Reforms are proposed for Illinois Department of Transportation in wake of patronage scandal first uncovered by Better Government Association.
Follow-Up
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Rauner’s Long Shot: Right-to-Work Zones
Governor’s employee “empowerment” tactic seeks local support but attracts widespread union opposition, a BGA Rescuing Illinois report concludes.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Matteson Changes Tune On Police And Fire Layoffs
After a Better Government Association investigation on questionable spending, Matteson’s elected officials decide against terminating police officers and firefighters, for now.
Posted inFollow-Up, Legal, Results & Reforms
Governor Pledges More Prison Guards
After the BGA presses Rauner administration for answers on massive overtime at the Illinois Department of Corrections, the governor proposes hiring 450 new prison guards.
Posted inFollow-Up, Legal, Results & Reforms
Matteson Reverses Course On Public-Safety Layoffs
The same day a BGA story appears in the Chicago Sun-Times highlighting proposed police and fire layoffs in Matteson, village officials back off, saying such public-safety cuts are no longer being considered.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Matteson Cries Poor But Spends Big
Staring down a nearly $8 million budget deficit next year, the Village of Matteson may draw down its public-safety work force significantly – with possible layoffs of 13 cops and eight firefighters.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
No Lift-Off Yet – Peotone Plan Faces Tough Critique
Potential developers and investors in a proposed south suburban airport point out risks, weaknesses in the idea.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, Newsroom
A Blast From The Fast – Ed Vrdolyak’s Campaign Funds
The Illinois State Board of Elections web site provides pretty good information on the fundraising activities of political committees and candidates, showing how much they are getting from donors, and from which donors, as well as how campaign dollars are being spent.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Clout College – Back In Session?
State legislator tries to resurrect controversial General Assembly scholarship program, which was abolished in 2012 amid concerns that politics and connections dictated which students got tuition waivers.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, Newsroom
Staff Overtime Soars At Illinois Prisons
The state Department of Corrections racked up a whopping $320 million in overtime and additional compensation pay over five years, a BGA Rescuing Illinois report reveals.