The BGA and other policy advocates offer guidelines for Illinois residents and their leaders to promote transparency and accountability in uncertain times.
Policy
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Dillon: To Break the Cycle of Ethical Failure, Fix the Legislative Oversight System
In Illinois, the Legislative Inspector General answers to a panel of legislators appointed by other legislators. No wonder this doesn’t work.
Posted inAction, Analysis, Policy
BGA Supports Stronger Legislative Inspector General
The legislative oversight system in Illinois is dysfunctional, BGA Policy Director Marie C. Dillon told a state panel considering ethics reforms. Changes are needed to empower the Legislative Inspector General and to make the process more transparent.
Posted inAction, Analysis, Policy
BGA Calls For Stronger Conflict-of-Interest Laws
Illinois needs better disclosure laws for public officials and explicit, mandatory rules about what lawmakers must do when conflicts arise, BGA Policy Director Marie C. Dillon told a state panel considering ethics reforms.
Posted inAction, Analysis, Policy
Dillon: Ethics Panel Should Focus On Big Picture
BGA Policy Director Marie C. Dillon testified at the second meeting of the Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform.
Posted inAnalysis, Policy
Video Gambling in Chicago? Here’s What’s at Stake.
More than 32,000 video gambling terminals generated $478 million in revenue for state and local governments in fiscal year 2019. Chicago has resisted allowing the machines — so far. But the pressure is on.
Posted inAction, Analysis, Policy
BGA Supports Limits on Lobbying by Government Officials
The measure was sponsored by Ald. Michele Smith, chair of the Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight, and Ald. Matt O’Shea, 19th.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Dillon: Serious About Ethics Reforms? Start Here
The General Assembly needs a fully empowered inspector general. It also needs stronger laws against legislative misconduct.
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.