Policy

Perspectives

Insights and views from our policy team on the challenges we face in government and politics along with potential solutions in persuasive perspective pieces, which are often published in partnership with major media.

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Perspective

Dillon: Time to Bite the Bullet on Consolidation

Eliminating some of Illinois' nearly 7,000 local governments is part of any serious discussion about property tax relief.
Aug 20, 2019 3:00 PM
Perspective

Dillon: Tired of Being Lumped With All Those Felons? Aldermen, You Know What to Do

As aldermen coming under the scrutiny of law enforcement, it's high time they start policing themselves.
Jul 23, 2019 5:30 PM
Perspective

Dillon: Will Lawmakers Have the Nerve to Cash Back Pay?

Every year from 2009 to 2016, lawmakers made a big bipartisan show of voting to freeze their salaries. Now some of them want to claw back those raises, for themselves and all lawmakers who gave them up.
Jul 17, 2019 12:00 PM
Perspective

Dillon: Real Life Lessons in Civics From Springfield

The repeated stalling of the Fair Maps Amendment contradicts the textbook narrative about elected representatives who carry out the will of voters. Civics teachers are going to have some explaining to do.
Jun 19, 2019 12:00 PM
Perspective

Dillon: Clear City Ethics Rules and Bigger Penalties for Scofflaws? Yes, Please.

Ethical violations by Chicago aldermen and city officials ought to carry meaningful consequences. Proposed reforms would do that.
Jun 6, 2019 6:00 PM
Perspective

Dillon: Lawmakers Should Seek Reasonable Registration Bump for Electric Vehicles

Any conversation about funding road improvements ought to include discussion of how to make the electrics chip in, too.
May 21, 2019 12:00 PM
Perspective

Dillon: Illinois Must Ensure Groups Likely to Be Overlooked Are Counted in the Census

A potential undercount threatens our representation in Congress, as well as billions of dollars in federal funding for everything from highways to health care to education.
Apr 30, 2019 12:00 PM
Perspective

Seal the Deal for an Inspector General for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District

The BGA's Policy Team urges the Cook County board to approve an intergovernmental agreement to provide oversight of the agency that cleans our wastewater.
Apr 19, 2019 10:30 AM
Perspective

Leven: The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Needs an Inspector General Now

The BGA's Policy Team says it's time for the government branch that cleans our water to embrace accountability.
Feb 13, 2019 4:22 PM
Perspective

Leven: Pritzker Administration Starts Off With Promises of Sunshine in Illinois Government

Governor Pritzker’s executive order indicates that he is hoping to hold agencies to the “highest degree of transparency accountability standards.” Hopefully, he and the attorney general will work with legislators to make transparency a default.
Jan 20, 2019 8:32 AM

Perspectives

Dillon: Time to Bite the Bullet on Consolidation

Dillon: Tired of Being Lumped With All Those Felons? Aldermen, You Know What to Do

Dillon: Will Lawmakers Have the Nerve to Cash Back Pay?

Dillon: Real Life Lessons in Civics From Springfield

Dillon: Clear City Ethics Rules and Bigger Penalties for Scofflaws? Yes, Please.

Dillon: Lawmakers Should Seek Reasonable Registration Bump for Electric Vehicles

Dillon: Illinois Must Ensure Groups Likely to Be Overlooked Are Counted in the Census

Seal the Deal for an Inspector General for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District

Leven: The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Needs an Inspector General Now

Leven: Pritzker Administration Starts Off With Promises of Sunshine in Illinois Government