Good Government

Budget + Tax Criminal Justice Good Government Jobs + Growth Labor Pensions

Former Chicago official had side job with red-light camera company

By Ben Szalinski

11/15/2019

The former deputy aviation commissioner had an undisclosed position as a sales representative for SafeSpeed LLC. The red-light camera vendor keeps emerging in federal probes.

TAGS: board of ethics, Chicago, Chicago Board of Ethics, chicago city hall, Chicago Department of Aviation, Cook County, cook county commissioner, department of aviation, federal investigation, IDOT: Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois General Assembly, investigation, Jim Edgar, Martin Sandoval, red light cameras, SafeSpeed, Springfield

Senate President John Cullerton announces retirement amid sweeping Illinois corruption probe

By Austin Berg

11/14/2019

Cullerton and House Speaker Mike Madigan have held office in the Illinois General Assembly for nearly 90 years combined.

TAGS: corruption, FBI, federal, GARS: General Assembly Retirement System, Illinois General Assembly, Illinois House of Representatives, Illinois Senate, investigation, John Cullerton, leader, majority, pension spiking, pensions, senate president, Springfield

With corruption accelerating, slam the brakes on Illinois red-light cameras

By Austin Berg

11/14/2019

Whether or not they’re proven to be part of the state’s culture of corruption, Illinois should bring red-light camera programs to a full stop.

TAGS: corruption, Martin Sandoval, red light cameras, SafeSpeed

Illinois Senate passes bill to end clock change during daylight saving time

By Joe Barnas, Vincent Caruso

11/13/2019

State lawmakers in the Illinois Senate advanced a proposal to do away with the unpopular practice of changing the clock twice a year.

TAGS: Andy Manar, daylight saving time

FBI wiretapped cellphone of close Madigan confidant

By Austin Berg

11/13/2019

The FBI wiretap of Mike McClain's phone is an indication authorities could be looking into criminal activity between House Speaker Mike Madigan and utility giant ComEd.

TAGS: ComEd, corruption, Martin Sandoval, Michael McClain, Mike Madigan, Mike McClain

Recent FBI raids on Illinois politician a reminder of $9.9B ‘corruption tax’

By Bryce Hill

11/12/2019

As more Illinois politicians face federal corruption indictments, Illinoisans are reminded that lawmakers’ misdeeds come with a steep price tag.

TAGS: corruption, FBI, taxes

Illinois state senator on ethics committee allegedly filed false income tax return

By Ben Szalinski

11/07/2019

Sources have identified state Sen. Terry Link as the FBI’s witness in their investigation into former state Rep. Luis Arroyo. Tax troubles may have led to Link’s cooperation.

TAGS: corruption, FBI, income tax, Luis Arroyo, taxes, Terry Link

Red-light camera ban in Illinois pushed by more state lawmakers

By Vincent Caruso

11/05/2019

As the bipartisan backlash against red-light traffic cameras continues to build, a third Illinois state lawmaker has introduced a proposal to ban the controversial devices statewide.

TAGS: Kambium Buckner, red light cameras

Illinois state representative resigns following bribery charge

By Austin Berg

11/01/2019

State Rep. Luis Arroyo was a key supporter of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s $45 billion infrastructure package, which was funded in part by a gambling expansion and doubling the state’s gas tax.

TAGS: corruption, FBI, Luis Arroyo, Martin Sandoval, Mike Madigan

With another lawmaker under arrest, Madigan’s words are worthless on corruption

By Austin Berg

11/01/2019

Don’t despair. Be part of the story where Illinoisans break the mold.

TAGS: lobbying, Luis Arroyo, Martin Sandoval, Mike Madigan

2019 Illinois corruption tracker

Illinois is the second-most corrupt state in the nation, according to the University of Illinois-Chicago. And corruption costs the state economy at least $550 million per year. But the size and scope of government corruption is nothing new for Illinoisans. What is new? Powerful Illinois lawmakers, Chicago aldermen, local mayors and business interests are involved...

View Report

Good Government

2019 Illinois corruption tracker

Al Lashbrook

Website posting requirements for local governments in Illinois

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students