The Chicago Board of Ethics Executive Director Steve Berlin is officially retiring on Monday. Yet, Mayor Brandon Johnson has not yet appointed his successor despite having 13 months to do so. RFI’s Executive Director Alisa Kaplan recently weighed in on…
Read MoreGovernor Pritzker recently contributed $65 million to his 2026 re-election. RFI’s executive director Alisa Kaplan commented on the contribution, highlighting how personal wealth in a privately financed campaign finance system can be used to distort public discussion. “He has the…
Read MoreRecently, former ILGA Representative Harry Benton resigned amidst allegations of misconduct, illustrating the need for mandatory reporting for the legislative inspector general. Yet, as RFI Executive Director argues, the prospects of ethics reform are unlikely without meaningful political competition. “When…
Read MoreA dozen Aldermen in Chicago City Council recently signed on to a ICE Out of Chicago Elections pledge: committing to not taking campaign money from companies that have ties to ICE and Border Patrol. Reform for IL, as a leading…
Read MoreIn the village of Essex, a small town in Kankakee County, energy company Constellation recently purchased over 700 acres of land. Yet, the company has not informed residents of their construction plans. Residents fear that the company plans to build…
Read MoreEx-Rep. Harry Benton recently resigned from the IL General Assembly following allegations of serious misconduct. Yet, the report on Benton’s actions has not been made public. The problem, Executive Director Alisa Kaplan argues in the Chicago Tribune, is a lack…
Read MoreAt an Ethics and Government Oversight Committee Hearing at Chicago City Council, RFI Executive Director testified on dark money’s impact on Chicago elections and the potential for reform alongside other pro-democracy proposals. “When campaigns are funded by unknown megadonors, it…
Read MoreIn 2022, Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot awarded a casino contract to Bally’s Chicago in River North. Today, Lightfoot is representing Bally’s through her law firm in a legal pursuit against the Chicago City Council to stop the legalization of video…
Read MoreRFI Executive Director Alisa Kaplan spoke with Fox 32 Chicago about ethics concerns raised by an email and flyer soliciting cash donations sent to Department of Aviation employees for a birthday celebration for First Deputy Commissioner Tracey Payne. “It’s not…
Read MoreIn an interview with the Chicago Tribune, RFI Executive Director Alisa Kaplan weighed in on Illinois lawmakers’ use of a 2021 law permitting campaign funds to be spent on childcare. “When a reform intended to lower barriers to public service…
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