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.
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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?
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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.
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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?
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What The Gov: What Questions Do You Have About How Government in Illinois Is Responding to Coronavirus?
What unanswered questions do you have about how public officials in Chicago, Cook County and Illinois are responding to the COVID-19 outbreak? Ask them and our BGA reporters may answer them.
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RESCHEDULED: 2020 Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting
Regretfully, in light of the COVID-19 outbreak, this year’s awards ceremony will be rescheduled for mid-July. We look forward to bringing together outstanding journalists and those who appreciate their work at that time. Stay tuned for details. Â
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Fact-Check: Challenger’s Account of Lipinski’s Immigration Record Falls Short
One of U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski’s challengers claims the congressman not only voted against the DREAM Act, but also supports separating families and banning Muslims. That argument is specious.
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Fact-Check: Advocate’s Graduated Tax Comparison Needs More Context
The chairman of the campaign to replace Illinois’ flat income tax with graduated rates said California’s high top rate on millionaires hasn’t driven people from that state. It’s more complicated than that.
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Fact-Check: Lipinski Revives GOP Talking Point on ACA Medicare Change
U.S. Rep. Daniel Lipinski recently explained his vote against the Affordable Care Act by claiming it took money from Medicare. The landmark health care law reduced future growth in program spending, but it did not take away existing dollars.
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Fact-Check: Have Carbon Emissions Increased Under Trump?
U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky is correct the nation has seen an increase in emissions in the time since Trump took office. After a significant spike in 2018, however, emissions fell again last year.
