As BGA Policy has consistently highlighted, Illinois’ judicial branch is not subject to FOIA, leaving entities like juvenile detention centers, policies and procedures of judicial agencies, training manuals and budget […]
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Posted inPolicy Statements
Legal Evaluation Finds “No Legal Prohibitions” on Proposed Ordinance to Strengthen Chicago’s Inspector General
In a legal opinion solicited by the Better Government Association, Chicago law firm Loevy + Loevy found no legal prohibitions to an ordinance proposed by City Council ethics chair Ald. […]
Posted inPolicy Statements
BGA Policy Calls on House and Senate Leaders to Create Transparent Online Archives for Proceedings
Last month, we sent a letter to the Senate President and Speaker of the House requesting that they update their chambers and join the 44 other states that have free archives online […]
Join us for Beyond the Byline and the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting
Join us for Beyond the Byline: Featuring the 21st Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting on Thursday, May 15th, from 3:30-8:30 P.M. at Venue SIX10 in downtown Chicago.This […]
Posted inPolicy Statements
BGA Vice President of Policy testifies in favor of anti-SLAPP legislation
Chairwoman Gong Gershowitz, Spokesperson Ugaste, My name is Bryan Zarou, and I am the Vice President of Policy at the Better Government Association. The Better Government Association strongly supports HB1077. […]
Posted inPolicy Statements
Mayor and Allies Obstruct Inspector General Reforms –“Outright Hostility to Ethics and Oversight”
Close mayoral ally Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez on Wednesday delayed a reform measure championed by ethics committee chair Ald. Matt Martin and Inspector General Deborah Witzburg, using a parliamentary process to divert the ordinance to the rules committee.
Posted inResearch & Analysis
Alleging Obstruction, Chicago’s Inspector General Turns to City Council for Stronger Laws
In a memo sent Friday to the Chicago City Council’s ethics committee, city Inspector General Deborah Witzburg laid out a series of what her office characterizes as obstructions by the […]
Posted inPolicy Statements
Better Government Association Statement: Madigan Trial Verdict
Former longtime Illinois Speaker of the House Michael Madigan today was found guilty by a jury on 10 out of 23 charges, including conspiracy, bribery and other charges in relation to a jobs-for-votes scheme and additional abuses of public office.
Posted inPolicy Agenda
BGA State Policy Agenda 2025-2026
Learn about the BGA Policy’s agenda for the State of Illinois in 2025-2026.
City Council 101: The Budget Process
Join BGA Policy for a deep dive on Chicago’s budget process and what to expect in the upcoming fiscal year. Speakers:Matthew O’Shea, 19th Ward AlderpersonAndre Vasquez, Jr., 40th Ward AlderpersonWilliam […]