In just a few decades, the bottom line at the retirement fund for Chicago teachers sunk from healthy to sickly. Mayor Rahm Emanuel and a possible re-election rival, former schools CEO Paul Vallas, are now trading shots over which of them is to blame.
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Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Rauner’s EPA Does About-face and Will Hold Public Meetings on Volkswagen Money
The move follows criticism that decisions about how to spend $109 million from the auto company’s settlement were being made with big business in secret.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Police Shooting Bill On Fast-track Because It Changes Little
A BGA/WBEZ probe revealed suburban police are never disciplined for shooting people despite dozens of questionable incidents. Legislation to address the problem is meeting little resistance in Springfield but imposes only minor reforms.
Posted inAction, Analysis, Policy
Your Voice Mattered in the Fight for Fair Maps
Although we didn’t succeed in getting the Fair Maps Amendments onto the floor of the Senate and House for a vote, we have come far in the effort for fairer maps in Illinois.
Posted inAnalysis, Policy
Rescuing Illinois’ Public Safety Pension Funds
Nearly 98 percent of public safety funds in Illinois have more liabilities than assets. Advocates and officials have pushed to consolidate these hundreds of pension funds.
Posted inPress Release
Baum Family Fund Supports BGA Environmental Initiative
The grant will support the work of a dedicated BGA journalist to act as the public’s eyes and ears on environmental regulation and other issues over the next two years.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Doubek: Investigator Needed for the Biggest Government We Ignore
Water reclamation district commissioners are on the right track in creating an inspector general.
Posted inAction, Analysis, Policy
The BGA’s Policy Agenda in Springfield: Stay Tuned to What We’re Supporting to Improve Our Government
The hundreds of bills tracked by the BGA’s Policy and Civic Engagement team cover subjects like the Freedom of Information Act, ethics and disclosure, government streamlining, consolidation and more.
Posted inAction, Analysis, Policy
The BGA’s Policy Team Testifies in Support of Creating an Inspector General for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District
If done right, an Inspector General at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District will fight corruption and help improve operations and save money – potentially identifying millions in missed revenue or potential savings.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, PolitiFact
Fact-Check: The Chicago Gun Lie Trump Won’t Let Die
President Donald Trump headed to Dallas to speak to members of the National Rifle Association, repeating a familiar talking point about Chicago’s gun laws.