As aldermen coming under the scrutiny of law enforcement, it’s high time they start policing themselves.
Policy
Posted inAction, Analysis, Policy
BGA Testifies For Ethics Reforms For Chicago
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.
Posted inPerspectives, Policy
Dillon: Will Lawmakers Have the Nerve to Cash Back Pay?
Every year from 2009 to 2016, lawmakers made a big bipartisan show of voting to freeze their salaries. Now some of them want to claw back those raises, for themselves and all lawmakers who gave them up.
Posted inPerspectives, Policy
Dillon: Real Life Lessons in Civics From Springfield
The repeated stalling of the Fair Maps Amendment contradicts the textbook narrative about elected representatives who carry out the will of voters. Civics teachers are going to have some explaining to do.
Posted inPerspectives, Policy
Dillon: Clear City Ethics Rules and Bigger Penalties for Scofflaws? Yes, Please.
Ethical violations by Chicago aldermen and city officials ought to carry meaningful consequences. Proposed reforms would do that.
Posted inPerspectives, Policy
Dillon: Lawmakers Should Seek Reasonable Registration Bump for Electric Vehicles
Any conversation about funding road improvements ought to include discussion of how to make the electrics chip in, too.
Posted inPolicy, Policy Statements
The BGA’s Agenda for Lori Lightfoot
Chicago’s new mayor takes office on May 20. She’ll need to hit the ground running — and never stop. Here’s how she can get off to a good start.
Posted inPerspective, Policy
Dillon: Illinois Must Ensure Groups Likely to Be Overlooked Are Counted in the Census
A potential undercount threatens our representation in Congress, as well as billions of dollars in federal funding for everything from highways to health care to education.
Posted inAnalysis, Policy
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Gets a Watchdog
Under an intergovernmental agreement, the wastewater treatment agency will be overseen by Cook County’s Inspector General.
Posted inPerspective, Policy
Seal the Deal for an Inspector General for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District
The BGA’s Policy Team urges the Cook County board to approve an intergovernmental agreement to provide oversight of the agency that cleans our wastewater.