Representative Dan Swanson’s March 6 Capitol News Update

Inside:

• Madigan co-conspirator sentenced
• Bills to help special education teachers
• FFA tractors, talking education, and more pancakes
• Spring forward!

Madigan co-conspirator sentenced

The ongoing fallout from the Mike Madigan corruption scandal continues, as another of Madigan's co-conspirators was recently sentenced by a federal court.

Fidel Marquez was utility giant ComEd's chief government affairs executive and was convicted of serving as the facilitator of do-nothing contracts for Madigan cronies. These contracts to hire his friends were in fact bribes for Madigan, who returned the favor by passing legislation in Springfield which was friendly to ComEd. Madigan was tried, convicted and sentenced last year to more than seven years in prison.

Marquez agreed to wear a wire for federal investigators and played a key role in developing evidence used to convict Madigan and other conspirators. In exchange, prosectors asked for a sentence of two years' probation and a $50,000 fine for his role in the scheme.

Though many pieces of ethics reform legislation have been introduced to clean up corruption in Springfield, there has been very little action on the issue since Madigan was indicted four years ago this week. We will have yet another chance to act this spring.

Bills to help special education teachers

Illinois has endured a teacher shortage for many years. One area where this shortage is especially acute is for special education teachers, a job which requires additional training and skills beyond those of everyday classroom teachers.

This year I am sponsoring a pair of bills to help recruit and train more special education teachers for Illinois classrooms.

House Bill 4631 will create an additional 50 scholarships for aspiring special education teachers. The scholarships will be awarded each year by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to persons who qualify. This is a good way to attract more prospective special education teachers into the field.

I am also sponsoring House Bill 4634, legislation to appropriate $1 million to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to fund the Special Education Teacher Tuition Waiver Program for another year. This legislation would also make grants to reimburse universities for unfunded liabilities related to the program.

Both of these good bills are currently waiting in the House Rules Committee, where they will eventually be referred to a substantive committee for further review and action. With only seven session days scheduled at the end of this month before the deadline for bills to move out of committee, many members are growing concerned that too many bills are being overlooked this spring.

FFA tractors, talking education and more pancakes

Back when I was in school, on the last day of FFA week FFA members drove a tractor to school. It's great to see the tradition carries on at AlWood schools as at many other area schools. What has changed are the tractor colors. I remember at that time classmates drove Ford blue, International red, Case yellow, Allis Chalmers orange, John Deere green and White silver. Many did not have cabs: maybe the occasional factory, Hiniker or Year-a-Round cab, but mostly they were an open station.

After driving through the AlWood parking lot to see the tractors. I participated in the Education Roundtable sponsored by WRAM/WMOI radio, Monmouth College and Bridgeway at the Patton Block in Monmouth. The Roundtable was well represented by Leadership from area Colleges, school Districts and the Regional Office of Education. Thank you to the sponsors and Leaders.

On Sunday we started out enjoying some pancakes and sausage at the Annual Orion FFA Breakfast. I helped Jana Guinn, Stenzel Auction Service auction several great community-donated items and wood flowerpot stands made by the FFA students. The community support was fantastic. There was a great crowd and generous bidders. Good job FFA members. It was nice to meet the new FFA Advisor and teacher Ms. White.

Tammy and I made it to support the Rio Fire Protection District pancake breakfast. Thank you for all you do!

Spring forward!

Remember to set your clocks one hour ahead this weekend - daylight savings time begins at 2 a.m. on Sunday morning!

More news

Does Illinois rely too much on property taxes? A look at potential solutions

WalletHub survey: Illinoisans pay the highest tax rates in the country

Physicians assistants leave for Iowa due to licensing wait times in Illinois

Springtime is fishing time: get your Illinois 2026 fishing license now