Good Government | Illinois Policy

State government watchdogs remain far too tame

Illinoisans shouldn’t have to wait for yet another humiliating scandal to fix what’s wrong here: Politicians should have no place in policing their own oversight.

By Austin Berg

Illinois lawmaker proposes making Chicago its own state

Despite political differences between Chicago and much of the rest of the Land of Lincoln, making Chicago its own state is not a serious idea or good use of time.

For Speaker Madigan, when do drips become a flood?

A few brave souls have come forward with their stories about the behavior under Madigan’s dome. But how many still feel powerless?

By Austin Berg

Madigan chief of staff resigns after sexual harassment allegations

Tim Mapes has resigned from his posts in Madigan’s office and the Democratic Party of Illinois after a fellow staff member accused him of sexual harassment.

By Austin Berg

Obscure government official’s side gig a cause for concern

Andrew Hamilton is clearly a man of many hats. But some of those hats should raise eyebrows.

By Austin Berg

Trump considering commuting Blagojevich sentence

The former Illinois governor is halfway through his 14-year sentence for corruption-related charges.

Taxpayer victory: General Assembly passes bill restricting golden parachutes for government officials

Senate Bill 3604 would limit government workers’ ability to collect extravagant severance packages, also known as “golden parachutes,” on their way out of office.

By Vincent Caruso, Chris Lentino

Illinois Supreme Court ruling a victory for government transparency

The court’s ruling strengthens Illinois’ Freedom of Information Act, a crucial tool in holding government officials accountable.

By Jeffrey Schwab

Senate votes to ban tobacco products, e-cigarettes for Illinoisans under 21

Pending the House’s vote and the governor’s signature, the bill would expand Chicago’s smoking age restriction statewide.

By Vincent Caruso

The bipartisan bullies of township government

Townships are the cockroaches of governance. They won’t die.

By Austin Berg

Madigan re-elected chairman of Illinois Democratic Party

The longtime House speaker is the only state legislative leader in the nation to also serve as a party chairman.

By Austin Berg

Happy birthday, Mike Madigan

What do you get a man who has everything?

By Austin Berg

Tackle football ban for children under 12 shelved for now

The measure would’ve banned kids aged 12 and under from playing tackle football.

By Brendan Bakala

House passes McHenry County consolidation bill

A bill that would give McHenry County voters a more powerful voice in township consolidation is one step closer to becoming law.

By Vincent Caruso