Good Government Archives

Improving Government Operations and Saving Taxpayers: A Case Study

Problem During recent times of economic boom and rapid development, public agencies across the country faced increased demands—and revenues—for services. Today, however, as a result of the current economic climate, local governments across Illinois are experiencing significant declines in revenue sources including income taxes, sales taxes, building permit fees and interest income. With a growing...

By Kate Campaigne Piercy

$1.7 Million in Wages for Barbers and Beauticians

Twenty-four barbers and three beauticians received a total of $1.76 million in wages in 2008 from various departments, including the Department of Corrections.

Improving Government Operations and Saving Taxpayers: A Case Study

How one village is taking a business approach to local government. Read the report from Kate Piercy.

Over $100,000 for a “Short Hand Reporter”

A short hand court reporter for the state of Illinois made over $120,000 in wages during 2008.

State Spends over $600K on Employee Tuition

Various state agencies spent a total of more than $600,000 on employee tuition and fees in fiscal year 2009.

$1.5 Million in Wages for the Property Tax Appeal Board

The 26 employees of the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board made over $1.5 million in wages during fiscal year 2008.

Transparecy and Teacher Layoffs

SouthTownStar looks into school district spending amid growing talks of layoffs.

Department of Commerce Grant Tracker

New transparency tool from the Department of Commerce.

$27 Million to Collect Tolls

In 2008 toll collectors statewide were paid over $26 million dollars in wages.

Over $2 Million in Retirement Payments for Employees of Room 465

The State paid over $2 Million in retirement payments to individuals in an agency titled ""Room 465.""

IDOT spends $10 Million for Land, Appraisal, Engineering & Testing Fees

The Illinois Department of Transportation spent over $10 million for land, appraisal, engineering & testing fees for highways and aeronautics in 2009.

$14 Million in Wages at the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency

In 2008 the Illinois Historic Preservation paid its 389 employees $14 million to help

Public Online Information Act

by Kate Piercy Congressman Steve Israel (NY-02) has introduced transparency legislation called the Public Online Information Act (POIA) which, according to the Sunlight Foundation, “embraces a new formula for transparency: public equals online. No longer will antiquated government disclosure practices bury public information in out-of-the-way offices and in outmoded formats.” The legislation requires Executive Branch agencies to publish...

Almost $1.4 Million in Wages for Employees of Illinois Legislative Printing Unit

In 2008, taxpayers paid $1,328,203 in wages to the Legislative Printing Unit, an agency which provides printing services to the Illinois Legislature.