Mayor Rahm Emanuel outlined a package of ethics reforms designed to increase government transparency and accountability. The reforms, which will be introduced for City Council consideration, include changes that will move the workers’ compensation program to the City Comptroller, which would mean that the program, like any city department, will be subject to the Inspector General’s jurisdiction; strengthen conflicts of interest (related to Council Rule 14) disclosures; expand restrictions on outside Aldermanic employment; put a spotlight on zoning and permitting actions; and limit campaign contributions from parties with matters before City Council. The Mayor will directly introduce a measure for consideration into Committee for passage by the full Council at the January 23rd meeting to transfer jurisdiction over the workers’ compensation program to the City Comptroller; most major cities also house workers’ compensation in the department that handles employee benefits. The jurisdictional move means that, for the first time, the City Inspector General will be able to investigate the program just like a program within any other city department.