Policy

Analysis

The BGA policy team researches, reviews and tracks hundreds of policy proposals and analyzes best practices nationwide to provide Illinoisans with the context and historical understanding they need to engage with their government.

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Analysis

Illinois Parents, Drivers, Employees — Know These New Laws For 2019.

From rules of the road to school code requirements, here are some important laws that took effect in the New Year.
Jan 3, 2019 1:00 PM
Analysis

Lawmakers Introduced Nearly Two Hundred Bills With the Potential to Weaken Government Transparency

The BGA Policy Team finds that in just two years, nearly two hundred bills changing the Freedom of Information Act were assigned to as many as 40 committees in the Illinois General Assembly.
Dec 17, 2018 6:00 AM
Analysis

Disclosed: How to Restrict Non-disclosure Agreements

There are plenty of existing laws across the country that limit the use of non-disclosure agreements. Illinois lawmakers should draw on these models to protect the public and address a problem common to all industries, from Hollywood to local government.
Dec 6, 2018 6:00 AM
Analysis

Disclosed: It’s Time to Put Restrictions on Non-disclosure Agreements

What do Harvey Weinstein, GM, Johnson & Johnson, the Catholic Church, and the City of Markham all have in common? We can’t disclose it.
Nov 29, 2018 6:00 AM
Analysis

Chicago Might Soon Join Other Major Cities In Airing And Recording Its Committee Hearings

Following a BGA policy report, a new City Council resolution will require committee meetings to be broadcast.
Nov 14, 2018 3:30 PM
Analysis

Can You Save $12 Million by Merging the Comptroller and Treasurer? Maybe...

Candidates for Illinois Comptroller and Treasurer offer differing thoughts to BGA’s streamlining question.
Oct 15, 2018 6:00 AM
Analysis

How Will the Next Attorney General Work to Clean Up Illinois?

Candidates for Illinois’ top law post answer the BGA’s questions.
Oct 8, 2018 9:30 AM
Analysis

Redistricting, Taxes, Streamlining Government. The BGA’s Candidate Questionnaires Will Teach You What You Need to Know to Vote

Read the candidates’ responses before you head to the polls to make sure your vote is an informed one.
Oct 1, 2018 12:30 PM
Analysis

Keeping With the Times: Chicago Would Be in Good Company If It Broadcast and Recorded Its Committee Hearings

The big policy debates happen in committee hearings and right now you can only catch them in person.
Sep 12, 2018 9:40 AM
Analysis

Going To The DMV? Now You Can Register To Vote Too!

The first part of automatic voter registration has been implemented at DMVs around the state. From now on, when you go to the DMV to renew your driver’s license, the state will check and update your voting registration card for you.
Jul 2, 2018 5:00 AM

Analysis

Illinois Parents, Drivers, Employees — Know These New Laws For 2019.

Lawmakers Introduced Nearly Two Hundred Bills With the Potential to Weaken Government Transparency

Disclosed: How to Restrict Non-disclosure Agreements

Disclosed: It’s Time to Put Restrictions on Non-disclosure Agreements

Chicago Might Soon Join Other Major Cities In Airing And Recording Its Committee Hearings

Can You Save $12 Million by Merging the Comptroller and Treasurer? Maybe...

How Will the Next Attorney General Work to Clean Up Illinois?

Redistricting, Taxes, Streamlining Government. The BGA’s Candidate Questionnaires Will Teach You What You Need to Know to Vote

Keeping With the Times: Chicago Would Be in Good Company If It Broadcast and Recorded Its Committee Hearings

Going To The DMV? Now You Can Register To Vote Too!