Analysis

Illinois residents pay $2,350 per capita in various taxes to support those units of local government, fourth-highest rate, according to a BGA analysis.

In the wake of clout-hiring allegations, among other problems, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District needs to implement reforms — and start justifying its existence.

Government bankruptcy is a mystery to most of us in Illinois because there’s been no compelling reason to explore this arcane chapter of the federal bankruptcy code—until now.

Perhaps we’d see more progress in Springfield on the big issues if the leaders whose names we do recognize would start listening to their lesser-known rank-and-file colleagues.

It took more than a year of complaints, a Springfield intervention, and even pleas from members of Congress, before the Emanuel administration agreed to hear from homeowners concerned about excessive jet noise from O’Hare Airport.

Thankfully, the budget standoff didn’t poison the entire well, so lawmakers were able to address a number of issues on our Better Government Association reform agenda.

Barbara Byrd-Bennett is gone, but the questions linger on.

Together we shine a light on government and hold public officials accountable for the way they spend our hard-earned tax dollars and make the policy decisions that affect our lives.