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Madigan, Cullerton Re-Elected To Top Posts In Illinois General Assembly

llinois state legislators opened a new two-year session of the Illinois General Assembly Wednesday. Amid the ceremonies and celebrations, the focus remains on the political stalemate that's left Illinois without a budget for more than 18 months.

Democrats remain in firm control of the General Assembly, so it's not surprising Michael Madigan was re-elected speaker of the House for a 17th time. That's despite a Republican Party campaign to pressure Democrats into dropping him.

Meanwhile, over in the Senate, John Cullerton began his fifth term as president, and fretted that even amid talk of compromise and bipartisanship, forces are already gearing up for the next election.

"There's plenty of time and issues to campaign on when it's campaign season. How about if we just try governing for a little bit?"

Cullerton and his Republican counterpart, Minority Leader Christine Radogno, have crafted a deal to end the budget impasse. They've vowed to make it the first order of business when the Senate reconvenes later this month.

Governor Bruce Rauner has said there should be economic policy changes before a budget, which Democrats reject. It’s led to no policy changes and no budget.

Madigan countered Rauner’s proposals with his own ideas for drawing businesses to Illinois, like reducing the corporate income tax.

"If we lower the rate to (sic) 50 percent and I think we should do it, there must be one caveat: every corporation has to pay at least something," Madigan said. "There can be no free lunches."

Madigan made the comments at the Inauguration of House members in Springfield today.

  • Brian Mackey and Tony Arnold contributed to this report.

Brian Mackey formerly reported on state government and politics for NPR Illinois and a dozen other public radio stations across the state. Before that, he was A&E editor at The State Journal-Register and Statehouse bureau chief for the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin.