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Better Government Association

Better Government Association

Illinois' Non-Partisan Full-Service Watchdog

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Policy

Posted inPolicy

FOIA, Council Independence, IG Reports: Mayoral Candidates Address the Big Good-Government Questions

by BGA Policy February 1, 2023February 7, 2023

Mayor Lightfoot is only contender who declined to respond.

Posted inResearch & Analysis

Illinois Legislative Oversight is Weak Compared to Other States

by Sophia Van Pelt January 30, 2023January 31, 2023

Legislative watchdog is ill-equipped compared to other Illinois watchdogs

Posted inPolicy

BGA State Policy Agenda 2023

by BGA Policy January 2, 2023February 22, 2023

Our Policy Agenda: The Better Government Association policy team researches, drafts,  supports and advocates for legislation that improves transparency, efficiency, equity and accountability in government in Illinois. We actively seek to […]

Posted inPolicy

Court Transparency Coalition

by BGA Policy December 12, 2022March 1, 2023

To help shine light on Illinois’ judicial branch, BGA Policy is proud to lead the Court Transparency Coalition, which recommends that the judicial branch be added to the state’s Freedom of Information Act.

Posted inResearch & Analysis

How Illinois Courts Are Hidden From FOIA

by Sophia Van Pelt December 12, 2022January 27, 2023

Transparency allows the people of Illinois to see into the inner workings of their government and hold their elected officials accountable. But there is still one area shrouded in darkness: the judicial branch of Illinois government.

Posted inResearch & Analysis

Analysis: Cost of Chicago Legal Judgments and Settlements

by Geoffrey Cubbage November 7, 2022November 9, 2022

Despite improvements in budgeting for lawsuit costs under the Lightfoot administration, police settlements continue to exceed budgets, while other departments are not required to budget for payments.

Chicago City Hall lobby and elevator banks at City Hall.
Posted inPolicy

BGA Policy Statement: BGA Supports Resolution Requiring 48-Hour Notice for Direct Introductions to City Council Committees

by Bryan Zarou October 24, 2022November 10, 2022

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.

Posted inPolicy

BGA Budget Hearings Snapshot: Department of Transportation, Chicago Public Library and Department of Law

by Geoffrey Cubbage October 24, 2022November 10, 2022

Department of Transportation Change Highlights and Context Chicago Public Library Change Highlights and Context Department of Law Change Highlights and Context

Posted inPolicy

BGA Budget Hearings Snapshot: Board of Ethics and Chicago Police Department

by Geoffrey Cubbage October 21, 2022November 10, 2022

Chicago Police Department The Chicago Police Department is by far the largest of Chicago’s departments in terms of both appropriations and personnel. In the 2023 proposal, CPD’s $1.9 billion budget […]

Posted inPolicy

BGA Budget Hearings Snapshot: Chicago Fire Department, Chicago Commission on Human Relations and Office of Emergency Management and Communications

by Geoffrey Cubbage October 20, 2022November 10, 2022

Chicago Fire Department Change Highlights and Context Chicago Commission on Human Relations CCHR is the investigatory and enforcement agency for Chicago’s Human Rights and Fair Housing ordinances. The Commission also […]

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