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

Shaw: What Does Wisconsin Gerrymandering Case Mean For Illinois?

A Supreme Court ruling on partisan gerrymandering, expected next spring, could dramatically alter redistricting rules in Wisconsin, and hopefully Illinois.
Oct 7, 2017 6:00 PM
Perspective

Doubek: Tackling Townships That Seem To Take, Take, Take

There are indeed efforts out there to trim government excess. Here's a look at three smart streamlining laws aimed at township government.
Sep 25, 2017 6:00 PM
Perspective

Shaw: Some Beverage Tax Homework For Cook County Leaders

Retailers are reeling and consumers are complaining about the beverage tax, but are the Cook County commissioners listening?
Sep 23, 2017 6:00 PM
Perspective

Doubek: Illinois Has The Worst Pension Debt In The Nation. What's The Fix?

State budget? Check. School funding? Check. But pension debt and problems remain.
Sep 11, 2017 7:00 PM
Perspective

Shaw: Can You Have Good Politics Without Good Government?

Recent decisions reflect Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley's old adage: “Good government is good politics and good politics is good government.”
Sep 9, 2017 6:00 PM
Perspective

Nazi Slogans Defaced Our Chicago Neighborhood. Social Media Helped Us Fight Back.

How social media, ironically, re-tied the connections we’ve stopped making as a result of digital technology and ever-present screens.
Updated: Sep 2, 2017 @ 10:04 AM
Perspective

Shaw: Mayor Daley's Labor Legacy Presents Mayor Emanuel With 'Generational Moment'

91% of the City of Chicago workforce needs a new labor contract. What's your move, Mr. Mayor?
Aug 25, 2017 11:20 AM
Perspective

Doubek: New Laws Are Baby Steps Toward Streamlining Too Many Governments

Illinois has 1,800 more government units than even Texas. But a few new laws and a growing movement behind streamlining is good news for beleaguered taxpayers.
Aug 22, 2017 5:00 AM
Perspective

Shaw: Navy Pier Shell Game Cries Out For TIF Reform

The Navy Pier TIF shell game reported by BGA/Crain's is just the latest transgression in a city TIF program that’s been steeped in secrecy and mired in controversy since its inception three decades ago. It's time for Chicago to get its TIF act together.
Aug 12, 2017 6:00 PM
Perspective

Doubek: End The School Funding Divide-And-Conquer

For at least 25 years, we’ve been playing divide-and-conquer games over Illinois school funding, with our children as the dispensable collateral damage.
Aug 7, 2017 5:00 PM

Perspectives

Shaw: What Does Wisconsin Gerrymandering Case Mean For Illinois?

Doubek: Tackling Townships That Seem To Take, Take, Take

Shaw: Some Beverage Tax Homework For Cook County Leaders

Doubek: Illinois Has The Worst Pension Debt In The Nation. What's The Fix?

Shaw: Can You Have Good Politics Without Good Government?

Nazi Slogans Defaced Our Chicago Neighborhood. Social Media Helped Us Fight Back.

Shaw: Mayor Daley's Labor Legacy Presents Mayor Emanuel With 'Generational Moment'

Doubek: New Laws Are Baby Steps Toward Streamlining Too Many Governments

Shaw: Navy Pier Shell Game Cries Out For TIF Reform

Doubek: End The School Funding Divide-And-Conquer