Represented by the MacArthur Justice Center, BGA and DuPage County service provider Radical Hospitality Ministries, has filed suit against elements of the judicial branch to force compliance with transparency requirements […]
Policy Statements
Posted inPolicy Statements
Session Ends, but the Work Continues
This year’s schedule was unlike any in recent memory. While legislative sessions are always demanding, the greatest challenge was not the number of days lawmakers worked, but rather how those […]
Posted inPolicy Statements
Years of Advocacy Lead to New Judicial Transparency Policy
For nearly five years, the Better Government Association, through its leadership of the Court Transparency Coalition, has worked alongside lawmakers, civic organizations, and advocates to push for greater transparency and […]
Posted inPolicy Statements
David Glockner Confirmed as Chicago’s Next Inspector General
The BGA Policy team applauds the Chicago City Council’s approval of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s appointment of David Glockner as the next Inspector General for the City of Chicago. The Office […]
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City Council Approves Proactive Rental Inspection Working Group
Chicago’s city council today passed an ordinance establishing a working group to research, evaluate, and issue recommendations regarding health and safety inspections of rental units. The ordinance was produced and championed […]
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BGA Calls on Illinois Attorney General to Investigate Apparent Violations of the TRUST Act
As a nonpartisan organization dedicated to accountability, transparency and equity within government, the BGA is concerned about recent reporting indicating the Illinois TRUST Act likely is being violated without urgency […]
Posted inPolicy Statements
BGA Supports Cook County Mosquito Abatement Evaluation
Last week, the Better Government Association spoke in front of the Cook County Board of Commissioners and supported a resolution that calls for evaluation of countywide mosquito abatement practices and […]
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City Council Ethics Chair Forces Procedural Vote on Stalled Protections for Inspector General Investigations
Ald. Matt Martin (47th Ward), chair of the City Council ethics committee, filed a procedural motion last week to reclaim a stalled ordinance from the rules committee. If successful, Martin’s […]
Posted inPolicy Statements
Better Government Association Statement: Madigan Sentencing Brings Justice; Highlights Need for Ethics Reform
A federal judge today sentenced former Illinois Speaker of the House Michael Madigan to 7-½ years in prison and three years’ probation, as well as a fine of $2.5 million. […]
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Legal Evaluation Finds “No Legal Prohibitions” on Proposed Ordinance to Strengthen Chicago’s Inspector General
In a legal opinion solicited by the Better Government Association, Chicago law firm Loevy + Loevy found no legal prohibitions to an ordinance proposed by City Council ethics chair Ald. […]