© 2024 Peoria Public Radio
A joint service of Bradley University and Illinois State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Lawmakers Seek Independent Probe of House Speaker's Office

Three women Democratic state representatives are calling for an independent investigation of House Speaker Michael Madigan's office.

The announcement comes a day after an employee accused Madigan's chief of staff of making lewd comments and mishandling complaints of sexual harassment. Tim Mapes resigned, making him the second top Democratic leader forced out in less than a week.

Madigan said Wednesday he'd appoint an investigator to review all House operations.

But Reps. Kelly Burke of Oak Lawn, Ann Williams of Chicago and Deb Conroy of Villa Park say the investigation should be independent.  

The representatives are part of the newly-formed House Democratic Women's Caucus. They say the allegations show the "culture surrounding Illinois government and politics must change."

A Madigan spokesman said he couldn't comment because he hadn't seen the lawmakers' statement. 
 

The Associated Press is one of the largest and most trusted sources of independent newsgathering, supplying a steady stream of news to its members, international subscribers and commercial customers. AP is neither privately owned nor government-funded; instead, it's a not-for-profit news cooperative owned by its American newspaper and broadcast members.