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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20130901T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20130901T183000
DTSTAMP:20260405T075748
CREATED:20220930T210029Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T210029Z
UID:7464-1378060200-1378060200@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:TIFs In An Era Of School Budget Cuts
DESCRIPTION:The Better Government Association and Catalyst Chicago host a panel to discuss TIFs and school budget cuts. Moderated by Linda Lenz of Catalyst Chicago\, speakers include Ben Joravsky of the Chicago Reader\, Chris Brown from LISC Chicago\, Bill Vaselopulos from Cook County Clerk’s Office and Emily Miller of the Better Government Association. This program was recorded and streamed by Chicago Access Network Television (CAN TV). \n\n\n  \n \nIf you have any questions please call the BGA office at (312) 427-8330.
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/tifs-in-an-era-of-school-budget-cuts/
LOCATION:Roosevelt University\, 430 South Michigan Avenue\, Chicago\, 60605
CATEGORIES:Idea Forums
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20130924T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20130924T180000
DTSTAMP:20260405T075748
CREATED:20220930T210029Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T210029Z
UID:7463-1380045600-1380045600@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:Free FOIA clinic
DESCRIPTION:Sign up for a one-on-one 15-minute session with an attorney at no charge! \nMeet with a FOIA expert for free legal advice on how to get your request answered. (Appointment necessary). \nCo-hosted with Kirkland & Ellis LLP and the Center for Public Interest Law at DePaul University. A scheduled appointment is necessary. \nContact Stephanie Simon at ssimon@bettergov.org or 312-821-9042 for an appointment. Additional information is required before an appointment can be scheduled.
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/free-foia-clinic/
LOCATION:DePaul University College of Law\, 25 E. Jackson Blvd.\, Chicago\, 60604
CATEGORIES:FOIA Clinics
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20140103T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20140103T180000
DTSTAMP:20260405T075748
CREATED:20220930T210829Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T210829Z
UID:7484-1388772000-1388772000@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:Free FOIA clinic
DESCRIPTION:6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. \nSign up for a one-on-one 15-minute session with an attorney at no charge! \nMeet with a FOIA expert for free legal advice on how to get your request answered. (Appointment necessary). \nCo-hosted with Kirkland & Ellis LLP and the Center for Public Interest Law at DePaul University. A scheduled appointment is necessary. \nContact Stephanie Simon at ssimon@bettergov.org or 312-821-9042 for an appointment. Additional information is required before an appointment can be scheduled.
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/free-foia-clinic-3/
LOCATION:DePaul University College of Law\, 25 E. Jackson Blvd.\, Chicago\, 60604
CATEGORIES:FOIA Clinics
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20140224T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20140224T183000
DTSTAMP:20260405T075748
CREATED:20220930T210829Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T210829Z
UID:7481-1393266600-1393266600@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:Smart Streamlining: DuPage County Idea Forum
DESCRIPTION:The BGA hosted an Idea Forum on government consolidation at National Louis University in Lisle\, Illinois on Monday\, February 24\, as part of its efforts to promote the “Smart Streamlining” of government units in Illinois. \nModerated by Madeleine Doubek\, Chief Operating Officer of Reboot Illinois\, the panel featured a lively discussion and question and answer session between DuPage County Board Chairman Dan Cronin\, Illinois State Representative Emanuel “Chris” Welch\, Township Officials of Cook County Administrative Coordinator Bob Porter and the Illinois Policy Institute’s Director of Government Reform\, Brian Costin. \n \nCronin said DuPage County officials are trying to determine if the services delivered by 13 local governments can be delivered in other ways at lower costs to taxpayers. Welch said he’s proposed legislation that could merge River Forest Township with the Village of River Forest because many of his constituents have asked for the opportunity to make such a change in order to save tax dollars. Porter said he supports consolidation in some cases\, but he warned that bigger isn’t always better when it comes to government efficiency or the delivery of services. And Costin noted that Illinois has too many layers of government for citizens to effectively monitor and the result could be higher taxes and more corruption. \nThe BGA regularly hosts Idea Forums to engage and educate the public on a wide range of good government issues. “Smart Streamlining\,” which tops the BGA’s 2014 legislative agenda\, is an effort to advocate for the public’s ability to consolidate or dissolve units of government found to be inefficient or ineffectual. \nIllinois leads the nation with nearly 7\,000 units of government\, about 2\,000 more than much larger states like Texas and California. The BGA kick started its “Smart Streamlining” campaign in January at a meeting of Springfield civic and business leaders who are considering a variety of ways to create more cost-effective local government. The BGA will return to the Springfield area in the spring to host another Idea Forum on government consolidation. \n\n\n \n 
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/smart-streamlining-dupage-county-idea-forum/
LOCATION:National Louis University\, 850 Warrenville Road\, Lisle\, 60532
CATEGORIES:Idea Forums
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20140422T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20140422T180000
DTSTAMP:20260405T075748
CREATED:20220930T211621Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T211621Z
UID:7496-1398189600-1398189600@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:Free FOIA clinic
DESCRIPTION:6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. \nSign up for a one-on-one 15-minute session with an attorney at no charge! \nMeet with a FOIA expert from the BGA’s outside counsel for free legal advice on how to get your request answered. (Appointment necessary). \nCo-hosted with the Center for Public Interest Law at DePaul University. A scheduled appointment is necessary. \nContact Stephanie Simon at ssimon@bettergov.org or 312-821-9042 for an appointment. Additional information is required before an appointment can be scheduled.
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/free-foia-clinic-4/
LOCATION:DePaul University College of Law\, 25 E. Jackson Blvd.\, Chicago\, 60604
CATEGORIES:FOIA Clinics
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20140502T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20140502T083000
DTSTAMP:20260405T075748
CREATED:20220930T211853Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T211853Z
UID:7512-1399019400-1399019400@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:Smart Streamlining: Exploring Government Efficiency In Your Community
DESCRIPTION:As a part of its “Smart Streamlining” campaign\, the Better Government Association hosted an Idea Forum on Tuesday\, May 20\, before a crowd of more than 50 guests at the Sangamo Club in Springfield. \nThe event featured a panel discussion moderated by Springfield radio personality Jim Leach of WMAY 970 AM\, which provided a live broadcast of the 90-minute event. A podcast of the conversation is available on the station’s website. The Idea Forum also featured a presentation on the more than 7\,000 units of government in Illinois—the highest of any state in the nation. \nSpringfield-area state Sen. Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill); former Springfield Mayor Karen Hasara; Jim Donelan with the Township Officials of Illinois; and Kent Redfield\, an emeritus professor of political science at the University of Illinois Springfield\, served as panelists. They talked about why Illinois has so many units of government\, the hard work being done to trim those numbers and the challenges standing in the way—like politics\, emotions and questions about whether consolidation will yield significant savings. \nLast year\, the Illinois General Assembly approved three measures that ease the path to consolidation for a select number of governments. However\, several other measures have stalled. Manar acknowledged that politics is part of the reason that progress has been slow\, but he said legislators are warming up to conversations about promoting government efficiency. \n“The more that the conversation is forced on the legislature\, the better off we’re going to be. But that takes continuous dialogue and probably a piecemeal approach\,” Manar said. “This is a complicated issue.” \nDonelan noted that consolidation plans shouldn’t move forward until there’s a firm understanding of the services provided by local governments and how consolidation might affect the people who rely on those services. Hasara said a thoughtful approach allowed officials in Springfield eliminate several local governments there without great pain to government workers and the public at large. \nDonelan\, Hasara and Redfield all served on the Citizens’ Efficiency Commission\, an effort to identify ways to save tax dollars in Sangamon County through government consolidation and collaboration\, like sharing services and personnel. \nRedfield said the taxing and bonding restrictions imposed by the state’s 1870 constitution help explain why Illinois has amassed nearly 7\,000 units of government. As a result\, communities created special districts to provide services that were beyond the fiscal means of counties and municipalities. Redfield said constitutional revisions in 1970 alleviated some of those restrictions. \n“The problem is it came a hundred years too late. And now we’re in a situation where everybody is invested in the status quo\,” Redfield said. “We’ve got land. We’ve got people\, and\, frankly\, we’ve got politics in terms of units of local government also become places where parties can run candidates or use them for organizing devices.” \nThe BGA regularly hosts Idea Forums to engage and educate the public on a wide range of good government issues. “Smart Streamlining\,” which tops the BGA’s 2014 legislative agenda\, is an effort to advocate for the public’s ability to consolidate or dissolve units of government found to be inefficient or ineffectual. The BGA launched the campaign in January. \n\n LISTEN\nThe panel discussion on “Smart Streamlining” was sponsored by the Better Government Association and broadcast live on 970 WMAY. \nPart 1 \nPart 2 \nPart 3 \n\n 
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/smart-streamlining-exploring-government-efficiency-in-your-community/
LOCATION:The Sangamo Club\, 227 East Adams Street\, Springfield\, 62701
CATEGORIES:Idea Forums
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20140506T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20140506T173000
DTSTAMP:20260405T075748
CREATED:20220930T210629Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230125T214707Z
UID:7477-1399397400-1399397400@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:The 2014 Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting
DESCRIPTION:Reporter Shawn Boburg of The Record in Bergen\, NJ tells the story behind how he uncovered the Chris Christie “Bridgegate” scandal. Boburg spoke at The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting held by the Better Government Association. \n\n \n\n \n1st place\n \nTitle: “Chronic Crisis” \nNewspaper: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel \nContributor: Meg Kissinger \n\n\n2nd place\n \nTitle: “Small Claims…Big Injustice” \nTelevision Station: WTHR-TV\n \nContributors: Sandra Chapman\, William C. Ditton\, Steve Rhodes\, John Whalen\, Michael Eckstein \n\n\n3rd place\n \nTitle: “Backfire” \nNewspaper: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel\n \nContributors: John Diedrich and Raquel Rutledge \n\n\nHonorable Mention\n \nTitle: “Sweeping the Streets” \nNewspaper: The Chicago Reporter\n \nContributors: Angela Caputo\, Rui Kaneya\, Matthew Kovac\, Latricia Polk\, Evan Moore \n\n\n \nAWARD: Special Citation for body of work\n\nTelevision Station: WXYZ-TV\n \nContributors: Ross Jones\, Ramon Rosario\, Randy Lundquist\, Johnny Sartin\, Ann Mullen
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/the-2014-richard-h-driehaus-foundation-awards-for-investigative-reporting/
LOCATION:Union League Club\, Main Dining Room\, 6th Floor\, 65 West Jackson Blvd\, Chicago\, 60604
CATEGORIES:& Awards,Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://illinoisanswers.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/2014InvestigativeAwardsEventsMain.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20140507T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20140507T173000
DTSTAMP:20260405T075748
CREATED:20220930T211654Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T211654Z
UID:7510-1399483800-1399483800@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:Springfield Reception - May 7
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/springfield-reception-may-7/
LOCATION:Inn at 835\, 835 South Second Street\, Springfield\, 62704
CATEGORIES:& Awards,Fundraisers,Special Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20140714T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20140714T180000
DTSTAMP:20260405T075748
CREATED:20220930T211853Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T211853Z
UID:7515-1405360800-1405360800@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:Free FOIA clinic
DESCRIPTION:Sign up for a one-on-one 15-minute session with an attorney at no charge! \nMeet with a FOIA expert from the BGA’s outside counsel for free legal advice on how to get your request answered. (Appointment necessary). \nCo-hosted with the Center for Public Interest Law at DePaul University. A scheduled appointment is necessary. \nContact Stephanie Simon at ssimon@bettergov.org or 312-821-9042 for an appointment. Additional information is required before an appointment can be scheduled.
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/free-foia-clinic-5/
LOCATION:DePaul University College of Law\, 25 E. Jackson Blvd.\, Chicago\, 60604
CATEGORIES:FOIA Clinics
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://illinoisanswers.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/BGA_LogoNoTag_Dec2010.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20140728T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20140728T180000
DTSTAMP:20260405T075749
CREATED:20220930T211853Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T211853Z
UID:7513-1406570400-1406570400@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:2014 Young Professionals Board Summer Event
DESCRIPTION:The Young Professionals Board of the Better Government Association held its Third Annual Summer Comedy Event at the club untitled in Chicago’s River North neighborhood on July 28. Chicago comedians Pat McGann and Jim Flannigan kept the crowd laughing as they kicked back in this Prohibition-era speakeasy. Congratulations to the YPB for an event that raised more than $34\,000 for better government. Many thanks to everyone who attended\, our sponsors and raffle prize donors.
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/2014-young-professionals-board-summer-event/
LOCATION:untitled\, 111 West Kinzie\, Chicago\, 60654
CATEGORIES:& Awards,Fundraisers,Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://illinoisanswers.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/summercomedyevent9.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20141014T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20141014T113000
DTSTAMP:20260405T075749
CREATED:20220930T211853Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T211853Z
UID:7514-1413286200-1413286200@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:2014 BGA Annual Luncheon
DESCRIPTION:  \n \n \n 
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/2014-bga-annual-luncheon/
LOCATION:Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers\, 301 E North Water St\, Chicago\, 60611
CATEGORIES:& Awards,Fundraisers,Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://illinoisanswers.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/annualluncheon2014-1v2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20141112T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20141112T163000
DTSTAMP:20260405T075749
CREATED:20220930T211654Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T211654Z
UID:7509-1415809800-1415809800@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:What's the Force Behind the Lucas Museum?
DESCRIPTION:Is building the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art on Chicago’s lakefront a fait accompli? \nMany people may think so but there are a lot of unanswered questions and crucial points that should be discussed before construction gets underway at the Museum Campus. \nJoin the BGA and the Union League Club of Chicago for a candid conversation about the important questions and issues still surrounding this new facility. The BGA/Union League Club Idea Forum will air all sides\, enhance community involvement and add value to public hearings being offered later at Chicago Park District forums or City Council committee hearings. \nCome join us!
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/whats-the-force-behind-the-lucas-museum/
LOCATION:Union League Club of Chicago\, 65 W Jackson Blvd\, Chicago\, 60604
CATEGORIES:Idea Forums
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://illinoisanswers.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Lucasideaforum8.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20141216T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20141216T113000
DTSTAMP:20260405T075749
CREATED:20220930T211654Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T211654Z
UID:7508-1418729400-1418729400@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:Bruce\, Budget Blues & BGA
DESCRIPTION:Rauner Talks Budget Reform At BGA’s Springfield Event\nGovernor-elect discusses State’s Fiscal Crisis During Sangamo Club luncheon. \nBy the BGA \n“The more we peel back the onion\, the uglier it is.” \nThat’s the metaphor Illinois Governor-elect Bruce Rauner used to describe the state budget crisis during a luncheon event this week that was hosted Dec. 16\, 2014 by the Better Government Association and its recently created Springfield Advisory Board. \nDuring the event\, which was held at the Sangamo Club in Springfield and entitled “Bruce\, Budget Blues & BGA”\, Rauner stated that years of mounting unpaid bills\, “accounting shenanigans” and irresponsible borrowing have contributed to a messy budget process and Illinois’ ongoing fiscal woes. \nHis new administration will seek to correct these problems by focusing on structural reforms\, such as comprehensive overhaul of the tax code\, Rauner told an audience of nearly 150 people. \nMarilyn Kushak\, chair of the BGA Springfield Advisory Board\, opened the event by introducing Andy Shaw\, CEO and president of the BGA\, who moderated a brief question and answer session with the governor-elect. \nFollowing Rauner’s speech\, Shaw and Mike Lawrence\, former journalist\, president of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute\, and press secretary for ex-Governor Jim Edgar’s administration as well as a BGA Advisory Board member\, analyzed the Governor-elect’s statements and discussed his administration’s objectives. \nThe event was also carried live on radio station WMAY-AM. \n“Bruce\, Budget Blues & BGA” is part of the BGA’s initiative to expand its advocacy and civic engagement efforts to the state’s capital. \nKey to that effort is the formation of the advisory board that includes leading Springfield-based civic\, business and non-profit leaders. \n 
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/bruce-budget-blues-bga/
LOCATION:Sangamo Club\, 227 East Adams Street\, Springfield\, 62701
CATEGORIES:Candid Conversations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://illinoisanswers.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/bruceraunerspringfield29.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20141218T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20141218T000000
DTSTAMP:20260405T075749
CREATED:20220930T212254Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T212254Z
UID:7522-1418860800-1418860800@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:Rahm Talks Reform With BGA's Shaw
DESCRIPTION:In an exclusive interview with Andy Shaw\, president and CEO of the Better Government Association\, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel touted his administration’s track record on ethics while acknowledging there’s more to accomplish on the reform front. \nThe one-on-one interview Dec. 18\, 2014 at the downtown-based Union League Club\, which lasted for nearly an hour\, explored various good government issues\, including: need for a privatization ordinance\, increased government transparency\, police accountability\, tax-increment financing\, campaign finance as well as Emanuel’s leadership style. \n\n\nThe mayor led off the event with an announcement that the Chicago Park District is now in compliance with the federal Shakman Decree\, completing the work to free all branches of city government from federal oversight of hiring due to decades of rampant patronage. \n“Now\, what you know is more important than who you know\,” Emanuel said. “In the last three-and-a-half years\, we’ve gotten something done that no one thought was possible in the city.” \nThe mayor also strongly defended his use of tax increment financing\, or TIF\, proceeds as a redevelopment tool and his way of eliciting public feedback on major policy initiatives or projects. \nRahm\, Reform & BGA \n\nEmanuel estimated that 80 percent of TIF dollars are used for the public’s benefit in the form of schools\, parks\, libraries and public transit. The mayor also said that he favors establishing task forces to engage in public dialogue about major issues and then provide recommendations based on what they’ve heard. Emanuel said he’s used that feedback for his decisions to pursue a minimum wage increase and to nix plans to privatize Chicago Midway International Airport. \nThe process to study the proposed Midway deal and seek public input is one Emanuel said that he’d like to formalize in consideration of other major privatization deals down the road. The mayor said he wants to draft an ordinance that will avoid a return to privatization deals\, such as the widely disparaged Chicago parking meter deal that occurred during the regime of his predecessor Richard M. Daley. \nThe key to preventing future parking meter deals\, Emanuel told Shaw\, is to provide thorough examination of the proposal and then allow ample time for the city council and the public to vet the pros and cons. \nOn budget reform\, the mayor acknowledged that the city continues to struggle with debt\, but he said the administration has made tough choices and structural reforms that have the city headed in the right direction. “I did not say that in three-and-half years I was going to change all the paths\, but we have changed directionally where we’re going and we’re making fundamental different choices that get us to the place where we need to be\,” Emanuel said. \nThe event\, dubbed “Rahm\, Reform & BGA” was held in a fifth-floor ballroom at the Union League Club of Chicago before a crowd of nearly 50 BGA supporters\, board members\, staff\, media and invited guests. Several news outlets covered the interview and produced news stories on the mayor’s responses. \nMore than three years ago\, Emanuel sat down with Shaw for a similar interview on his first 100 days in office and his goals moving forward. \n\n\n 
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/rahm-talks-reform-with-bgas-shaw/
LOCATION:Union League Club\, 65 W Jackson Blvd\, Chicago\, 60604
CATEGORIES:Candid Conversations
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20150128T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20150128T180000
DTSTAMP:20260405T075749
CREATED:20220930T211622Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T211622Z
UID:7497-1422468000-1422468000@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:Getting the Scoop on Charter Schools
DESCRIPTION:So how transparent and open are Chicago charter schools? Hear what BGA investigators think. They’ll share their experiences getting info and public records about charter schools… and talk about the tools you need to get the info yourself. \n\n\n\n\n \n\n  \n 
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/getting-the-scoop-on-charter-schools/
LOCATION:Portage-Cragin Library\, 5108 W Belmont Ave\, Chicago\, 60641
CATEGORIES:Idea Forums
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20150302T111500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20150302T111500
DTSTAMP:20260405T075749
CREATED:20220930T211622Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T211622Z
UID:7498-1425294900-1425294900@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:A BGA Candid Conversation: Chuy's Challenge
DESCRIPTION: 
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/a-bga-candid-conversation-chuys-challenge/
LOCATION:This event is online only.\, bettergov.org\, Chicago\, 60606
CATEGORIES:Candid Conversations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://illinoisanswers.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Screen-Shot-2015-09-01-at-2.31.54-PM.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20150324T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20150324T160000
DTSTAMP:20260405T075749
CREATED:20220930T211640Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T211640Z
UID:7505-1427212800-1427212800@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:FOIA Facts & Friction: The Future Of Open Records Laws In Illinois
DESCRIPTION:Join the BGA in Springfield to talk open records laws in Illinois. \nHosted by the BGA’s Springfield Advisory Committee\, “FOIA Facts & Friction: The Future of Open Records Laws in Illinois” will be a balanced panel discussion that will consider the viewpoints of both those who make public information requests and those charged with responding to them. \nThis event contributes to the BGA’s expanding advocacy and civic engagement in the state capital.
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/foia-facts-friction-the-future-of-open-records-laws-in-illinois/
LOCATION:State Journal-Register Building\, One Copley Plaza\, Springfield\, 62705
CATEGORIES:Idea Forums
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://illinoisanswers.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/panel_moderator_foia_2015.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20150603T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20150603T163000
DTSTAMP:20260405T075749
CREATED:20220930T211640Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T211640Z
UID:7502-1433349000-1433349000@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:Municipal Bankruptcy: Is Your Hometown or School District the Next Detroit?
DESCRIPTION:BGA IDEA FORUM: MUNI BANKRUPTCY\nPanel of experts offer differing views on a controversial financial strategy.  \n \nIt’s a topic that has been widely discussed in the media and across Illinois\, with most specifics left unaddressed and many questions left unanswered. \nBecause of these outstanding questions and in light of the financial crises facing Illinois and its municipalities\, the Better Government Association hosted “Municipal Bankruptcy: Is Your Hometown or School District the Next Detroit?” on Wednesday\, June 3\, 2015. \nBroadcast live on CAN TV\, the event featured an expert panel representing a range of viewpoints: James Spiotto\, bankruptcy attorney and co-publisher of MuniNetGuide.com; Carole Neville\, lawyer for Dentons Municipal Reform and Restructuring Group and Counsel to the Detroit Retiree Committee; Hon. Larry Morrissey\, Mayor of Rockford\, IL; and Saqib Bhatti\, Director of the ReFund America project. BGA Senior Policy Analyst Alden Loury moderated the discussion\, which was held at the Union League Club of Chicago. \nThe conversation opened with a primer on the basics of Chapter 9 municipal bankruptcy. Detroit’s bankruptcy proceedings were discussed at some length\, both in terms of its mechanics and the lessons to be learned by Chicago and other struggling municipalities. \nThe panelists debated the merits of a bill pending in the Illinois General Assembly that would authorize municipalities to file for Chapter 9 bankruptcy\, whether Illinois municipalities have sufficient revenue and resources\, and how a municipality should address enormous pension obligations and municipal bond debt with or without the option to file for bankruptcy. \nDespite the panelists’ ranges of opinion\, there was consensus amongst them that regardless of whether Illinois passes a law authorizing municipal bankruptcy\, great care must be taken to engage and consider the perspectives of a wide range of stakeholders\, including bondholders\, retirees\, labor\, taxpayers and elected officials. \nThe BGA policy team regularly hosts idea forums to promote conversation amongst key stakeholders about important policy issues.  \n \n//  \nMedia Sponsor \n  \n  \nBGA’s Robert Reed Talks Municipal Bankruptcy On Chicago Tonight \n \n   \n  \nSupplemental Materials\n“Is Chapter 9 Bankruptcy the Ultimate Remedy for Financially Distressed Municipalities: Are There Better Resolution Mechanisms?” -James E. Spiotto \n“How Municipalities in Financial Distress Should Deal with Unfunded Pension Obligations and Appropriate Funding of Essential Services” – James E. Spiotto \n“Ten Considerations for Financially Distressed Local Governments and Public Authorities” – Provided by Carole Neville \n“Restructuring\, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Experience” – Provided by Carole Neville \n“Our Kind of Town: A Financial Plan that Puts Chicago’s Communities First” – Provided by Saqib Bhatti\, report by Saqib Bhatti and Carrie Sloan
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/municipal-bankruptcy-is-your-hometown-or-school-district-the-next-detroit/
LOCATION:Union League Club of Chicago\, Crystal Room\, 65 W. Jackson Blvd.\, Chicago\, 60604
CATEGORIES:Idea Forums
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20151022T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20151022T000000
DTSTAMP:20260405T075749
CREATED:20220930T212054Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T212054Z
UID:7517-1445472000-1445472000@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:Fortnightly Club Of Chicago
DESCRIPTION:On Thursday\, Oct. 22\, Andy Shaw spoke to a group of more than one hundred women at The Fortnightly Club of Chicago. The oldest women’s organization in the city\, The Fortnightly Club brings together women from all walks of life to discuss books\, films and current events. Andy spoke about the BGA’s history\, mission and work in addition to Illinois’s current budget crisis. The audience was engaged and ready to ask questions about issues ranging from pension reform to taxes and spending.
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/fortnightly-club-of-chicago/
LOCATION:120 E Bellevue Pl\, Chicago\, 60611
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://illinoisanswers.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/DSCN2885.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20160402T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20160402T110000
DTSTAMP:20260405T075749
CREATED:20220930T212851Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T212851Z
UID:7545-1459594800-1459594800@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:Dan on Downsizing in DuPage: A BGA Candid Conversation
DESCRIPTION:Dan Cronin\, DuPage County Board Chairman\, and Andy Shaw\, BGA President and CEO\, discussed the future of government streamlining and consolidation during a BGA “Candid Conversation” event held April 20 at Oak Brook-based Inland Real Estate Group. \nThe conversation\, which was streamed online\, centered on Cronin’s three-year-plus effort to streamline government operations throughout DuPage County and how that effort fits with the BGA’s statewide government consolidation effort\, entitled “Smart Streamlining.” \nCronin reflected on the complicated nature of consolidating units of government. \n\n\n\nResistance from local government leaders and employees remains a major hurdle\, he said. But support is growing among government reform groups\, local leaders and members of the Illinois General Assembly\, as evidenced by the nearly two dozen bills addressing streamlining in some fashion that have been considered by the legislature this session. \n\n\n\nCronin and Shaw also touched on the increasingly partisan tension between Republicans and Democrats in state government and the debate over school funding. \nShaw also asked what’s next politically for Cronin: Right now\, he’s focused on his job\, but Cronin added\, “never say never.” \n\n\n\n\nSee the full conversation\n\n\n\n\nBGA Candid Conversations bring together prominent public figures and BGA’s President & CEO Andy Shaw for conversations about good government issues. It’s one of the ways the BGA holds public officials accountable for their promises and actions. \nPrevious Candid Conversations\n\n\n\n    \nA BGA Candid Conversation With Toni Preckwinkle | November 12\, 2015\n\n\n\n\n			A BGA Candid Conversation: Chuy’s Challenge | March 20\, 2015\n\n\n\n\n			Rahm Talks Reform With BGA’s Shaw | December 18\, 2014\n\n\n\nBruce\, Budget Blues & BGA | December 16\, 2014\n\n\n\n\nFor more information contact Policy Associate Danish Murtaza at dmurtaza@bettergov.org or 312-386-9202.
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/dan-on-downsizing-in-dupage-a-bga-candid-conversation/
LOCATION:Oak Brook\, 60523
CATEGORIES:Candid Conversations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://illinoisanswers.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/DanCronin.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20160516T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20160516T173000
DTSTAMP:20260405T075749
CREATED:20220930T212456Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T212456Z
UID:7526-1463419800-1463419800@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:The 2016 Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting
DESCRIPTION:The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting honor some of the best government-related investigative reporting in the Midwest. These Awards recognize the importance of investigative journalism in advancing the principles of democracy. \n\n \n\nHear more from this year's winners\nJamie Kalven from Slate talks about Sixteen Shots\n \n  \nGeorge Pawlaczyk and Beth Hundsdorfer  from the Belleville News-Democrat talk about Violation of Trust \n \n  \nChip Mitchell from WBEZ 91.5 talks about Inside Ipra\n \n\nPhotos\n \nCopyright Tone Stockenstrom Photo\, Inc. \n\n2016 Winners\nFirst Place – $10\,000\nSixteen Shots\n	Jamie Kalven\n	Slate \nSecond Place- $5\,000\nViolation of Trust\n	George Pawlaczyk and Beth Hundsdorfer\n	Belleville News-Democrat \nThird Place – $3\,000\nInside IPRA\n	Chip Mitchell\, Derek John\n	WBEZ 91.5 \n\nMEET THE REAL REPORTERS PORTRAYED IN THE ACADEMY AWARD-WINNING FILM "SPOTLIGHT." \nDonate    Learn More \nWALTER V. ROBINSON\n\nRobinson\, played by Michael Keaton\, is Editor At Large at the Boston Globe. Robinson\, who led the Boston Globe Spotlight Team that won the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for its investigation of the sexual abuse of children by Catholic priests\, returned to the newspaper in 2014 after seven years as Distinguished Professor of Journalism at Northeastern University. He also co-authored the 2002 book\, "Betrayal: Crisis in the Catholic Church." \n\n	SACHA PFEIFFER\n\nPfeiffer\, played by Rachel McAdams\, is a reporter covering nonprofits\, philanthropy and wealth\, and was on the Spotlight Investigative Team that won the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service. She has also been a senior reporter and host of All Things Considered and Radio Boston at WBUR\, Boston’s NPR station\, and a host of NPR’s nationally syndicated Here & Now. At WBUR she won a national Edward R. Murrow Award for broadcast reporting. Pfeiffer was a John S. Knight journalism fellow at Stanford University and co-authored "Betrayal: The Crisis in the Catholic Church." \n\n	MICHAEL REZENDES\n\nRezendes\, played by Mark Ruffalo\, is a member of the Boston Globe Spotlight Team and shared the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for revealing the cover-up of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church. In more than two decades with the Globe\, Rezendes has investigated a wide array of additional topics\, including the September 11 attacks\, health care costs\, and money in politics. He is a co-author of “Betrayal: The Crisis in the Catholic Church\,” and a contributing author to “Sin Against the Innocents: Sexual Abuse by Priests and the Role of the Catholic Church." \n	Photos by Kerry Hays \n\nMONDAY\, MAY 16\, 2016 \n\n	5:30pm\n	Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres \n\n	6:30pm\n	Award Program\, Awards presented by Richard H. Driehaus \n\n	7:15pm\n	Panel discussion with Spotlight Investigative Team \n\n	Union League Club\n	Main Dining Room\, 6th Floor\n	65 West Jackson Blvd\n	Chicago\, IL\, 60604 \n\n	Business Attire  \nDonate
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/the-2016-richard-h-driehaus-foundation-awards-for-investigative-reporting/
LOCATION:Union League Club\, 65 West Jackson Blvd\, Chicago\, 60604
CATEGORIES:& Awards,Fundraisers,Special Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20160913T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20160913T000000
DTSTAMP:20260405T075749
CREATED:20220930T212255Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T212255Z
UID:7525-1473724800-1473724800@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:2016 Annual Luncheon
DESCRIPTION:Sponsorship Opportunities\nTo download a sponsorship opportunities form\, please click here. For ticket and sponsorship information please contact Mary Frances O'Connor at 312.821.9026 or mfoconnor@bettergov.org. \nSee more   \n​SHERATON CHICAGO\n	301 E North Water St\n	Chicago\, IL 60611 \nReception 11:00 AM\n	Luncheon 12:00 PM \n\nTITLE SPONSOR\n  \n​Luncheon Co-Chairs\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJohn A. Canning\, Jr.\n								E. David Coolidge\n								James S. Crown\n								Lester Crown\n								Janice L. Feinberg\n								Daniel L. Goodwin\n								 \n\n\nMichael L. Keiser\n								Joe Mansueto\n								Steven N. Miller\n								James N. Perry\, Jr.\n								Mark E. Rust\n								James and Kathleen Skinner\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nPlatinum Sponsor – $50\,000\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPriority table seating for two tables of ten\nPriority name/logo placement on all luncheon printed materials\nPriority name/logo placement on BGA website\nSignage at BGA issue briefings\nEntry to private reception with featured guest(s)\n\n\n\n\n\nGold Sponsor – $25\,000\n\n\nPrime table seating for a table of ten\nPrime name/logo placement on all luncheon printed materials\nPrime name/logo placement on BGA website\nEntry to private reception with featured guest(s)\n\n\n\n\n\nSilver Sponsor – $10\,000\n\n\nPreferred table seating for a table of ten\nPreferred name recognition on all luncheon printed materials\nPreferred name recognition on BGA website\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBGA Sponsor – $5\,000\n\nReserved table seating for a table of ten\nReserved name recognition on all luncheon printed materials\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIndividual Reservation(s) – $500\n\n\nReserved seating for one individual
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/2016-annual-luncheon/
LOCATION:Sheraton Chicago\, 301 E North Water St\, Chicago\, 60611
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://illinoisanswers.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/BGA_2016_Luncheon_event1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20160927T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20160927T120000
DTSTAMP:20260405T075749
CREATED:20220930T212837Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T212837Z
UID:7539-1474977600-1474977600@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:Recap | 2016 BGA Springfield Luncheon: Candidates\, Chaos And Consequences
DESCRIPTION:Jim Edgar and Chris Kennedy talk Trump\, Clinton\, Rauner\, Madigan and more at BGA Luncheon. \n\nIn the midst of a chaotic\, surreal campaign season and one day following the first presidential debate\, civility and public discourse set the tone for the conversation between two political titans at the BGA’s Springfield Luncheon on Tuesday\, September 27. \nAs the featured guests in “Elections 2016: Candidates\, Chaos and Consequences\,” former Governor Jim Edgar\, a Republican\, and former University of Illinois Board Chair Chris Kennedy\, a Democrat and potential gubernatorial candidate in 2018\, offered a breakdown of the current state of politics in Illinois and the nation. From the race for the White House to reform here at home\, they analyzed it all in a conversation with Andy Shaw\, BGA President and CEO\, before an audience of about 185 in Springfield’s President Abraham Lincoln DoubleTree hotel. \n\n\nThe event replayed on WMAY 970-AM and 95.7-FM that evening and is available by podcast here: http://www.wmay.com/episode/podcast-candidates-chaos-consequences-w-better-government-association/. \nThe thought-provoking examination by both Edgar and Kennedy found common ground on a range of issues\, including that neither would vote for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. Edgar\, a Republican governor from 1991 to 1999\, said the November 8 election will be the first time he will not vote for the GOP candidate\, although he wouldn’t disclose whether he would vote for Democrat Hillary Clinton or a third-party candidate. “It’s a secret ballot\,” he said. \nDespite not voting for Trump\, Edgar said he still believes Trump could win the election. \nKennedy predicted Clinton will win the November election\, as Trump would not be able to win Electoral College votes. But\, speaking directly to the Springfield audience\, Kennedy said the well-informed\, engaged individuals who represent the “establishment” of both political parties need to listen to those who are disengaged and “raging.” \n“The American dream of rising from rags to riches was the promise of our country—the place where anyone could make it\,” Kennedy said. “And people don’t believe that anymore. They’re upset. They’re angry. And they’re willing to destroy everything we have if we don’t fix that. That’s the message of this election.” \nPhoto Gallery\n \n \nBoth Edgar and Kennedy agreed this election season to be a critical moment in our country’s history. \nIn Illinois’ history and the context of state-level races November 8\, the lack of a state budget is most critical\, they agreed. \nAs current chairman of the Kennedy Family investment firm Joseph P. Kennedy Enterprises Inc. and its real estate holdings in Chicago known as Wolf Point\, Kennedy said the fiscal uncertainty is crippling Illinois’ economy. \n“Why should we invest in the only state that doesn’t have a budget\,” he said\, reciting perspectives he hears from investors. \nNeither Edgar nor Kennedy believed good government election reforms—including the Independent Map Amendment to reform the way legislative districts are drawn in Illinois— would alone solve Illinois’ chronic problems.  Edgar also said rewriting Illinois’ 1970 Constitution would be unwise at this time. “There’s nothing wrong with our Constitution\,” he said. Rather\, we need to elect better people\, he quipped. \nThe Springfield luncheon was held just as news broke that a federal judge blocked same-day voter registration on Election Day. The BGA was part of a group of voting rights advocates that urged the U.S. District Court Judge Samuel Der-Yeghiayan to keep the Election Day Registration\, which has been in place in Illinois since 2014. \nThe BGA was disappointed in that ruling. “Too many Illinois residents are disengaged from the democratic process\, and we pay a high price for that\,” Shaw said. “We need more engaged voters\, not fewer.” \nThe luncheon was the first fundraiser in Springfield since the BGA’s three-year effort to establish a more permanent and prominent presence in the capital city. The 12-member Springfield Advisory Board\, chaired by Cindy Davis\, co-owner of Resource One office furniture in Springfield\, hosted the luncheon and urged the audience to get engaged. \n“We are all affected by Illinois’ compounding challenges\,” Davis said. “We—as individuals and as a community—can be informed and should demand a better government.” \nThe event raised more than $20\,000 towards the Springfield efforts\, thanks in part to the many sponsors\, particularly presenting sponsor Isringhausen Imports. \nOther sponsors included AARP Illinois\, Illinois REALTORS\, Hospital Sisters Health System\, KEB\, former Senator Larry K. Bomke\, BUNN\, Phelon Public Strategies\, Illinois Insurance Association and Dr. Stephen and Lisa Stone.  Media sponsors were 94.7 & 970 WMAY and the Illinois Times. \n\n  \nElections 2016: Candidates\, Chaos and Consequences\n	Featuring: Jim Edgar\, Former Illinois Governor\n	Chris Kennedy\, Former University of Illinois Chair\n	Special Guest: Natalie Bomke\, FOX 32 Chicago\, Springfield Native \n  \nLuncheon sponsorship information:\n	Bethany Jaeger\n	217-789-0960\n	bethanyj@kebcpa.com \n\n\n\n      \n\nJim Edgar\n					former governor of Illinois\n\n\n\n\n\nChris Kennedy\n					former University of Illinois Chair\n\n\n\n\n\nNatalie Bomke\n					Fox 32 Chicago news anchor and reporter and Springfield native
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/recap-2016-bga-springfield-luncheon-candidates-chaos-and-consequences/
LOCATION:The President Abraham Lincoln Springfield – A Doubletree by Hilton\, 701 E Adams St\, Springfield
CATEGORIES:& Awards,Fundraisers,Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://illinoisanswers.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/SpringfieldLuncheonSept27main.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20170303T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20170303T000000
DTSTAMP:20260405T075749
CREATED:20220930T212658Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T212658Z
UID:7535-1488499200-1488499200@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:Separate But Unequal? School Funding In Illinois
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/separate-but-unequal-school-funding-in-illinois/
CATEGORIES:Idea Forums
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://illinoisanswers.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Nwsltr_SchoolFunding_Forum_March2017.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20170503T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20170503T000000
DTSTAMP:20260405T075749
CREATED:20220930T212906Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T212906Z
UID:7546-1493769600-1493769600@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:Richard H. Driehaus Foundation 2017 Awards for Investigative Reporting
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/richard-h-driehaus-foundation-2017-awards-for-investigative-reporting/
CATEGORIES:& Awards,Fundraisers,Special Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20170508T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20170508T000000
DTSTAMP:20260405T075749
CREATED:20220930T212851Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T212851Z
UID:7542-1494201600-1494201600@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:The Future of News: Covering the Capitol
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/the-future-of-news-covering-the-capitol/
CATEGORIES:Idea Forums
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20170801T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20170801T180000
DTSTAMP:20260405T075749
CREATED:20220930T212851Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T212851Z
UID:7541-1501610400-1501610400@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:LOL with BGA Summer Comedy Fun-raiser
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/lol-with-bga-summer-comedy-fun-raiser/
LOCATION:Untitled\, 111 W. Kinzie\, Chicago
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20171011T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20171011T110000
DTSTAMP:20260405T075749
CREATED:20220930T212456Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T212838Z
UID:7530-1507719600-1507719600@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:2017 BGA Annual Luncheon
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/2017-bga-annual-luncheon/
LOCATION:Fairmont Chicago\, 200 N. Columbus Dr.\, Chicago
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://illinoisanswers.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/dickerson.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20180307T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20180307T180000
DTSTAMP:20260405T075749
CREATED:20220930T212906Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T212906Z
UID:7547-1520445600-1520445600@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:Public Forums: Attorney General Race
DESCRIPTION:The BGA\, in collaboration with ABC7\, hosted a public forum on March\, 7th with the candidates for attorney general.  \nThe forum was held at Roosevelt University in Chicago and was moderated by the BGA’s Policy & Civic Engagement Director\, Madeleine Doubek\, and ABC7 Political Reporter Craig Wall. Candidates were asked about the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Open Meetings Act (OMA)\, campaign contributions\, consumer protection\, identity theft\, and reform of the Chicago Police Department. \nThe event was split into two segments\, with the Republican candidates Gary Grasso and Erika Harold going first at 6:00 pm. During the forum\, Harold defended her decision to accept $300\,000 from Governor Bruce Rauner. "I have a record of already standing up for the things that I think are right and opposing him and that's a record\," Harold said. When asked about public funding for campaigns\, Grasso noted Rauner’s donation to his opponent. “There has to be some level of [public funding]\,” he said. “We’re getting too many people with independent wealth that have to run for office and not enough people who can do this grassroots-wise.” \n \nThe eight Democratic candidates took the stage at 7:00 pm\, including candidates Scott Drury\, Sharon Fairley\, Aaron Goldstein\, Renato Mariotti\, Pat Quinn\, Kwame Raoul\, Nancy Rotering\, and Jesse Ruiz. A key issue addressed by the candidates was the attorney general’s role in protecting the public’s access to information. \n“We should always err on the side of disclosure\, and only not disclose information when there is an actual\, real interest that could be harmed\,” said Fairley when asked about the Rauner administration’s use of FOIA exemptions to withhold documents related to a Legionnaires’ outbreak at the Quincy Veterans’ Home. Mariotti and Raoul suggested that guidelines might be set for the deliberative process exemption that Rauner is using in this case.  \n \nGoldstein argued that the next attorney general should litigate cases that come before the public access counselor’s office. Mariotti added that the counselor is “overburdened.” Raoul agreed that more resources were needed\, reminding the audience that he sponsored the legislation that originally created the office.  \nRotering suggested that more public education was necessary. “It’s vitally important to empower the residents of Illinois and give them\, through outreach\, and through education\, knowledge of what is meant by the Freedom of Information Act and what is meant by the Open Meetings Act\,” she said.  \nRuiz steered the conversation towards increasing the effectiveness of the public access counselor’s work. “There is always going to be more work than there are resources\,” he said. “What we have to do is proactively make sure that all the information that the media\, journalists\, and citizens are looking for in this era – when you have so much technology at play – [is] put out proactively so that we can re-engineer the workflow.”  \nQuinn also said more resources were needed for the public access counselor’s office. “We have to always have openness\,” he said. Drury challenged Quinn’s stance\, claiming it was “impossible” to get documents when Quinn was governor\, “even as a government representative.” Drury said\, “they used the deliberative process excuse and gave me blacked out documents.” \nDuring both sessions\, the moderators took questions from social media on a variety of issues\, including the opioid epidemic\, whether the candidates support a ban on assault weapons\, and whether they would use their office to support efforts that reform the criminal justice system. \nThe event was live-streamed by ABC7 and is currently available for viewing on the BGA’s Facebook page and the ABC7 website. For more information on the background of the attorney general candidates see the BGA’s voters guide and questionnaire. 
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/public-forums-attorney-general-race/
LOCATION:Ganz Hall\, Roosevelt University\, 430 S Michigan Ave\, Chicago\, 60605
CATEGORIES:& Awards,Fundraisers,Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://illinoisanswers.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/social.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20181016T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20181016T113000
DTSTAMP:20260405T075749
CREATED:20220930T212921Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T212921Z
UID:7552-1539689400-1539689400@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:2018 BGA Annual Luncheon
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/2018-bga-annual-luncheon/
LOCATION:Hilton Chicago\, 720 S Michigan Ave.\, Chicago\, 60605
CATEGORIES:& Awards,Fundraisers,Special Events
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR