Represented by the MacArthur Justice Center, BGA and DuPage County service provider Radical Hospitality Ministries, has filed suit against elements of the judicial branch to force compliance with transparency requirements […]
Bryan Zarou
Bryan is a Public Policy & Government Affairs Professional with many years experience advocating for change by way of regulation and the legislative process. Born and raised on Long Island, Bryan spent many years in the private sector. He taught a wide range of political science courses as an Adjunct Professor in New York City, and has volunteered and advocated for nonprofits to both local and federal officials. In 2020, Bryan helped secure funding for the largest census appropriation in Illinois history; he has also authored and passed legislation signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker to help relieve nonprofits with a large tax burden effecting thousands of employees. During the pandemic, Bryan vehemently advocated to the federal government to ensure funding opportunities for the states larger nonprofits who help the most vulnerable in society. Currently, Bryan is an Adjunct Professor at Aurora University, lecturing courses in the Dunham School of Business and Public Policy. He is also the Vice President of Policy for the Better Government Association, the states oldest watchdog and civic advocate. Bryan holds both a bachelor’s and master’s in political science, from Wesley College and Long Island University, respectively.
Posted inPolicy Statements
Session Ends, but the Work Continues
This year’s schedule was unlike any in recent memory. While legislative sessions are always demanding, the greatest challenge was not the number of days lawmakers worked, but rather how those […]
Posted inPolicy Statements
Years of Advocacy Lead to New Judicial Transparency Policy
For nearly five years, the Better Government Association, through its leadership of the Court Transparency Coalition, has worked alongside lawmakers, civic organizations, and advocates to push for greater transparency and […]
Posted inPolicy Statements
David Glockner Confirmed as Chicago’s Next Inspector General
The BGA Policy team applauds the Chicago City Council’s approval of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s appointment of David Glockner as the next Inspector General for the City of Chicago. The Office […]
Posted inPolicy
Speaker Welch; President Harmon commit to transparent online archives
Illinoisans should not need insider access or paid subscriptions to see their government at work. Across most of the country, residents can easily watch, search, and review legislative proceedings online […]
Posted inPerspectives
Bryan Zarou: The state of ethics reform in a post-Michael Madigan Illinois
Michael Madigan is going to prison, but Illinois still has work to do to make state government more accountable.
Posted inPolicy Statements
BGA Policy Calls on House and Senate Leaders to Create Transparent Online Archives for Proceedings
Last month, we sent a letter to the Senate President and Speaker of the House requesting that they update their chambers and join the 44 other states that have free archives online […]
Posted inPolicy Statements
BGA Vice President of Policy testifies in favor of anti-SLAPP legislation
Chairwoman Gong Gershowitz, Spokesperson Ugaste, My name is Bryan Zarou, and I am the Vice President of Policy at the Better Government Association. The Better Government Association strongly supports HB1077. […]
Posted inPerspectives
Zarou: The New Term Limit for Chicago’s Inspector General Hopefully Will Start a Trend
Advocating for term limits for an office you hold is not the norm. Chicago Inspector General Deborah Witzburg deserves praise.
Posted inPolicy
BGA Policy Statement: BGA Supports Resolution Requiring 48-Hour Notice for Direct Introductions to City Council Committees
The BGA policy team supports R2022-687, a resolution modifying Chicago City Council’s internal rules to require 48-hour notice and public posting of any measures introduced into the City Council’s committees.