During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Better Government Association is shifting gears to help inform the public about the government’s role and actions during the crisis. We (virtually) sat down with BGA reporter Kiannah Sepeda-Miller to ask her how she is responding to the coronavirus.
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Posted inNews
What the Gov: Can People Still Transport Dogs and Cats for Fostering or Adoption in Illinois?
Despite the coronavirus, animal rescues are still happening across the U.S. What restrictions are there, especially in states like Illinois where a “stay at home” order remains in place?
Posted inNews
Fact-Check: No, Illinois Isn’t Banning Alcohol Sales As Part of Coronavirus Response
False claims that Gov. J.B. Pritzker is halting alcohol sales in Illinois originated on a prank page that is being shared on social media.
Posted inEquity & Economic Opportunity
Lightfoot Pushing to Make TIFs More Equitable but Changes Lacking for Critics She’s Tried to Win Over
Chicago’s mayor has long-promised to reform how special tax funds are spent on private projects. Her first move is a step but isn’t big enough for some.
Posted inNews
Who’s on Watch? Q&A with BGA Lawyer Matt Topic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Better Government Association is shifting gears to help inform the public about the government’s role and actions during the crisis. We (virtually) sat down with BGA attorney Matt Topic to ask him how he is responding to the coronavirus.
Posted inNews
What the Gov: How Is Coronavirus Affecting Public Transportation?
COVID-19 is touching nearly every aspect of our daily lives — including where we go and how we get there. What are the public transit agencies doing to respond?
Posted inNews
Fact-Check: Did Pritzker Lack Authority to Postpone the Primary?
It’s difficult to know for sure that Pritzker could not have done anything to delay the March 17 election. But experts told us the governor spoke correctly in describing the limits of his powers under existing law.
Posted inEquity & Economic Opportunity
Coronavirus Crippling Chicago’s Census Outreach Effort
Mayor Lori Lightfoot, already worried about the city losing billions of dollars in the 2020 headcount, worked to boost participation in undercounted communities. Now COVID-19 is creating a major new hurdle.
Posted inNews
What the Gov: What Is Behind Governments’ Ability to Keep Restaurants and Bars Closed?
Pritzker this week ordered restaurants closed for dine-in customers. How can he do that and what does the public need to know about how the closures are enforced?
Posted inOpinion
Greising: Gov. Pritzker Steps up in Face of Coronavirus Crisis. Similarly Bold Leadership Would Help Solve Illinois’ Other Problems.
Pritzker’s stand on elections was an act of leadership. Some disagreed, others agreed. And that’s when leaders step up and make a judgment call.
