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

12 Reasons To Appreciate Springfield. Seriously.

Despite the budget blues, legislators passed several good government bills on their way to the governor's desk.
Jun 10, 2017 6:00 PM
Perspective

As Statehouse Press Corps Dwindles, Other Reliable News Sources Needed

In 2001, 40 journalists covered the Capitol full-time. Now there are only 10.
May 27, 2017 6:00 PM
Perspective

Andy Shaw: Chicago Has Tough Government Watchdogs, State Has Wimpy Lapdogs

Hats off to the Police Board, Ethics Board and IGs that are stepping up to hold public officials accountable.
May 13, 2017 6:00 PM
Perspective

Andy Shaw: No Budget Deal In Springfield But Progress On Good Government Reforms

While leadership flails on a budget deal, rank-and-file legislators in Springfield are moving the ball on good government issues.
Apr 29, 2017 6:00 PM
Perspective

Andy Shaw: Empty Voting Booths A Symbol Of Our Ailing Democracy

“By any statistical measure we’re a worse democracy today than 40 or even 20 years ago.” -Dick Simpson, political scientist
Apr 15, 2017 6:00 PM
Perspective

Andy Shaw: Illinois School District Administration A Bureaucratic Boondoggle

Illinois school districts are so administratively top heavy that they're depriving schools of valuable instruction dollars.
Apr 1, 2017 6:00 PM
Perspective

Andy Shaw: Time For Leaders To Walk The Walk On Chicago Reform Talk

Reforming gun sentencing, bail and police union contracts are just some of the encouraging efforts around Chicago.
Mar 18, 2017 6:00 PM
Perspective

Shaw: Tougher Gun Laws Just One Piece Of The Chicago Violence Puzzle

Critics of longer prison sentences for gun crimes compare the idea to the "War on Drugs," which imprisoned thousands of minorities without reducing drug trafficking or usage.
Feb 5, 2017 6:30 PM
Perspective

Internal Watchdogs Are Essential But Many Politicians Still Resist Oversight

Hey pols: Are you finally ready to equip your internal watchdogs with a loud bark and sharp teeth? The silence is deafening.
Jan 15, 2017 6:30 PM
Perspective

More Transparency From Emanuel, But Watchdog Work Far From Over

We can't let public officials hide conversations that affect our lives and tax dollars in personal email accounts that are often inaccessible.
Jan 8, 2017 6:30 PM

Perspectives

12 Reasons To Appreciate Springfield. Seriously.

As Statehouse Press Corps Dwindles, Other Reliable News Sources Needed

Andy Shaw: Chicago Has Tough Government Watchdogs, State Has Wimpy Lapdogs

Andy Shaw: No Budget Deal In Springfield But Progress On Good Government Reforms

Andy Shaw: Empty Voting Booths A Symbol Of Our Ailing Democracy

Andy Shaw: Illinois School District Administration A Bureaucratic Boondoggle

Andy Shaw: Time For Leaders To Walk The Walk On Chicago Reform Talk

Shaw: Tougher Gun Laws Just One Piece Of The Chicago Violence Puzzle

Internal Watchdogs Are Essential But Many Politicians Still Resist Oversight

More Transparency From Emanuel, But Watchdog Work Far From Over