Mike Madigan facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mike Madigan
Madigan in 2013
Chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois
In office April 3, 1998 – February 22, 2021
Preceded by	Gary LaPaille
Succeeded by	Robin Kelly
67th and 69th Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives
In office January 8, 1997 – January 13, 2021
Preceded by	Lee Daniels
Succeeded by	Chris Welch
In office January 12, 1983 – January 11, 1995
Preceded by	Arthur Telcser
Succeeded by	Lee Daniels
Minority Leader of the Illinois House of Representatives
In office January 11, 1995 – January 8, 1997
Preceded by	Lee A. Daniels
Succeeded by	Lee A. Daniels
In office January 14, 1981 – January 12, 1983
Preceded by	George Ryan
Succeeded by	Lee A. Daniels
Majority Leader of the Illinois House of Representatives
In office January 12, 1977 – January 14, 1981
Preceded by	Gerald W. Shea
Succeeded by	Arthur Telcser
Member of the Illinois House of Representatives
In office January 13, 1971 – February 18, 2021
Preceded by	Frank Savickas
Succeeded by	Edward Guerra Kodatt
Constituency	27th district (1971–1983) 30th district (1983–1993) 22nd district (1993–2021)
Personal details
Born	Michael Joseph Madigan (1942-04-19) April 19, 1942 (age 83) Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Shirley Murray
Children	4, including Lisa (adopted)
Education	University of Notre Dame (BA) Loyola University Chicago (JD)

Michael Joseph Madigan (born April 19, 1942) is an American politician. He served for a very long time in the Illinois House of Representatives. He was the leader of the Illinois House for almost 40 years.

Madigan was the longest-serving leader of any state or federal lawmaking group in U.S. history. He was a member of the Illinois House from 1971 to 2021. He represented different districts in Chicago during his time.

People often called him "the Velvet Hammer" or "the Real Governor of Illinois". This showed how much power he had in Illinois politics. He was also in charge of the Democratic Party of Illinois for over 20 years.

In January 2021, Madigan decided not to seek another term as Speaker. He was replaced by Chris Welch. Madigan then resigned from the Illinois House in February 2021.

Early Life and Education

Michael Joseph Madigan was born on April 19, 1942. He grew up in the Clearing neighborhood of Chicago. He went to Saint Adrian's Elementary School and St. Ignatius College Prep.

He earned his college degree from the University of Notre Dame. Later, he studied law at Loyola University Chicago School of Law. He became a lawyer in 1967.

While in law school, Madigan met Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley. He also became friends with Daley's son, Richard M. Daley. Madigan and Richard M. Daley both helped write the current Constitution of Illinois in 1969-70.

In 1972, Madigan started his own law firm. It was called Madigan and Getzendanner.

Political Leadership

Madigan became a very important leader in the Democratic Party. He was known for his strong political skills.

Ward Committeeman

In 1969, at age 27, Madigan became the youngest ward committeeman in Chicago. This meant he was in charge of the Democratic Party in his local area, the 13th Ward. His ward organization was known for being very organized.

Leading the Illinois Democratic Party

In 1998, Madigan was chosen to be the chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois. He took over from his former chief of staff, Gary LaPaille. As chairman, he moved the party's main office to Springfield, Illinois.

Madigan held this important position until February 22, 2021, when he resigned.

Serving in the Illinois House

Madigan, circa 1977

In November 1970, Madigan was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives. He represented a district on Chicago's southwest side. This area is near Midway International Airport.

Speaker of the Illinois House

Madigan, circa 1985

Madigan served as the Speaker of the Illinois House for many years. He held this powerful role from 1983 to 2021. The only time he was not Speaker was from 1995 to 1997. During those two years, Republicans had control of the House.

He is the longest-serving state House speaker in United States history. As Speaker, he had a big influence on state laws and policies.

Madigan was also in charge of drawing the maps for legislative districts in Illinois. He designed these maps to help his party win more seats.

Working with Governor Blagojevich

Madigan had a difficult relationship with Governor Rod Blagojevich. They often disagreed on how the state should spend money. Blagojevich wanted to increase state spending. Madigan thought the state should spend less.

In 2007, they argued about the state budget. Madigan suggested less spending than the Governor. Their disagreements sometimes made it hard for the state government to get things done.

In December 2008, Madigan started the process to remove Governor Blagojevich from office. This happened after the Governor was arrested. Madigan led the House in voting to impeach Blagojevich. This means the House formally accused him of wrongdoing. The Illinois Senate then voted to remove Blagojevich from office.

Campaign Funding

Madigan received many donations for his political campaigns. He admitted that he was more likely to respond to calls from people who donated money.

He received a lot of support from labor unions. Between 2002 and 2012, he received over $670,000 from unions. This included money from teachers' unions and public employee unions.

Illinois set limits on campaign donations in 2009. However, politicians could still raise money for different campaign funds. Madigan controlled four different fundraising groups. This allowed him to raise a lot of money.

Tax Policy Ideas

Madigan had ideas about how Illinois should collect taxes. In 2011, he supported raising the state income tax. It went from 3% to 5.25%. This was meant to help the state's budget problems.

He also suggested raising taxes on very wealthy people. This money would help pay for public schools. Another idea was to change the tax system to a "graduated rate." This means people with higher incomes would pay a higher tax rate. Currently, Illinois has a flat tax rate, where everyone pays the same percentage.

Retirement Benefits Law

Madigan played a key role in passing a law called SB-1. This law changed the retirement plans for state employees. It reduced some of their benefits. However, the Illinois Supreme Court later said this law was against the state's constitution. The court ruled that the law illegally reduced promised benefits.

Resignation

On February 18, 2021, Madigan announced his resignation. He stepped down from his position as a state representative. His resignation became effective at the end of February.

Madigan's Law Firm

Madigan is the founder and a senior partner at the law firm Madigan and Getzendanner. This firm specializes in helping businesses appeal their property taxes. They work to get lower property tax bills for their clients.

Some people questioned if Madigan's political power helped his law firm. His firm represented many valuable buildings in downtown Chicago. They often got large tax reductions for their clients.

Judges in Illinois are elected. Madigan, as a Democratic Party leader, was involved in choosing judicial candidates. This led to some people wondering if there was a conflict of interest.

The Madigan Family in Government

Madigan and his wife, Shirley, have four children. His oldest daughter, Lisa Madigan, also became a well-known politician. She served as the Illinois Attorney General from 2003 to 2019.

Shirley Madigan, his wife, is the head of the Illinois Arts Council. His son-in-law, Jordan Matyas, works as a lobbyist for the Regional Transportation Authority. This shows how several members of his family have been involved in Illinois government.

In 2002, Madigan helped his daughter Lisa raise a lot of money for her campaign for Attorney General. She raised more money than other candidates running for governor that year.

Electoral History

See also

• List of Illinois state legislatures