Today in #OpenGov 10/25/2013

by

National News

  • A group of the most conservative members of the house reached out to some of K street’s most powerful groups yesterday. The relationship building meeting might not have had its intended effect, as attendees reported that there was little discussion of the government shutdown or what lessons the anti-government members may have learned. (POLITICO)
  • Meanwhile, establishment Republicans with strong business backing are preparing to target tea party members and aggressively challenge far right candidate’s in some primary elections. While the effort has no centralized leadership, a number of groups have sprung up to defend moderate GOP member’s and attack tea party candidates.  (National Journal)
  • Billionaire George Soros has thrown his hat into the 2016 presidential election ring by signing on to c0-chair the national finance council of pro-Hillary Clinton super PAC Ready for Hillary. The PAC was formed to encourage the former Secretary of State, Senator, and First Lady to run for America’s top job. (Roll Call)
  • The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau put all of their written regulations online in a single, navigable, user friendly interface. The site, eRegulations, should make it easier for interested parties to access and understand rules issued by the CFPB and could serve as a model for other federal agencies. (Federal Computer Week)

International News

  • Activists in Britain are urging the UK government to use the upcoming OGP meetings in London as a platform to announce a push for more transparency around “beneficial” corporate ownership information. (Open Knowledge Blog)
  • Publish What You Fund has released their 2013 Aid Transparency Index. The index evaluates more than 65 nations and international organizations on transparency in their foreign aid spending. (Publish What You Fund)

State and Local News

  • Washington, DC Mayor Vincent Gray announced two new transparency initiatives yesterday. The city will implement a new electronic FOIA system to help automate the process. It will be Washington’s first ever city wide FOIA processing system. They Mayor is also soliciting comments on DC’s Transparency and Open Government Initiative. (Mayor of DC)
  • Two members of the New York City Council from Brooklyn are slated to testify in front of the Moreland Commission, set up to investigate rampant public corruption in New York. The hearing will focus on campaign finance reform.  (Brooklyn Daily Eagle)

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