RFI 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…
Read MoreThe Chicago Tribune reported on a state audit revealing Illinois’ struggles to fill state board and commission positions. RFI ED Alisa Kaplan expressed disappointment that boards aren’t operating at full capacity. “Often task forces and commissions are created by legislation…
Read MoreIn an article by the Chicago Tribune, RFI ED Alisa Kaplan offers her thoughts regarding reported mismanagement of millions of dollars of new cannabis taxes in DuPage County. According to county officials, an estimated $3 million were lost over 18…
Read MoreThe Chicago Tribune published an article about Mayor Johnson’s recent fundraising, which included contributions that were refunded for violating Chicago’s ethics ordinance. RFI ED Alisa Kaplan commented on the existing $1,500 annual contribution cap for entities doing business with the…
Read MoreState legislators passed a measure in May which removed restrictions on campaign contributions from political parties to candidates during primaries, which was recently signed into law by Gov. Pritzker. RFI ED Alisa Kaplan shared her thoughts on the new law…
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