With support from the Senate and House Leadership, a bill to eliminate legislative scholarships can pass and be ready for the Governor to sign by the end of February.
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Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Former City Colleges Chief Due $500,000 in Unused Sick Pay
Since stepping down in 2009, ex-chancellor Wayne Watson has received a wellness windfall—$300,000, so far—but he’s not the only one benefiting from this sick system.
Posted inFollow-Up, Legal, Results & Reforms
APOLOGY, REPRIMAND
DEC. 12, 2011 — Following revelations by the BGA and FOX Chicago News that on-the-clock employees of Proviso High School Township District 209 may have been helping their boss, school board President Emanuel “Chris” Welch, with “opposition research” in his political campaign for state representative, Welch apologizes and the school district reprimands two workers.
Posted inAnalysis, Policy
Mayor Emanuel, Inspector General Still Spar Over City Hall Access
In his quarterly report released this week, Chicago Inspector General Joseph Ferguson disputed Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s use of attorney-client privilege to withhold documents from his office related to current misconduct investigations.
Posted inAnalysis, Policy
Legislative Scholarships Abused, Must Be Ended
It’s one of the great perks of membership in the Illinois General Assembly: Doling out annual legislative scholarships that provide students in their districts a free education at a state-sponsored university.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
IL Rep Gives Alderman’s Daughter Free Ride to U. of I.
In the latest controversy surrounding a lucrative political perk, the daughter of Chicago Ald. Anthony Beale—who has endorsed state Rep. Robert Rita for re-election in the past—ended up with a “legislative scholarship” from Rita.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Private-Sector Lobbyists Stand To Collect Public-Sector Pensions
Little-known aspect of Illinois state law allows employees of select trade groups to collect retirement benefits from taxpayers—a BGA Rescuing Illinois special investigation.
Posted inFollow-Up, Legal, Results & Reforms
AUDITORS FIND BLAME IN HOBART, IND., FIRE SALE
JAN. 12, 2012 — Following a BGA investigation into the questionable, under-the-table sale of municipal equipment by the City of Hobart’s now-former fire chief, auditors find he violated state protocols; the city increases oversight of assets.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Some Commissioners Fall Short on Furloughs
According to a report obtained by the BGA and the Chicago News Cooperative, four of the 17 Cook County commissioners did not fully abide by the furlough plan put in place last year to save hundreds of jobs.
Posted inAnalysis, Policy
Should Elected Officials Have to Clock In for Work?
Should Elected Officials Have to Clock In for Work?