2Day in #OpenGov 7/13/2011

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Here is Wednesday’s look at transparency-related news items, congressional committee hearings, transparency-related bills introduced in Congress, and transparency-related events.

News Roundup:

Government

  • The Pentagon inspector general’s report revealed that the Pentagon allowed contractor Jacobs Technology and a subcontractor to help write its own contract. (Wired)
  • Opinion: A blogger speculates on the symbolism and relative significance of yesterday’s Open Government Partnership presented by the State Department. (El Oso)

Technology

  • New York State’s Mobile Transit Authority (MTA) has started a new contest for mobile app developers offering a prize for the best use of data from one of the MTA public databases. (Android Apps)
  • Nominations are open for the OSCON Data Innovation Award, presented by O’Reilly Media. (O’Reilly)
  • Presidential candidate Newt Gingrich hosted a Google+ Hangout, which consisted of a light back and forth conversation on a variety of issues. (techPresident)

Campaign Finance

  • Pro Publica released a guide to the new landscape of campaign finance, including information on disclosure requirements and so-called Super PACs. (Pro Publica)

Revolving Door

  • The number of former lobbyists working in some of the most powerful staff positions in the 111th and 112th Congresses is increasing, according to a new report by the Center for Responsive Politics. (OpenSecrets)(Huffington Post)
  • The SEC needs to document its ethics advice in to improve oversight of employees who go through the revolving door, according to a GAO report issued today. (POGO)

Lobbying

  • Bankers, regulators, and journalists are meeting to discuss Dodd-Frank reform and the “too-big-to-fail” problem at a conference hosted by one of Wall Street’s largest lobbying groups this week. (New York Times)

State and Local

  • Green Bay, Wisconsin has passed a new ordinance that requires lobbyists to register and pay a $20 registration fee before engaging in lobbying. (Lobby Comply)
  • Idaho should have stricter lobbyist disclosure requirements, according to a government watchdog. (Idaho Reporter)

Relevant committee hearings scheduled for 7/13:

House

  • Joint Tax Reform/Tax Treatment of Debt and Equity. House Ways and Means Committee and Senate Finance Committee. 9:00 am. HVC-210, Capitol.
  • Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission Review. Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. TARP, Financial Services, and Bailouts of Public and Private Programs Subcommittee hearing. Wednesday. 9:30 am. 2154 RHOB.
  • Commerce-Justice-Science/Legislative Branch Appropriations. Committee on Appropriations: Full committee markup. Wednesday. 10:00 am. 2359 RHOB.
  • Federal Protective Service Reform. Committee on Homeland Security. Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies Subcommittee hearing. Wednesday. 10:00 am. 2141 RHOB.

Relevant bills introduced:

  • None.

Transparency events scheduled for 7/13: