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.

RSS

Perspective

Dillon: How To Keep An Eye on Government During COVID-19 Emergency

Public bodies throughout Illinois are holding virtual meetings during the statewide stay-at-home order. The Open Meetings Act still protects the right of citizens to observe and participate.
Apr 22, 2020 12:45 PM
Perspective

Dillon and Topic: FOIA Is Essential During COVID-19 Emergency (and Always)

State and local governments have exercised extraordinary authority to deal with the public health crisis. That calls for more transparency, not less.
Apr 10, 2020 11:08 AM
Perspective

Dillon: To Break the Cycle of Ethical Failure, Fix the Legislative Oversight System

In Illinois, the Legislative Inspector General answers to a panel of legislators appointed by other legislators. No wonder this doesn't work.
Feb 18, 2020 5:00 AM
Perspective

Dillon: Serious About Ethics Reforms? Start Here

The General Assembly needs a fully empowered inspector general. It also needs stronger laws against legislative misconduct.
Nov 19, 2019 11:00 AM
Perspective

Dillon: Don’t Count on Illinois Lawmakers to fix Weak Ethics Laws. Gov. J.B. Pritzker Needs to take Charge

Why have multiple reform efforts failed to clean up the state Capitol? One answer is that the General Assembly never fixed the laws that apply to itself.
Nov 11, 2019 2:00 PM
Perspective

Dillon: Time to Talk (Again) About Taxing Retirement Income

Illinois is an outlier when it comes to taxing retirement income — it simply doesn't. That means younger generations will shoulder a tax burden they didn't create. That's a disincentive for them to stay.
Oct 15, 2019 2:00 PM
Perspective

Dillon: No More Parking Meter Deals

The City Council's Office of Financial Analysis can help aldermen make sound decisions about money matters. This ordinance will unlock that power.
Oct 11, 2019 11:10 AM
Perspective

Dillon: What Part Of 'No Golden Parachutes' Is So Hard To Understand?

A new law meant to end outrageous severance deals for public executives took effect Jan. 1. It didn't take long for Western Illinois University to find a way around it.
Sep 17, 2019 3:00 PM
Perspective

Dillon: Let the people speak (for more than 30 minutes)

Chicago aldermen should welcome citizen participation at City Council meetings — instead of acting like public input is something to be endured.
Sep 11, 2019 3:00 PM
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

Perspectives

Dillon: How To Keep An Eye on Government During COVID-19 Emergency

Dillon and Topic: FOIA Is Essential During COVID-19 Emergency (and Always)

Dillon: To Break the Cycle of Ethical Failure, Fix the Legislative Oversight System

Dillon: Serious About Ethics Reforms? Start Here

Dillon: Don’t Count on Illinois Lawmakers to fix Weak Ethics Laws. Gov. J.B. Pritzker Needs to take Charge

Dillon: Time to Talk (Again) About Taxing Retirement Income

Dillon: No More Parking Meter Deals

Dillon: What Part Of 'No Golden Parachutes' Is So Hard To Understand?

Dillon: Let the people speak (for more than 30 minutes)

Dillon: Time to Bite the Bullet on Consolidation