The Chicago Tribune interviewed RFI Executive Director Alisa Kaplan about the large amounts of campaign cash flowing into Chicago’s first-ever elected school board races. The latest numbers are unsurprising, she said, “but it is alarming. And Illinois’ unique rule allowing…
Read MoreRFI Executive Director Alisa Kaplan spoke with The Center Square about former Illinois House Speaker Madigan’s upcoming trial. “I do think that [Madigan’s trial] sends a powerful signal that the Chicago Way and business as usual is not the same…
Read MoreAfter months of political maneuvering, yesterday the Chicago City Council approved a measure banning lobbyists from making campaign contributions to the mayor and mayoral candidates. The ordinance was the ultimate no-brainer: its purpose was just to codify a similar 2011…
Read MoreAdvantage News interviewed RFI Executive Director Alisa Kaplan about lobbying reforms passed in 2021 and potential additional avenues for reform. “We just want what a vast majority of states have, which is a one to two year waiting period for…
Read MoreRFI ED Alisa Kaplan spoke with the Chicago Tribune about how Illinois’ lack of meaningful campaign finance reform contributes to the state’s reputation for corruption. “Because we do have this problem of rampant big money in our elections, we do…
Read MoreThe Chicago Tribune interviewed RFI ED Alisa Kaplan about Johnson ally Charles Smith’s fundraising on behalf of GoChiLife, a nonprofit that solicited large contributions for events planned during the DNC. “Does it raise eyebrows? Certainly,” she said. “It raises questions,…
Read MoreRFI ED Alisa Kaplan spoke with Crain’s Chicago Business about GoChiLife, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit with ties to an ally of Mayor Johnson that recently solicited significant contributions for events planned during the Democratic National Convention. “I think Smith’s relationship with…
Read MoreIn a recent publication by the Chicago Tribune’s Editorial Board, RFI ED Alisa Kaplan voiced frustration with Illinois’ continued struggle to fill vacant positions on state boards. According to one study, it was found that over 100 state boards in…
Read MoreIn an article by WBEZ, RFI ED Alisa Kaplan highlighted the limited transparency of donations to the host committee for the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this August. She said, “Disclosure rules help keep voters informed and keep corruption at…
Read MoreIn an article by the Chicago Tribune, RFI Senior Policy Advisor David Orr spoke about Mayor Johnson’s campaign committee paying Mercury, a consulting firm that helped with fundraising, while it also lobbied his administration on labor and economic causes. Orr…
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