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UPDATE: FOIA Survives Attempted Legislative Assault

BGA Opposes End Run Around FOIA During COVID-19 Emergency

A bill introduced in the General Assembly's special session contains a provision that would relieve local governments of their obligation to produce public records during the pandemic.

Tell Lawmakers to Protect Our Nov. 3 Election

BGA Urges Lawmakers to Send a Ballot to All Registered Voters in November

Illinois lawmakers must guard against voting disruptions caused by COVID-19, but SB1863 does not go far enough.

BGA Joins Citizen Advocacy Center and Others Urging Pritzker and Raoul to Support FOIA

The COVID-19 pandemic can make it challenging for governments to fulfill public records requests, but transparency is crucial during a public health emergency, the groups say

BGA Joins Reform For Illinois and Other Allies to Advocate for a Safe and Robust November Election

To ensure participation, we support legislation that would provide every voter with a postage-paid ballot. At the same time, it's important to preserve and protect in-person polling places.

Safeguarding Democracy In a Pandemic

The BGA and other policy advocates offer guidelines for Illinois residents and their leaders to promote transparency and accountability in uncertain times.

BGA Supports Stronger Legislative Inspector General

The legislative oversight system in Illinois is dysfunctional, BGA Policy Director Marie C. Dillon told a state panel considering ethics reforms. Changes are needed to empower the Legislative Inspector General and to make the process more transparent.

BGA Calls For Stronger Conflict-of-Interest Laws

Illinois needs better disclosure laws for public officials and explicit, mandatory rules about what lawmakers must do when conflicts arise, BGA Policy Director Marie C. Dillon told a state panel considering ethics reforms.

Dillon: Ethics Panel Should Focus On Big Picture

BGA Policy Director Marie C. Dillon testified at the second meeting of the Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform.