Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and House Minority Leader Tom Cross

By Todd Wineburner 

Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan and House Minority Leader Tom Cross gathered the newly formed Illinois House of Representatives yesterday (Wednesday) after the swearing-in ceremony, but the tone wasn't celebratory. Madigan told members that the state's financial situation was a true crisis, and Cross echoed his sentiments, telling members that lawmakers are facing situations that the state hasn't faced since the great depression. Democrats now hold a 71-47 majority in the House, and 40-19 in the Senate, meaning the existing power structures are in place for the next two years.