The BGA policy team talks with WMAY’s Jim Leach about Gov. Bruce Rauner’s State of the State address and the BGA’s top legislative goal.
Analysis
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Fundraising Pressures Take A Toll On Pols
A retiring Congressman calls fundraisers nothing more than “panhandling with hors d’oeuvres.”
Posted inAnalysis, Policy
Muni Bankruptcy: Lawmakers Can Run But They Can’t Hide
Can Governor Rauner and state Republican leadership wrest control of the Chicago Public School system from Mayor Rahm Emanuel?
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
BGA Sets Springfield Priorities As Governor Addresses Lawmakers
Showtime in Springfield this week as governor delivers his annual “State of the State” address and we set our 2016 legislative priorities.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Time For Chicago Schools To Stop Admissions Fraud
Some parents in affluent Chicago neighborhoods are stealing coveted seats in elite schools from low-income students by falsifying their addresses.
Posted inAnalysis, Policy
Chicago Aldermen Rev Up Reform
BGA backs committee’s decision to send important inspector general bill to City Council; final vote expected Wednesday.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
City Council Factions Prepare For Inspector General Showdown
Watchdog or lapdog? Aldermanic factions prepare for a showdown this week over the power of a new Legislative Inspector General.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
BGA Looks Back At 2015 As We Turn The Page
Happy New Year from the BGA! To borrow a couple lines from Frank Sinatra, 2015 “was a very good year” for our watchdog team. But regrets? We’ve “had a few.”
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Preserving Police Records A Key To Real Reform
“Those who do not remember the past are doomed to repeat it.” Philosopher Santayana’s prophetic warning in 1905 is just as relevant today when it comes to the critical importance of preserving Chicago police records. But cop unions disagree.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
New York’s ‘Systemic Corruption’ Sadly Familiar To Illinois Watchdogs
Illinois watchdogs, including the Better Government Association, have been voicing that concern for years—powerful legislative leaders controlling the Statehouse for decades while, at the same time, profiting handsomely from lucrative businesses or law practices that intersect with government without having to disclose income or client details.