Policy

The recent dustup over the exorbitant severance deal the University of Illinois offered its embattled chancellor reminds me of an oft-quoted line: “This is like déjà vu all over again.”

Mayor Emanuel finally introduced a much-anticipated ordinance designed to protect city residents and taxpayers from another privatization fiasco like the parking meter abomination.

The front-page story attracted a lot of attention, but several local Jarrett associates said “so what?” because her actions don’t appear to violate any laws or circumvent any rules. 

Illinois is about average when it comes to transparency, accountability and conflicts of interest, according the Center for Public Integrity’s latest State Integrity Investigation, which gave Illinois and a majority of states a grade of C.

The plan highlights more than 40 potential efficiencies, including consolidating departments, tapping new revenue streams, eliminating programs, transferring services and cutting expenses.

Illinois residents pay $2,350 per capita in various taxes to support those units of local government, fourth-highest rate, according to a BGA analysis.

In the wake of clout-hiring allegations, among other problems, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District needs to implement reforms — and start justifying its existence.

Government bankruptcy is a mystery to most of us in Illinois because there’s been no compelling reason to explore this arcane chapter of the federal bankruptcy code—until now.