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

Lessons From the November 2020 Election

More than 6 million Illinoisans voted, despite a deadly pandemic, thanks to emergency measures passed by the General Assembly. Now is the time to build on that success.
Dec 28, 2020 3:00 PM
Perspective

Vote with Confidence, in Person or by Mail. But Vote.

Running a safe and secure election isn't easy during a pandemic. State and local election officials throughout Illinois are rising to the challenge.
Oct 20, 2020 3:00 PM
Perspective

Dillon: Let’s Get Back to Business on Ethics Reforms

A lot of questionable behavior by public officials is perfectly legal in Illinois. That's because the state has some of the weakest ethics laws in the nation.
Sep 23, 2020 3:00 PM
Perspective

Worried About Vote By Mail? Here's What You Can Do

If threatened postal delays are giving you second thoughts, remember that there are other ways to cast your ballot safely for the November election.
Aug 19, 2020 2:00 PM
Perspective

What's Your Plan B For Nov. 3?

Voting in person could be risky due to COVID-19, so it's important to know your options.
Jul 23, 2020 2:00 PM
Perspective

Dillon: Why the BGA is Suing the Chicago City Council

Private conference calls between aldermen and Mayor Lori Lightfoot violated "nearly every meaningful requirement” of the Illinois Open Meetings Act, the lawsuit says.
Jun 17, 2020 5:00 AM
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

Perspectives

Lessons From the November 2020 Election

Vote with Confidence, in Person or by Mail. But Vote.

Dillon: Let’s Get Back to Business on Ethics Reforms

Worried About Vote By Mail? Here's What You Can Do

What's Your Plan B For Nov. 3?

Dillon: Why the BGA is Suing the Chicago City Council

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