Illinois Valley Times

State Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) can only think of one use for the $200 million fine recently slapped on ComEd as part of a still ongoing federal corruption probe.

Rezin is one of several GOP lawmakers co-sponsoring a House resolution calling on the U.S. Congress to return the fine to the company’s ratepayers either through direct payments or by directing the funds to the Illinois Commerce Commission for distribution.

“Because of the ongoing investigation, I think it’s fair to return the money to ratepayers,” Rezin told the Illinois Valley Times. “I’ve received positive reaction to the idea from ratepayers and my constituents. I know something like this is unprecedented to ask for but in this case I think ComEd’s customers should have a claim to any financial restitution related to wrongdoing.”

Meanwhile, longtime House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) still finds himself at the center of the probe, which asserts that the company engaged in a “years-long bribery scheme” involving jobs, contracts and payments that were steered to him in his role as House speaker and chairman of the Illinois Democratic Party. Despite all his troubles, Madigan was recently able to raise upwards of $555,000 in a single-day fundraiser.

“To get this state back on the right track, we have to remove leaders that are being investigated and put in new leaders that are committed to working on behalf of the people,” Rezin added. “It’s the only way forward.”

Rezin noted copies of Senate Resolution 1290 will soon be delivered to the U.S. Senate majority leader, the U.S. Senate minority leader, the U.S. speaker of the House, the U.S. House of Representatives minority leader, and all members of the Illinois Congressional delegation.