Better Government Association

The BGA's public policy program works in concert with the investigative program, explaining to the public what an investigation means to them and providing recommendations for improving current policies and legislation. Recommendations are based on independent research and analysis, expert testimony and evaluation and institutional knowledge.

BGA Report: Public bodies not complying with FOIA

A report by the Better Government Association (BGA) reveals an overwhelming rate of failure among public agencies asked to produce public records.

The report, "Curiosity Killed the Cat" details the challenges an ordinary citizen faced, when asking for public records from 408 units of government in Illinois. BGA Fellow Daniel Lombard sent the requests to gauge the government’s compliance with FOIA for those other than news organizations or watchdogs like the BGA.

BGA Integrity Index

The BGA Integrity Index establishes a baseline measurement of the relative strength of existing laws....

Publicly released in the Chicago Tribune on November 10, 2002, the Index has already attracted media attention....

Download the BGA Integrity Index (PDF)

Illinois Procurement Law

In 2001 the BGA and the Chicago Tribune investigated the effects of changes made to the Illinois Procurement Code. The study found that numerous loopholes were created, in what was billed as a measure to help eliminate conflicts of interest.

Read the story from the September 16, 2001 Chicago Tribune

Read the findings and recommendations from the Better Government Association (PDF)

BGA Policy Initiatives