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.
Policy
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.
Posted inPerspective, Policy
Leven: The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Needs an Inspector General Now
The BGA’s Policy Team says it’s time for the government branch that cleans our water to embrace accountability.
Posted inPerspective, Policy
Leven: Pritzker Administration Starts Off With Promises of Sunshine in Illinois Government
Governor Pritzker’s executive order indicates that he is hoping to hold agencies to the “highest degree of transparency accountability standards.” Hopefully, he and the attorney general will work with legislators to make transparency a default.
Posted inAction, Analysis, Policy
Cook County Health Systems Should Livestream Their Meetings
With Cook County Health Systems receiving over $100 million from county taxpayers, it makes sense that they should strive for as much transparency as possible.