Illinois has severe budget problem. You cannot cut your way out of the problem. Michael Madigan More Quotes by Michael Madigan More Quotes From Michael Madigan This is not something that’s going to happen today. Michael Madigan politics I learned a long time ago, when you talk, you don’t learn. And my purpose today was to listen, to learn. Michael Madigan politics The lack of a resolution on the state budget and today's downgrade are direct results of the governor's continued focus on issues other than solving our budget crisis. Michael Madigan us-news We are involved in a historic struggle between two branches of government. Michael Madigan politics While I believe that a budget solution should include a balance of spending cuts and additional revenue, as a state it’s also our duty to protect our most vulnerable citizens, including children with autism, persons with developmental disabilities and lower-income women in need of breast cancer screenings. Michael Madigan politics My personal code of conduct and compliance with a wide range of government ethics provisions have ensured that I have maintained ethical standards. Michael Madigan personal compliance ethics government Everywhere in life, everywhere in the world, there has to be bosses. Michael Madigan everywhere bosses life world My view is that taxation ought to be based upon ability to pay. Michael Madigan view ability ought pay I was never involved in any criminal activity. The government is attempting to criminalize a routine constituent service : job recommendations. That is not illegal, and these other charges are equally unfounded, throughout my 50 years as a public servant, I worked to address the needs of my constituents, always keeping in mind the high standards required and the trust the public placed in me. I adamantly deny these accusations and look back proudly on my time as an elected official, serving the people of Illinois. Michael Madigan