The following is a statement by Illinois Senate Republican Caucus calling on Michael Madigan to step aside as Speaker of the Illinois House.

“Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan exerts absolute control over what issues get a hearing and which get a vote in the Illinois House. As the US Attorney announced last week, that process allegedly comes with a price.

Illinois Democrats, who control both chambers of the Illinois legislature, should embrace reforms that will ensure all the power of legislating is not consolidated into the hands of one allegedly corrupt process. This can be done by improving transparency and enacting a fair redistricting process.

What is abundantly clear to our caucus and every concerned citizen in Illinois is the fact that Michael Madigan can no longer serve as Speaker of the Illinois House, and he should step aside from this leadership position immediately.”