Dear Friend,

Reform for Illinois is thrilled to announce that we are joining forces with David Orr’s organization, Good Government Illinois. David has been an invaluable RFI Board member since 2021, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring our relationship to the next level. Read on for the full story. 

As always, thank you for your support!

Alisa Kaplan

Executive Director

P.S. Don’t forget to register for our June 4 discussion with David and author Ari Berman about Berman’s new book, “Minority Rule: The Right-Wing Attack on the Will of the People.”

Good Government Illinois merging with Reform for Illinois

Two Illinois political reform organizations are joining forces. Good Government Illinois is merging with Reform for Illinois, leaders of the two groups announced.

Good Government Illinois founder David Orr will become a senior policy advisor for Reform for Illinois, and RFI will sponsor his podcast, “Politics 101 with David Orr.”

As a reform alderman from 1979 to 1990, Orr sponsored Chicago’s first major ethics ordinance and the Landlord Tenants Bill of Rights. He served as vice mayor in Harold Washington’s administration and as mayor during the transition following Washington’s death.

As Cook County Clerk from 1990 to 2018, Orr won national recognition for his leading role enacting and implementing “motor voter” registration, early voting, and online registration. Good Government Illinois has championed ethics, voting rights, and property tax reform, among other issues.

Reform for Illinois was founded in 1997 by former Senator Paul Simon and Lieutenant Governor Bob Kustra and was instrumental in winning the state’s gift ban, ethics legislation, and campaign contribution regulations. It sponsors Illinois Sunshine, the nation’s first searchable online database for state-level campaign finances.

“We’ve made a great deal of progress expanding democracy and reining in public corruption, but as news reports keep reminding us, there is much more to be done,” Orr said. “I’m proud to be adding our efforts to the great work of Reform for Illinois, with its stellar leadership and its long record of accomplishments in government ethics and campaign finance reform.”

“David Orr is a legend in the reform community, and we’re honored to have his experience and expertise as we continue the work of increasing government equity and accountability,” said Alisa Kaplan, executive director of Reform for Illinois.