID, but this is what this comes down to.”

The state’s longest-serving lawmaker, Madigan now finds himself at the center of an ongoing federal corruption probe involving ComEd and a pay-for-play scheme where all the perks are alleged to have been steered to him in exchange for favorable legislation.

“He’s in trouble, and he knows it...It’s why you see him doing all the desperate things he’s doing," said Grant.

In her mind, Grant argues Illinois can ill-afford not to be putting all of its leading minds together at such a critical time for the state.

“Republicans have talked to the governor and told him we need to be back,” she said.

“The issue is only made more critical now that his so-called fair tax has failed. Where do we get the money from now that he argues is so critically needed. We need to be back in session. I know I have some ideas that could work, like looking at all state agencies and requiring cuts and mandating no new hires," said Grant.