From rules of the road to school code requirements, here are some important laws that took effect in the New Year.
Policy
Posted inAnalysis, Policy
Lawmakers Introduced Nearly Two Hundred Bills With the Potential to Weaken Government Transparency
The BGA Policy Team finds that in just two years, nearly two hundred bills changing the Freedom of Information Act were assigned to as many as 40 committees in the Illinois General Assembly.
Posted inPerspectives, Policy
Leven: Will Chicago’s City Council Finally Put Responsibility for Compensating Injured City Workers in the City’s Hands?
Chicago is getting closer to running its injured workers program the right way.
Posted inPerspectives, Policy
Doubek: How to Ensure a Better Next 200 Years for Illinois
We Need to Invest in Transit, Transparency and Humane Treatment for Illinois’ Future
Posted inPolicy, Research & Analysis
Disclosed: How to Restrict Non-disclosure Agreements
There are plenty of existing laws across the country that limit the use of non-disclosure agreements. Illinois lawmakers should draw on these models to protect the public and address a problem common to all industries, from Hollywood to local government.
Posted inPolicy, Research & Analysis
Disclosed: It’s Time to Put Restrictions on Non-disclosure Agreements
What do Harvey Weinstein, GM, Johnson & Johnson, the Catholic Church, and the City of Markham all have in common? We can’t disclose it.
Posted inPerspectives, Policy
Doubek: Let’s Move to Start Cleaning Up our Recycling Challenges
Chicago and Illinois’ recycling efforts are in need of measured management.
Posted inPolicy, Research & Analysis
Chicago Might Soon Join Other Major Cities In Airing And Recording Its Committee Hearings
Following a BGA policy report, a new City Council resolution will require committee meetings to be broadcast.
Posted inPerspectives, Policy
Doubek: Let’s Grab Our New Chance to Fight for Fair Political Maps
Five states have voted for independent mapping commissions this year to end political rigging. Why not fight for Illinois to join them?
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Leven: Zombie Hearings at City Hall
Since January of 2017, the mayor and aldermen have made as many as 70 calls for public hearings and expert testimony. But, not all of them actually happen.