After the BGA and CBS2 raise questions about a motorcycle club founded by Melrose Park police.
Legal
Posted inFollow-Up, Legal, Results & Reforms
SHOTS AND LAGERS, CHUTES AND LADDERS
After BGA reveals that many firefighters, like cops, are allowed to work with booze in their system, legislation is proposed to create “zero tolerance” for all first responders.
Posted inFollow-Up, Legal, Results & Reforms
RECORDER SETTLES LAWSUIT
After the BGA sues the Cook County recorder of deeds for refusing to process an email request for documents under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the public agency settles the claim, agreeing to start accepting electronic FOIA submissions, providing an easier route for the public to obtain public records.
Posted inFollow-Up, Legal, Results & Reforms
GOVERNOR SIGNS “SMART STREAMLINING” BILL
Gov. Pat Quinn has signed a bill on Aug. 18 that makes it legal to eliminate some unnecessary units of government. The measure was sponsored by Rep. Jack Franks (D-Marengo) and supported by the Better Government Association.
Posted inFollow-Up, Legal, Results & Reforms
PENSION FUND IMPROVES TRANSPARENCY
After the BGA sues CTA pension plan for violating the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, the retirement system turns over records, and makes its web site more user-friendly for those seeking public information.
Posted inLegal
Judge Orders Review In Rauner Email Case Brought By BGA
Ruling sets in motion process to determine whether Illinois governor and top aides were using personal email to conduct government business.
Posted inLegal
BGA Forces Release Of Mayor Rahm Emanuel Private Emails, Garners Landmark Policy Shift
As a result of a BGA investigation and legal action, The City of Chicago and Mayor Rahm Emanuel have agreed to release all of Emanuel’s private emails related to city business. View the documents in this story.
Posted inLegal
BGA Sues Over Emails in Removal Of IHDA Chief
The Better Government Association filed a lawsuit against the Illinois Housing Development Authority seeking the release of unredacted emails related to Gov. Bruce Rauner’s ouster of the state agency’s former executive director, Joseph Galvan.
Posted inLegal
BGA Lawsuit Prompts Order To Release CPD Shooting Videos
Judge orders CPD to release all files around fatal shootings over the last five years a a result of a BGA lawsuit.
Posted inFollow-Up, Legal, Results & Reforms
Legislation Passed
A bill that would limit how much public officials can spend on taxpayer-subsidized travel is passed by legislators and heads to Gov. Rauner’s desk. The legislation was inspired by news stories from the BGA and other media groups on questionable spending by school districts.