The General Assembly needs a fully empowered inspector general. It also needs stronger laws against legislative misconduct.
Analysis
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Dillon: Don’t Count on Illinois Lawmakers to fix Weak Ethics Laws. Gov. J.B. Pritzker Needs to take Charge
Why have multiple reform efforts failed to clean up the state Capitol? One answer is that the General Assembly never fixed the laws that apply to itself.
Posted inAction, Analysis, Policy
BGA and Illinois Press Association Defend NPR Illinois Reporters’ First Amendment Rights
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.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Dillon: Time to Talk (Again) About Taxing Retirement Income
Illinois is an outlier when it comes to taxing retirement income — it simply doesn’t. That means younger generations will shoulder a tax burden they didn’t create. That’s a disincentive for them to stay.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Dillon: No More Parking Meter Deals
The City Council’s Office of Financial Analysis can help aldermen make sound decisions about money matters. This ordinance will unlock that power.
Posted inAction, Analysis, Policy
BGA Supports Strengthening City Council Office of Financial Analysis
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.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Dillon: What Part Of ‘No Golden Parachutes’ Is So Hard To Understand?
A new law meant to end outrageous severance deals for public executives took effect Jan. 1. It didn’t take long for Western Illinois University to find a way around it.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Dillon: Let the people speak (for more than 30 minutes)
Chicago aldermen should welcome citizen participation at City Council meetings — instead of acting like public input is something to be endured.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Dillon: Time to Bite the Bullet on Consolidation
Eliminating some of Illinois’ nearly 7,000 local governments is part of any serious discussion about property tax relief.
Posted inAction, Analysis, Policy
BGA Urges Full City Council to Support Ethics Ordinance
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.