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

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
Perspective

U Of I Researchers Offer Sobering Reality And Fixes For Illinois

The state's prognosis is pretty grim, but there are bitter pills our leaders could prescribe if we want a chance at recovery.
Dec 25, 2016 6:30 PM
Perspective

CPS IG Criticizes Roadblocks To Oversight; Other IGs Encounter Too

CPS IG makes argument for greater independence, reflecting longstanding BGA concerns over giving Chicago watchdogs adequately empowered oversight.
Dec 19, 2016 2:57 PM
Perspective

Shaw: The Anatomy Of The Illinois Budget Impasse

Both sides' reluctance to propose new taxes and fees, close loopholes or make massive budget cuts has made for insurmountable stumbling blocks.
Dec 18, 2016 6:30 PM
Perspective

Shaw: Radical Changes Needed For Budget Negotiations In Illinois

If our elected officials operate with a little faith, a little humility, a little respect and a healthy dose of trust, perhaps we can get somewhere.
Dec 12, 2016 9:30 AM

Perspectives

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

U Of I Researchers Offer Sobering Reality And Fixes For Illinois

CPS IG Criticizes Roadblocks To Oversight; Other IGs Encounter Too

Shaw: The Anatomy Of The Illinois Budget Impasse

Shaw: Radical Changes Needed For Budget Negotiations In Illinois