Most Illinois government meetings are open to the public, with a few exceptions. Here’s what to know about Illinoisans’ rights to see what government is doing by using the Illinois Open Meetings Act.
Bill would have stopped campaign fund use to settle sexual harassment suits
Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan spent nearly $900,000 in campaign funds to fight a sexual harassment lawsuit. A bill would stop lawmakers from using donations to settle harassment claims.
Illinois corruption reforms gain momentum with Madigan gone
With Mike Madigan out as Illinois House speaker, state lawmakers have a unique opportunity to turn around the second-most corrupt state in the country. Ethics proposals are gaining support.
Corruption costs Illinois an estimated $556M per year
Illinois’ high levels of corruption damage the state’s economy, costing it $10.6 billion since 2000. States with higher levels of corruption average lower levels of economic growth.
Democratic state lawmakers demand ethics reform in wake of Madigan scandal
Pressure continues to build to repair Illinois’ broken ethics laws, as more Democrats demand reform and more lawmakers face corruption charges.
Blagojevich comes home to America’s most corrupt city
Chicago and the state of Illinois are notorious around the country for high-profile corruption convictions. Rod Blagojevich settles back in after the former governor’s imprisonment for corruption.
Greater independence for Illinois’ Legislative Inspector General draws bipartisan support
Illinois’ Legislative Inspector General currently is subjected to political influence or even silencing by members of the General Assembly.
Bill would ban Illinois lawmakers from acting as lobbyists
When Illinois lawmakers work as lobbyists, it creates public distrust and serious conflicts of interest.
Records involving Madigan sought by federal probe into southwest Chicago suburb
Federal investigators are seeking records from a small village near Chicago. The subpoena names Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan, his political lieutenants and former ComEd lobbyists.
Illinois home to more public corruption convictions than any other state since 2000
Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s release from federal prison may be making room behind bars for other Illinois politicians. Illinois is the top state for corruption, and federal agents are busy looking for more.