Chambana Sun

Brandun Schweizer, representative for Illinois State House District 104, commented on the verdicts in Michael Madigan's trial, stating that while Madigan was found guilty, the state continues to grapple with corruption issues. He made this statement on Facebook on February 12.

"Even though Mike Madigan was found guilty of several crimes, the culture of corruption in this state remains very much evident," said Schweizer, State Representative, according to Facebook. "These verdicts should send a message to the leaders in our state that something has to change, and the pattern of corruption plaguing Illinois can no longer be tolerated."

According to a news release highlighted in Schweizer's Facebook post, he expanded on the conviction of former House Speaker Michael Madigan. Schweizer said Madigan's tainted legacy persists, noting that the House rules crafted by Madigan over four decades ago remain in effect for the current General Assembly. The release also mentioned that Schweizer and his colleagues have introduced legislation aimed at ethics reforms. These include suspending pensions of retired lawmakers facing corruption trials, preventing legislators from becoming lobbyists, and banning the use of campaign funds for legal defense in corruption cases.

Screenshot of State Representative Brandun Schweizer's Feb. 12 Facebook post | State Representative Brandun Schweizer's Facebook page

The U.S. Department of Justice announced Madigan's conviction in a February 12 news release. A sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled; however, Madigan could face up to 20 years in federal prison for each count of wire fraud and up to 10 years for each count of bribery. He also faces a maximum sentence of five years for conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States. Madigan was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, four counts of using interstate facilities to promote unlawful activity, three counts of wire fraud, and two counts of bribery.

The Illinois Policy Institute is urging Madigan to return pension payments to the state, according to a report from The Center Square. The report states that since retiring in 2021, Madigan has received nearly $600,000 in pension payments. The Illinois Policy Institute argues that under state law, he is required to repay these funds.

Schweizer was appointed to fill a vacancy in the 104th House District after Representative Mike Marron retired. A retired U.S. Marine Corps Master Sergeant, he also worked as a code enforcement inspector in Danville. He resides there with his wife and sons. According to his official biography for the Illinois House of Representatives, he created the Tiny Troops Soccer program which teaches young children living on military bases the basics of soccer.