Recent decisions reflect Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley’s old adage: “Good government is good politics and good politics is good government.”
Policy
Posted inAnalysis, Policy
BGA’s Leven: How To Keep Chicago’s Sewage District Clean of Corruption
Better oversight of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District is not just a no-brainer — it’s an environmental and fiduciary imperative.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Nazi Slogans Defaced Our Chicago Neighborhood. Social Media Helped Us Fight Back.
How social media, ironically, re-tied the connections we’ve stopped making as a result of digital technology and ever-present screens.
Posted inAnalysis, Policy
Illinois School Funding Approved: 6 Things You Need To Know
After a months-long impasse, Illinois lawmakers approved landmark changes to the way schools are funded statewide. Here’s what you need to know.
Posted inAnalysis, Policy
12 Things To Know About Automatic Voter Registration In Illinois
Automatic Voter Registration (AVR) is the process of automatically registering eligible people to vote whenever they interact with a participating state government agency, such as the Secretary of State’s office. Here’s what you need to know.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Shaw: Mayor Daley’s Labor Legacy Presents Mayor Emanuel With ‘Generational Moment’
91% of the City of Chicago workforce needs a new labor contract. What’s your move, Mr. Mayor?
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Doubek: New Laws Are Baby Steps Toward Streamlining Too Many Governments
Illinois has 1,800 more government units than even Texas. But a few new laws and a growing movement behind streamlining is good news for beleaguered taxpayers.
Posted inAnalysis, Policy
Fixing Bloated Bureaucracy: What You Need To Know About New Consolidation Law
Senate Bill 3 is now law (Public Act 100-0107); a law that attempts to empower citizens to consolidate some of their governments. SB3, introduced by state Sen. Tom Cullerton and state Rep. Sam Yingling, originally was part of the Senate’s “grand bargain” package. The bill was supported by both Republicans and Democrats across the state.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Shaw: Navy Pier Shell Game Cries Out For TIF Reform
The Navy Pier TIF shell game reported by BGA/Crain’s is just the latest transgression in a city TIF program that’s been steeped in secrecy and mired in controversy since its inception three decades ago. It’s time for Chicago to get its TIF act together.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Doubek: End The School Funding Divide-And-Conquer
For at least 25 years, we’ve been playing divide-and-conquer games over Illinois school funding, with our children as the dispensable collateral damage.