The Independent Police Review Authority recently morphed into the Civilian Office of Police Accountability. BGA Policy Manager Rachel Leven explains what that means as the city searches for a new leader to head the new police watchdog agency.
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Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
New School Choice Plan Could Cost State More Than $12,000 A Student
Early estimates show the new tax scholarship program, while limited, could cost the state two to five times more a student than what it now spends on general aid for the state’s public schools students.
Posted inAnalysis, Policy
Feeling Railroaded? Our Calculator Helps You Add Up Metra’s Fourth Consecutive Fare Hike
For the fourth year in a row, Metra is planning to raise fares. Use our calculator to see how much the hikes have cost riders so far.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Doubek: Tackling Townships That Seem To Take, Take, Take
There are indeed efforts out there to trim government excess. Here’s a look at three smart streamlining laws aimed at township government.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Shaw: Some Beverage Tax Homework For Cook County Leaders
Retailers are reeling and consumers are complaining about the beverage tax, but are the Cook County commissioners listening?
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, PolitiFact
Fact Check: Gov. Rauner Is Mostly Right, The State Budget Is Out Of Balance
When it comes to budgeting, Gov. Rauner has been clearly guilty of some of the same sins he is now complaining about. But he’s right that the state budget is way in the red.
Posted inPress Release
Jill Wine-Banks, Watergate Prosecutor And Distinguished Lawyer, Joins BGA Board Of Directors
The Costly Toll of Dead-end Drug Arrests, published in December, examined how thousands of Chicagoans — mostly Black men — are arrested on drug possession charges judges, police and prosecutors all know will never stick.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
State Budget Whodunit Raises Doubt About Quick Savings From Pension Overhaul
Administrators at state pension systems are scratching their heads over how exactly an estimate for $500 million in pension savings came to be.
Posted inLegal
BGA Sues CPS For Refusal To Turn Over Records Related To Autistic Teen’s Drowning
The Better Government Association has sued the Chicago Public School district to obtain records that could shed light on the death of an autistic high school student who drowned in a swimming pool during gym class.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, PolitiFact
Fact-Check: Does The State’s New Education Law Create A ‘Voucher Program’?
The Chicago Teachers Union consistently describes a scholarship plan included in a new Illinois education bill as a voucher program and a tax shelter that will benefit the wealthy. But is that description accurate?