Private conference calls between aldermen and Mayor Lori Lightfoot violated “nearly every meaningful requirement” of the Illinois Open Meetings Act, the lawsuit says.
Marie C. Dillon
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Dillon: How To Keep An Eye on Government During COVID-19 Emergency
Public bodies throughout Illinois are holding virtual meetings during the statewide stay-at-home order. The Open Meetings Act still protects the right of citizens to observe and participate.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Dillon and Topic: FOIA Is Essential During COVID-19 Emergency (and Always)
State and local governments have exercised extraordinary authority to deal with the public health crisis. That calls for more transparency, not less.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Dillon: To Break the Cycle of Ethical Failure, Fix the Legislative Oversight System
In Illinois, the Legislative Inspector General answers to a panel of legislators appointed by other legislators. No wonder this doesn’t work.
Posted inAction, Analysis, Policy
BGA Supports Limits on Lobbying by Government Officials
The measure was sponsored by Ald. Michele Smith, chair of the Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight, and Ald. Matt O’Shea, 19th.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Dillon: Serious About Ethics Reforms? Start Here
The General Assembly needs a fully empowered inspector general. It also needs stronger laws against legislative misconduct.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Dillon: Don’t Count on Illinois Lawmakers to fix Weak Ethics Laws. Gov. J.B. Pritzker Needs to take Charge
Why have multiple reform efforts failed to clean up the state Capitol? One answer is that the General Assembly never fixed the laws that apply to itself.
Posted inAction, Analysis, Policy
BGA and Illinois Press Association Defend NPR Illinois Reporters’ First Amendment Rights
In a letter to the University of Illinois Board of Trustees, the BGA’s David Greising and the IPA’s Sam R. Fisher say the university’s Title IX policy is at odds with journalists’ right to protect confidential sources.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Dillon: Time to Talk (Again) About Taxing Retirement Income
Illinois is an outlier when it comes to taxing retirement income — it simply doesn’t. That means younger generations will shoulder a tax burden they didn’t create. That’s a disincentive for them to stay.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Dillon: No More Parking Meter Deals
The City Council’s Office of Financial Analysis can help aldermen make sound decisions about money matters. This ordinance will unlock that power.
