Ill. GOP slams RTA’s Madigan son-in-law hire

Ill. GOP slams RTA’s Madigan son-in-law hire

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Illinois Republicans are upset with a new hire at the organization overseeing the Chicago Transit Authority and Metra.

The Regional Transportation Authority recently hired Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s son-in-law, Jordan Matyas. He’ll oversee the Government Affairs Department and lobby state government for funds for transportation services in Northeast Illinois.

In a written statement, the head of Illinois Republicans, Pat Brady, said the RTA should rescind Matyas’ employment and that it’s an attempt by the agency to curry favor with the Speaker of the House.

In published reports, an RTA spokeswoman says Matyas is qualified for the job and the hire was not politically motivated.

Matyas has worked in the White House and for the Humane Society of the United States. He also lobbied state government for a company that deals with payday loans in Illinois. That company reportedly made millions of dollars from the resulting legislation.

Matyas was not immediately available for comment.