As the Tribune’s editorial states:
In his little-known role as the state’s librarian, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White maintains government archives, administers grants to local libraries, oversees literacy programs — and launders money to pay for House Speaker Michael Madigan’s pet projects.
The Tribune’s Ray Long explained how that works in a story in Sunday’s editions: Last year, Madigan parked a $35 million state grant — earmarked for Chicago Public Schools projects supported by the speaker — in the secretary of state’s account. We touched on this in a Sunday editorial, but it deserves even more discussion.
Democrats in the General Assembly were preparing to pass a spending plan that was more than $1.5 billion out of whack. Madigan wanted to make sure the new middle school under construction in his Southwest Side legislative district would be safe when the money ran out.
Also protected by the maneuver were school projects in a neighboring district represented by Rep. Dan Burke, D-Chicago, and the South Side district represented by House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie.
As anyone who reads my work will know, I am no fan of Speaker Madigan. In point of fact, over my years here in Illinois I have learned to loathe what John Kass has dubbed “the Ruler of Madiganistan.” For three decades, Madigan has ruled with an iron fist. Under his direction the state now barely balances over the abyss of fiscal catastrophe. At least the new middle school in Madigan’s district will be nice.
