RFI in the News

RFI Statement: Madigan’s Indictment and the Need for Change

On Wednesday, we learned that former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan was indicted for his involvement in a years-long bribery scheme involving the public utility ComEd. The bombshell indictment also alleged that Madigan used his position to steer business to…

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How do we prevent another Madigan?

RFI ED Alisa Kaplan spoke with A.D. Quig of Crain’s Chicago Business about how to prevent another ‘Madigan Enterprise’ in Illinois: public financing for campaigns to cut off lawmakers’ reliance on the wealthiest power brokers; closing a self-funding loophole enabling…

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RFI ED talks campaign disclosure laws

Speaking with the Better Government Association about lax campaign disclosure laws in Illinois, RFI ED Alisa Kaplan said “There are so many political committees, and it’s not realistic to go through all of them with a fine-tooth comb. But [the…

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RFI weighs in on Inspector General vacancy in Chicago

An Interim Inspector General “just cannot be fully independent in the way that a permanent IG can be,” RFI ED Alisa Kaplan told The Chicago Tribune. “That’s a big problem for a position where independence is absolutely crucial. Read the…

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RFI ED talks big money in governor’s race

RFI ED Alisa Kaplan spoke with A.D. Quig and Greg Hinz of Crain’s Chicago Business about big money in Illinois’ gubernatorial election, saying that “No healthy democracy should have so much power concentrated in the hands of so few people.” …

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Sun-Times supports small donor matching

The Chicago Sun-Times Editorial Board expressed support for small donor public financing, arguing that it would level the playing field for candidates in Illinois and give politicians a reason to listen to ordinary voters. RFI’s work on public financing in…

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Should campaign funds cover legal fees?

According to RFI ED Alisa Kaplan, it’s a complicated question. The Illinois Supreme Court considered the issue earlier this week in a case centered around disgraced former Ald. Danny Solis.  Watch her interview on WTTW here.  

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RFI ED talks voting rights

RFI ED Alisa Kaplan was quoted in a Crain’s Chicago Business article on the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act. ​​“The need for this law is clear,” she said. “All we have to do is look at how many…

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