BGA gets results. Investigations, watchdog tips and organizational development—highlights of our fast 2011 start: http://www.bettergov.org/BGA_Highlights_Jan_2011/
Sleepover smackdown. The Daily Herald reports that a Washington, D.C. watchdog group is challenging the legality and propriety of congressmen sleeping in their offices during the week to avoid lodging costs. The sleepover squad includes local Reps. Quigley, Rush, Lipinski and Walsh.
Bad taste? The Sun-Times reports the city is turning control of Taste of Chicago and other money-losing lakefront festivals over to the park district, instead of continuing privatization efforts. Taste will be scaled back but remain free.
Blizzard bonus? Also in the Sun-Times, Sneed’s column leads with an item about Cook County’s health and hospital system offering $250 bonuses to employees who braved the Groundhog Day blizzard to report for work.
Taxing tax breaks? SouthtownStar columnist Phil Kadner writes about a new state law that forces seniors to navigate a daunting pile of paperwork to qualify for tax breaks. Kadner says the law stems from a tax break controversy in a south suburban legislative race last year.
License lucre? The Trib covers a proposal from Illinois Senator John Mulroe of Chicago to raise revenue by selling ad space on license plates.
