We can’t prevent an unexpected calamity that sidelines an elected representative. But why not consider letting every senator and representative designate a “temporary replacement” for emergencies?
Archives
Posted inAnalysis, Policy
Big Changes Are Needed At Little-Known Agency
An open letter from the BGA to the Lyons Township School Treasurer’s Office, with some ideas on how to clean up its tarnished image and ensure taxpayer money is being well managed.
Posted inUncategorized
BGA: State’s Pension Reform Amendment Falls Short
Voters get to weigh in on the hot topic of fixing the state pensions this upcoming election.But the big question is: Will their vote really do anything to reform Illinois’ financially devastated retirement system?
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Downstate Legislator’s Law Firm Secures State Work
While Senator Clayborne’s Chicago-based firm reaps big payment from taxpayers, the East St. Louis Democrat remains mum, refusing to answer questions.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Public-Sector Pay Dirt
Law firm employing state legislator does a staggering amount of work for local governments – including state agencies he helps oversee. How is this not a glaring conflict of interest?
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Playing Ball
Late-great Pittsburgh Pirate and Latino sports icon Roberto Clemente was known for a strong arm. Was an Illinois legislator using strong-arm tactics to get Metra to re-name a train stop after Clemente?
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Put Aside Distractions, Focus on Illinois’ Fiscal Mess
There are plenty of big stories in the media, enough to satiate even the hungriest news junkie. But it also means a lot of important political and governmental stories fall below the radar screen.
Posted inPress Release
BGA, Chicago Headline Club Launch FOIA Web Site
McCormick Foundation backs new Internet transparency initiative.
Posted inAnalysis, Policy
Budget Crisis Task Force Examines Illinois’ Debt Woes
The mounting debt piling up at the state and local levels threatens to prolong the nation’s economic problems and delay recovery.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Chicago Alderman Owned Reputed Drug House
For roughly a decade, Ald. Jason Ervin owned an “investment property” that was a magnet for drugs and other crime. The building is no longer his problem: he stopped paying the mortgage, and the bank took control.