“Speaking truth to power” is more than a cliché—it’s what watchdogs do every day when they shine a light on government and hold public officials accountable—but too often power doesn’t listen.
Policy
Posted inAnalysis, Policy
Rodents Today, Dollars Tomorrow: Chicago’s Annual Rodent Budget Talk
Getting a handle on the ratty truth.
Posted inAnalysis, Policy
Golden Parachutes In Illinois: How To Curb Six-Figure Severances For Public Execs
While Illinoisans face years of budget deficits, cuts to social services and tax increases, we also foot the bill for expensive severance packages for public executives.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Doubek: Officials Should Embrace, Not Block, Freedom Of Information
Officials suing citizens to block transparency is an alarming trend in and out of Illinois, says BGA policy & civic engagement director Madeleine Doubek.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Shaw: What Does Wisconsin Gerrymandering Case Mean For Illinois?
A Supreme Court ruling on partisan gerrymandering, expected next spring, could dramatically alter redistricting rules in Wisconsin, and hopefully Illinois.
Posted inAnalysis, Policy
What’s Really New About Chicago’s Newest Police Oversight Office?
The Independent Police Review Authority recently morphed into the Civilian Office of Police Accountability. BGA Policy Manager Rachel Leven explains what that means as the city searches for a new leader to head the new police watchdog agency.
Posted inAnalysis, Policy
Feeling Railroaded? Our Calculator Helps You Add Up Metra’s Fourth Consecutive Fare Hike
For the fourth year in a row, Metra is planning to raise fares. Use our calculator to see how much the hikes have cost riders so far.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Doubek: Tackling Townships That Seem To Take, Take, Take
There are indeed efforts out there to trim government excess. Here’s a look at three smart streamlining laws aimed at township government.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Shaw: Some Beverage Tax Homework For Cook County Leaders
Retailers are reeling and consumers are complaining about the beverage tax, but are the Cook County commissioners listening?
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Doubek: Illinois Has The Worst Pension Debt In The Nation. What’s The Fix?
State budget? Check. School funding? Check. But pension debt and problems remain.