Will Cousineau, Madigan’s longtime aide, continues his testimony for a second day.

The jury met around 9:15 a.m. Wednesday, before Cousineau returned to the stand.

Cousineau played a dual role as Madigan’s issues director and political director for the Illinois Democratic Party.

In exchange for his testimony, the government gave Cousineau a letter of immunity, which essentially says he cannot be charged if he testifies honestly.

During his testimony, Cousineau provided insight into how the President’s office operated under Madigan and the people who were part of his inner circle, including Cousineau, Chief of Staff Tim Mapes, Heather Weir Vaught, Craig Willert and Mike McClain, among others. others. others. Of these, only Mike McClain was not directly employed by the speaker’s team.

Testimony focused on Cousineau’s role in efforts to pass two major bills: EIMA in 2011 and FEJA in 2016. Both bills are at the heart of the government’s corruption case v. Madigan and McClain, with respect to the ComEd portion. of the indictment, in particular.

Although Cousineau was not directly involved in the 2011 adoption of EIMA or the Smart Grid, Cousineau testified about how the speaker often stood in for committee members when they needed to pass votes. specific bills, and they knew regular members would vote. against the bill.

In November 2016, Cousineau participated in several working group meetings regarding ComEd’s second major legislative push, FEJA.

McClain, who has been a contract lobbyist for ComEd all this time, was also on the task forces. Cousineau said he played a dual role.

“Mr. McClain certainly explained or spoke about what the company was looking for. But he was also there as a strategic advisor to the speaker,” Cousineau said.

In the days leading up to the December 1, 2016 vote that finally saw FEJA become law, it became clear that there were not enough Democratic votes to pass the legislation. Cousineau and his team, along with the Sierra Club, set out to convince members to influence their votes.

“I just talked to them about the bill and why they should support it,” Cousineau said. “We wanted the bill to pass the House of Representatives.”

Often during his testimony, Cousineau seemed reluctant to respond or did so in a low voice.

This is the third time Cousineau has been called to testify in a federal case related to Madigan. He had already been summoned during both the ComEd Four trial and the perjury trial of Tim Mapes, Madigan’s former chief of staff.

The court recessed around 10:45 a.m.

The hearing will adjourn on Wednesday at 3 p.m.

This should be the standard end time on Wednesday from now on.