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Archives
Posted inAnalysis, Policy
Reforming Illinois Government, Law By Law
Something to celebrate. In 2016, the legislature passed, and the governor signed, twenty-two good government bills that BGA supported. They make incremental reforms in the areas of streamlining, accountability, ethics and transparency.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Shaw: The Anatomy Of The Illinois Budget Impasse
Both sides’ reluctance to propose new taxes and fees, close loopholes or make massive budget cuts has made for insurmountable stumbling blocks.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Shaw: Radical Changes Needed For Budget Negotiations In Illinois
If our elected officials operate with a little faith, a little humility, a little respect and a healthy dose of trust, perhaps we can get somewhere.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Shaw: Follow FOIA Better Than Your Predecessors
Last year we had to sue both the comptroller’s and state’s attorney’s offices for public documents. Don’t make us do it again.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
BGA Analysis: Trump’s ‘Sanctuary City’ Plan Could Cost Chicago $3.6 Billion
Despite a clear lack of specific details from the President-elect, a BGA analysis shows that Chicago could lose billions in federal aid in 2017 if Donald Trump follows through on his campaign promises.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Let’s Be Frank: Chicago Bag Tax More About Bucks Than Environment
Pretending the bag tax is about anything other than revenue just breeds cynicism in already suspicious Chicagoans.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Chicago Cop Involved In Weekend Shooting Death Highlighted In BGA Examination
Officer John Poulos also shot and killed alleged burglar in 2013, an incident explored in detail by the watchdog group in May.
Posted inAnalysis, Policy
A Good Idea Goes Down: House Fails To Override AVR Veto On A Party Line Vote
The Automatic Voter Registration bill started out a bipartisan effort. But it ended up with the Governor’s veto and a House party line vote that fell short of an override. AVR is needed to expand voting, improve voting rolls’ accuracy. Can we get a compromise bill to implement this sensible idea?
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Lots Of Chicago Police Reform In The Air But Not Enough On The Ground
How committed is Rahm to police reform? Depends on who you ask.