Action

BGA Policy Director Marie C. Dillon testified at the second meeting of the Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform.

The measure was sponsored by Ald. Michele Smith, chair of the Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight, and Ald. Matt O’Shea, 19th.

In a letter to the University of Illinois Board of Trustees, the BGA’s David Greising and the IPA’s Sam R. Fisher say the university’s Title IX policy is at odds with journalists’ right to protect confidential sources.

The BGA policy team urges Chicago aldermen to remove obstacles that prevent their fiscal advisory staff from doing its job. The office was created to provide independent guidance on matters involving taxpayer dollars.

The BGA policy team urged the full City Council to approve ethics reforms that cover lobbying, outside employment for aldermen and full oversight by the inspector general.

The BGA characterized Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s proposed ethics changes “only a start,” and urged aldermen to send a strong signal about their commitment to finishing the job.

With Cook County Health Systems receiving over $100 million from county taxpayers, it makes sense that they should strive for as much transparency as possible.

The BGA testifies that language protecting public access to police documents should be improved in the Chicago police consent decree that is an important achievement.

While the draft Chicago police consent decree is an important step, the BGA’s Policy Team recommends revisions to advance Chicago police transparency.

Public executive severance packages will be limited to 20 weeks’ salary and no severance is allowed for those fired due to misconduct.