© 2024 WSIU Public Broadcasting
WSIU Public Broadcasting
Member-Supported Public Media from Southern Illinois University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Illinois Issues: Mike Madigan and the "Party of Economic Opportunity"

Illinois Issues

This week, we’re revisiting an Illinois Issues interview with House Speaker Michael Madigan — from 1988.Read Mike Klemens' original report for Illinois Issues.

You won’t be surprised to learn Republicans were attacking him that year — some things never change. But you might be surprised about why they were attacking him: Madigan had refused Republican attempts to *raise* Illinois' income tax rate.

In the interview, Madigan talked about his views on taxation and its relationship to Illinois’ poor business climate — many of the same topics that are in play today.

The journalist asking the questions in 1988 was Mike Klemens, then Illinois Issues’ Statehouse bureau chief. He went on to work for the Department of Revenue, and is now a tax policy consultant. He spoke with our reporter Brian Mackey.

As a WSIU donor, you don’t simply watch or listen to public media programs, you are a partner. By making a gift, you help WSIU produce, purchase, and broadcast programs you care about and enjoy – every day of the year.