Several longtime lawmakers are leaving Springfield. Can we learn from these departures? Can we turn exits into insight?
Policy
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Wanted: Straight Talk About Chicago Police Training
The Emanuel administration released plans this month for a state-of-the-art facility for fire and police training. Chicago residents need straight answers about the scope and funding of this project.
Posted inAnalysis, Policy
Illinois Budget Post-Mortem: What Remains, What Made It, What Didn’t
While the income tax increase has dominated the news, there’s more in the budget that got done — and didn’t — that you need to know about.
Posted inAnalysis, Policy
15 Good Government Reforms Illinois Lawmakers Approved This Session
The Illinois General Assembly approved several pieces of legislation this session that the Better Government Association backed as good government reforms, including streamlining, accountability and transparency.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
How To Move From Impasse Illinois To Improving Illinois
Illinois has a budget after two years without one. How do we make sure it doesn’t happen again?
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
City, County Residents To Get Louder Voice On Issues
Both Chicago and Cook County, reputably closed off from the public eye, are taking steps toward more public accessibility.
Posted inAnalysis, Policy
Calculator: What An Illinois Income Tax Hike Means For You
Included in the budget Illinois lawmakers approved on July 6th was a 1.2 percentage point increase in Illinois’ income tax rate. Use our custom-made calculator to figure out how it impacts you and your family.
Posted inAnalysis, Policy
History Of Hurt: Timeline Of Illinois’ Painful Budget Impasse
A look at the history of the budget impasse and the damage caused by our elected officials’ inability to reach a compromise and approve a budget.
Posted inAction, Analysis, Policy
BGA Testifies For Government Streamlining In Springfield
BGA Policy Analyst Jose Sanchez testified in favor of smart government streamlining in Springfield Monday afternoon.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
It’s Time To Talk About Sharing More At City Hall
Chicago City Council members ought to step back and look around at some other ways they can proactively open up their processes and encourage more public access and participation in city government.