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

What's in Chicago's Newest Union Contracts? Lower Wage Increases, Higher Healthcare Costs

The agreements with the Coalition of Unionized Public Employees (COUPE) are the first in a new generation of collective bargaining agreements for the City of Chicago.
Feb 5, 2018 6:00 AM
Analysis

Too Many School Districts In Illinois? What You Should Know About School Consolidation

With 852 separate districts, Illinois has the third most school districts in the nation, bested only by Texas and California, whose populations are more than double ours.
Jan 17, 2018 6:00 AM
Analysis

Nine New Illinois Laws to Know in 2018

From expanding consumer protections to extending the powers of voters to consolidate local units of government, here is what you need to know in 2018.
Dec 27, 2017 11:45 AM
Analysis

Feeling Railroaded? Our Calculator Helps You Add Up Metra's Fourth Consecutive Fare Hike

For the fourth year in a row, Metra is planning to raise fares. Use our calculator to see how much the hikes have cost riders so far.
Updated: Nov 14, 2017 @ 6:00 PM
Analysis

Golden Parachutes In Illinois: How To Curb Six-Figure Severances For Public Execs

While Illinoisans face years of budget deficits, cuts to social services and tax increases, we also foot the bill for expensive severance packages for public executives.
Oct 18, 2017 6:00 AM
Analysis

Illinois School Funding Approved: 6 Things You Need To Know

After a months-long impasse, Illinois lawmakers approved landmark changes to the way schools are funded statewide. Here's what you need to know.
Aug 29, 2017 5:55 PM
Analysis

12 Things To Know About Automatic Voter Registration In Illinois

Automatic Voter Registration (AVR) is the process of automatically registering eligible people to vote whenever they interact with a participating state government agency, such as the Secretary of State’s office. Here's what you need to know.
Aug 28, 2017 11:40 AM
Analysis

Every Chicago Labor Contract Has Expired: Your Guide To The Negotiations

Chicago taxpayers should understand how the city will negotiate new labor contracts with 91 percent of its workforce.
Aug 24, 2017 2:00 PM
Analysis

Fixing Bloated Bureaucracy: What You Need To Know About New Consolidation Law

Senate Bill 3 is now law (Public Act 100-0107); a law that attempts to empower citizens to consolidate some of their governments. SB3, introduced by state Sen. Tom Cullerton and state Rep. Sam Yingling, originally was part of the Senate’s “grand bargain” package. The bill was supported by both Republicans and Democrats across the state.
Aug 16, 2017 11:00 AM
Analysis

15 Good Government Reforms Illinois Lawmakers Approved This Session

The Illinois General Assembly approved several pieces of legislation this session that the Better Government Association backed as good government reforms, including streamlining, accountability and transparency.
Jul 13, 2017 3:45 PM

Analysis

What's in Chicago's Newest Union Contracts? Lower Wage Increases, Higher Healthcare Costs

Too Many School Districts In Illinois? What You Should Know About School Consolidation

Nine New Illinois Laws to Know in 2018

Feeling Railroaded? Our Calculator Helps You Add Up Metra's Fourth Consecutive Fare Hike

Golden Parachutes In Illinois: How To Curb Six-Figure Severances For Public Execs

Illinois School Funding Approved: 6 Things You Need To Know

12 Things To Know About Automatic Voter Registration In Illinois

Every Chicago Labor Contract Has Expired: Your Guide To The Negotiations

Fixing Bloated Bureaucracy: What You Need To Know About New Consolidation Law

15 Good Government Reforms Illinois Lawmakers Approved This Session