RTA hires Madigan in-law as top lobbyist

The Regional Transportation Authority has hired Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan’s son-in-law to serve as the agency’s top lobbyist.

Jordan Matyas’ official title is Deputy Executive Director, but he will be in charge of the RTA’s government affairs team. That division handles the lobbying efforts at local, state and federal levels. RTA officials said the position pays $130,000 a year.

Matyas formerly served as assistant counsel in the speaker’s office and was at one time manager of former Vice President Al Gore’s press office. Matyas is slated to start his new post on March 1.

Matyas married Tiffany Madigan in July of last year. He is also the brother-in-law Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan.

Speaker Madigan has been critical of the transit agency in recent years, but officials at the RTA deny the hiring was an attempt to mend fences with the longtime Democratic state legislator.

“There wasn’t any concern,” said RTA spokeswoman Diane Palmer. “What we were concerned about was hiring a highly qualified person who could lead the charge in the government affairs arena.”

Madigan spokesman Steve Brown said the speaker’s criticism of the agency has nothing to do with Matyas’ hiring. “I don’t see where one has to do with the other,” he said.

RTA officials said the normal hiring processes were followed to fill the position.