Chair Kifowit, Vice Chair Rohr, Rep. Reick, members of the committee: Thank you for the invitation to speak today about one of the most important issues facing our state: How […]
Policy Statements
Posted inPolicy Statements
Make the Judicial Branch Subject to FOIA
Below is a letter BGA Policy sent to the General Assembly of Illinois urging them to support court transparency: In Illinois, the public has the right to documents and information […]
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BGA, Civic Federation, League of Women Voters Pen Letter to Mayor Johnson and City Council Regarding Transparency Concerns
The Better Government Association, Civic Federation and League of Women Voters of Chicago sent the following to Mayor Brandon Johnson and the City Council Committee on Rules: February 27, 2024 […]
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Burke Trial Verdict Demands a Culture Shift at City Council
Former Chicago alderperson Ed Burke was today found guilty by a jury on 13 out of 14 charges, including racketeering, conspiracy, extortion and bribery. Co-defendant Charles Cui was also found […]
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Council Suspends New Gallery Access Restrictions After BGA Objections
A notice on the Chicago city clerk’s website Tuesday announced the postponement until further notice of proposed rules restricting public access to City Council’s gallery seating. The postponement followed warnings […]
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New Rules Inhibit Public Attendance at Council Meetings
After weeks of confusion, written rules for public attendance at Chicago City Council meetings have been published on the City Clerk’s website. The Better Government Association believes the new rules […]
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Mayor Johnson’s Proposed FOP Contract Obtained by BGA Policy
A collective bargaining agreement between the City of Chicago and the Fraternal Order of Police, which represents the city’s rank-and-file police officers, is scheduled for a vote today in City […]
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BGA Notifies Johnson Administration of Possible Open Meetings Act Violations
The Honorable Brandon Johnson Mayor, City of Chicago CC: Alvin Starks City Council Sergeant-at-Arms Chairwoman Michelle Harris Committee on Committees and Rules December 2, 2023 Dear Mayor Johnson: In […]
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Unwritten Rules Limit City Council Gallery Seating; Reserve Prime Spots for “Invitation Only”
Free and equitable access to City Council meetings is a basic bulwark of our civic democracy. Any changes to policy and procedures should be undertaken only with public input and […]
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Policy: BGA Condemns Improper Adjournments of City Council Meetings
There’s a democratic process, and it isn’t “Turn off the lights and mics”