U.S. Rep. Daniel Lipinski recently explained his vote against the Affordable Care Act by claiming it took money from Medicare. The landmark health care law reduced future growth in program spending, but it did not take away existing dollars.
Archives
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
‘It’s A Fixed Cost. That’s All I Ask’: A Politician’s Pitch For Campaign Cash
While seeking a tax break from Cook County, a suburban factory owner says he felt pressured into contributing to a county commissioner’s campaign fund.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Chicago Aldermen Call for Hearings Into Failing City Recycling Programs
Citing an investigation by the BGA that revealed systemic failures in Chicago’s Blue Cart recycling program, aldermen demand public examination aimed at improving the city’s worst-in-the-nation programs.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Dillon: To Break the Cycle of Ethical Failure, Fix the Legislative Oversight System
In Illinois, the Legislative Inspector General answers to a panel of legislators appointed by other legislators. No wonder this doesn’t work.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, PolitiFact
Fact-Check: Have Carbon Emissions Increased Under Trump?
U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky is correct the nation has seen an increase in emissions in the time since Trump took office. After a significant spike in 2018, however, emissions fell again last year.
Posted inAction, Analysis, Policy
BGA Supports Stronger Legislative Inspector General
The legislative oversight system in Illinois is dysfunctional, BGA Policy Director Marie C. Dillon told a state panel considering ethics reforms. Changes are needed to empower the Legislative Inspector General and to make the process more transparent.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, PolitiFact
Fact-Check: No, Casten Did Not Call for Trump’s Impeachment Before Mueller Report Release
Congressional candidate Jeanne Ives claimed U.S. Rep. Sean Casten came out in support of impeaching President Trump before the Mueller report was even released. That’s not the case.
Posted inEvents
Submit Now for the 2020 Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting
The Costly Toll of Dead-end Drug Arrests, published in December, examined how thousands of Chicagoans — mostly Black men — are arrested on drug possession charges judges, police and prosecutors all know will never stick.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, PolitiFact
Fact-Check: Pritzker Says Illinois’ Unemployment Rate Dropped More Than Other Big States
During his State of the State address, Gov. J.B. Pritzker claimed Illinois reduced its unemployment rate more than any of the nation’s other big states and its Midwestern neighbors. That checks out, but needs some additional information.
Posted inAction, Analysis, Policy
BGA Calls For Stronger Conflict-of-Interest Laws
Illinois needs better disclosure laws for public officials and explicit, mandatory rules about what lawmakers must do when conflicts arise, BGA Policy Director Marie C. Dillon told a state panel considering ethics reforms.