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.
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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?
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Report Details CPS Free Lunch Fraud, Improper Financial Benefits
Findings by the Chicago Public Schools inspector general follow an investigation by the BGA and CBS 2 Chicago.
Posted inPress Release
BGA Files Amicus Brief in David Koschman Case
BGA supports the appointment of a special prosecutor to look into 2004 death, and how authorities handled the ensuing investigation.
Posted inFollow-Up, Legal, Results & Reforms
CPD RELEASES DEPLOYMENT DATA
JAN. 3, 2012 — Just weeks after the BGA sues the Chicago Police Department in Cook County Circuit Court to obtain documents showing where plainclothes officers were deployed, CPD reverses course and releases the data.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
City Treasurer’s Police Detail Paid Thousands in Overtime
Why are Chicago taxpayers paying for a police officer to chauffeur Stephanie Neely to the gym, and her kid to school?
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Protecting a Perk in DuPage County
DuPage County Board members could have taken a big step toward halting their taxpayer-funded pensions, but opted to hang on to the potentially lucrative benefit.