Following several BGA investigations on potentially illegal patronage hiring at the Illinois Department of Transportation, the head of the agency resigns under fire.
Results & Reforms
EX-SCHOOL OFFICIAL CHARGED
Following BGA/CBS2 investigation, suburban school treasurer is charged with stealing more than $1.5 million in taxpayer money.
QUINN CHOPS AWAY AT BLOATED STATE PANELS
Gov. Pat Quinn is cutting dozens of unnecessary or redundant boards and commissions, following BGA investigations into Illinois’ proliferation of costly and underutilized state panels.
LANDMARK WRONGFUL CONVICTION LAW PASSED
Gov. Pat Quinn signed into law a landmark reform bill backed by the Better Government Association’s policy team, lawmakers and criminal justice advocates.
HOUSE TO PROBE CONGRESSMAN
The House Ethics Committee is expanding a probe of U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush’s finances, an inquiry that follows a BGA/Chicago Sun-Times investigation.
FELON LEAVES COUNTY JOB
The BGA and FOX 32 reveal that newly elected Cook County Recorder of Deeds Karen Yarbrough hires a family friend with a felony conviction for a top government job.
POL ISSUES REFUND FOR IMPROPER TAX BREAKS
In wake of BGA legal action that forced mayor to release personal emails, Chicago Board of Ethics levies fine against David Plouffe, who lobbied mayor on behalf of Uber.
ADMINISTRATOR RESIGNS, AUDIT PLANNED
After inquiries from the BGA and FOX 32 about village officials receiving loans with taxpayer money, the top administrator at the Village of Summit resigns and the village board pushes for an in-depth audit.
LIQUOR REFORMS PROPOSED
After the BGA and CBS2 reveal many Chicago-area mayors take campaign money from bars and restaurants they’re regulating.
A LONG, STRANGE TRIP
After BGA raises questions about taxpayer-funded South Beach junket by Cal City alderman (who’s also a state legislator), prosecutors start asking questions.