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.
Policy
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.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Dillon: Tired of Being Lumped With All Those Felons? Aldermen, You Know What to Do
As aldermen coming under the scrutiny of law enforcement, it’s high time they start policing themselves.
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.