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

Doubek: Stop The Easy-Money Endings For Executives On Public Payroll

When you're asked to leave, something's wrong. The taxpayers shouldn't pay the tab for lucrative severance packages that rival those handed out in the private sector.
Oct 23, 2017 7:00 PM
Perspective

Shaw: When Power Doesn't Listen

“Speaking truth to power” is more than a cliché—it’s what watchdogs do every day when they shine a light on government and hold public officials accountable—but too often power doesn’t listen.
Oct 20, 2017 6:00 PM
Perspective

Doubek: Officials Should Embrace, Not Block, Freedom Of Information

Officials suing citizens to block transparency is an alarming trend in and out of Illinois, says BGA policy & civic engagement director Madeleine Doubek.
Oct 9, 2017 6:00 PM
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

Perspectives

Doubek: Stop The Easy-Money Endings For Executives On Public Payroll

Shaw: When Power Doesn't Listen

Doubek: Officials Should Embrace, Not Block, Freedom Of Information

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'