The crushing pension debt that is squeezing out resources to pay for other services grew through decades of bipartisan political expediency. The candidates for governor steer clear of the topic as options to fix the crisis without pain narrow.
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Posted inUpdates
BGA Announces 2018 Driehaus Award Finalists
Three award winners will be announced at an event on May 1st. Tickets are available now.
Posted inNews
Fact-Check: Facts Bug New Pritzker Attack Line on Quincy Veterans’ Home
Democrat JB Pritzker is quick to blame rival Gov. Bruce Rauner for new health problems at the state facility for retired veterans. But the stomach virus is very different and harder to prevent than Legionnaires’ disease, which has killed 13 residents since 2015.
Posted inNews, Podcast
Podcast: Digital Government in Illinois, Part 1: Is Illinois on the Bleeding Edge or Lagging Behind?
On this episode of Ready Set Gov, we explore the future of Illinois government with the help of Rep. Mike Zalewski, D-Riverside, who walks us through blockchain, cryptocurrency and the possible applications of new digital tools and practices in Illinois government.
Posted inNews
BGA Wins Prestigious National Award for Series on Nuclear Industry
‘Power Struggle’ project honored with Stokes Award for exposing radioactive leaks and questions about federal oversight. The BGA also won a statewide award for its story about boy with autism who drowned in Chicago Public School pool.
Posted inNews
When It Comes to Illinois’ Deficit, How Bad is Bad?
There are lots of different ways to measure Illinois’ fiscal crisis, and politicians usually seize on the yardstick that best fits their partisan agendas.
Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
Illinois’ Plan For $109 Million Haul From Volkswagen Emissions Scandal Draws Fire
Critics say the state is keeping the public in the dark and trying to speed a process that they fear may ultimately benefit corporate interests more than people sickened by air pollution.
Posted inNews, Podcast
Podcast: Changing ‘The Chicago Way’ with Amara Enyia, Public Policy Consultant
“I think the city of Chicago has created one of the most starkly inequitable cities.” – Amara Enyia, public policy consultant and this week’s guest on the pod.
Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
Public Dollars to Keep Navy Pier Records from the Public: Nearly $670,000
The tab for hiring outside attorneys hits almost $670,000 as the public agency that owns Navy Pier fights in court to block release of records related to operation of the lakefront tourist attraction.
Posted inNews
Rauner Cites Own Remarks as Proof of Outside Support for Election Night Claim
In a speech to supporters on primary night, Rauner claimed that “newspapers” were now likening his political rivals to the mafia. In reality, one newspaper columnist was quoting Rauner.
