Category Archives: Commentary
As Time and Cash Run Out, Pols Must Launch Pension Rescue
By Robert Reed This Think Tank post was also published as an OpEd on Friday, Feb. 3, 2012 in the Chicago Sun-Times. Robert is the BGA’s director of programming and investigations. Contact him at rreed@bettergov.org. Follow him on Twitter @RReedBGA. … Continue reading
Filed under Commentary, Pension Reform
BGA’s Bob Reed Talks Blago on WBBM’s At Issue with Craig Dellimore
>> CLICK HERE TO LISTEN
Filed under Commentary
BGA Members to Quinn: Get the Facts Before You Ante Up
When lawmakers hear directly from constituents through faxes, emails and phone calls, they understand the issues that really matter to the people they represent. The BGA’s e-advocacy tool connects our members and followers directly to lawmakers to make sure better … Continue reading
Filed under Action Alert, Commentary, Gaming
Country Club Hills should tee up some reforms
Credit card expenses and government salaries in south suburban Country Club Hills seem to be—and we’re putting it mildly—out of control. This isn’t some oil-rich Middle East monarchy we’re talking about. Country Club Hills is a nice middle-class town where … Continue reading
Filed under Commentary
Chicago Tribune Editorial: ‘Does Citizen Daley deserve a security detail?’
By Andy Shaw, BGA President & CEO The following editorial by BGA President & CEO Andy Shaw appeared in the May 13 Chicago Tribune—read it here. Mayor Richard Daley’s request for a security detail after he leaves office creates a … Continue reading
Filed under Andy Shaw, Commentary
BGA Policy Guru Emily Miller Talks FOIA Protection and Township Reform on Outside the Loop
The Better Government Association’s policy guru, Emily Miller, talked with Outside the Loop’s Mike Stephen about BGA’s top legislative priorities for the current session—protecting the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, and reforming township government. >> TO LISTEN CLICK HERE
Filed under Commentary, FOIA, Townships
Kennedy Challenges BGA on Police Protection for Politicians
By Andy Shaw, BGA President & CEO The following commentary was published this weekend in the Chicago Sun-Times. >> Click here to read Chris Kennedy’s letter to me about police bodyguard details for politicians. Christopher Kennedy, president of the Merchandise … Continue reading
Filed under Andy Shaw, Commentary
Last Word on ’11 Mayoral Election
By Andy Shaw, BGA President & CEO Went to hair stylist extraordinaire Jeananne for a trim on Election Day so I’d look presentable for TV analysis that night. She’s a Mount Greenwood girl whose dad was a fireman so it’s … Continue reading
Filed under 2011 Elections, Commentary
Sorry, Seniors — We Were All Taken For A Ride
By Andy Shaw, BGA President & CEO The BGA loves seniors. In fact, some of us watchdogs wear the gray mantle proudly. But the old saying that “there’s no such thing as a free lunch” actually rings true in this … Continue reading
Filed under Andy Shaw, Commentary
Scholarship Scam Might Finally be Killed
Commentary This Op-Ed also appeared in the Chicago Sun-Times. BGA’s policy arm is calling for an end to legislative scholarships because we believe they’re beyond repair or reform. In recent months, the Better Government Association and various media outlets have … Continue reading →
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Filed under Commentary, Legislative Update
Tagged as legislative news, legislative scholarships