Legislative watchdog is ill-equipped compared to other Illinois watchdogs
Policy
Posted inPolicy
BGA State Policy Agenda 2023/24
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
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
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
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.
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.
Posted inPolicy
BGA Budget Hearings Snapshot: Department of Transportation, Chicago Public Library and Department of Law
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
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
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 […]
Posted inPolicy
BGA Budget Hearings Snapshot: Office of Public Safety Administration, Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection and Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities
Office of Public Safety Administration The Office of Public Safety Administration was created during the 2020 budget cycle to save costs and eliminate redundancies by consolidating non-uniformed public safety roles. […]