Mike Madigan Supports J.B. Pritzker's Tax, Marijuana Plans

SPRINGFIELD, IL — House Speaker Mike Madigan said he expects to work very well with Gov.-elect J.B. Pritzker following a post-election meeting. The leader of Illinois Democrats and longtime holder of the party's purse strings said he broadly supports the newly elected Democratic billionaire's legislative agenda, which includes plans to implement a graduated income tax and legalize recreational marijuana.

Starting in January, Democrats will hold the governor's mansion as well as supermajorities in the Illinois House and Senate. Madigan said he believes he will be re-elected to another term as speaker, a role he has held for all but two years since 1983.

Madigan told reporters in a hallway at the Capitol Tuesday his post-election conversation with Pritzker "very friendly and very productive." He declined to comment on the legacy of outgoing Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner.

"Oh, I'm not going to get into that," Madigan said. "I'm just happy that he's leaving."

State lawmakers, including more than 30 "lame ducks" on their way out of the General Assembly, will consider whether to attempt to override any of the dozens of bills blocked by the governor during the veto session that began this week.

During the campaign, Pritkzer contributed $7 million to Madigan's Democratic Majority political action committee, including a $2 million check on Nov. 9, according to the State Board of Elections. The Pritzker campaign told the Chicago Tribune the money was actually transferred Nov. 9, and a spokesman for Madigan said the donations covered about a third of campaign spending for House Democrats.

The governor-elect, who financed his campaign to the tune of a record-breaking $171.5 million, has said he also plans to take a look at campaign finance reform, according to the Associated Press.

Related:

• Pritkzer Plans To Live In Governor's Mansion, Appear With Rauner
• Pritzker Hopes To Legalize Marijuana Soon After Being Sworn In