2Day in #OpenGov 9/2/2011

by

Happy Labor Day Weekend! Here is Friday’s look at transparency-related news items, congressional committee hearings, transparency-related bills introduced in Congress, and transparency-related events.

News Roundup:

Government

  • An “IT cartel” of major federal contractors is limiting government efficiency, according to former federal CIO Vivek Kundra. (Federal Computer Week)
  • The Government Business Council has compiled a briefing outlining how new federal CIO Steven VanRoekel is expected to implement Kundra’s technology agenda with less financial flexibility. (Next Gov)
  • OMB Watch has submitted recommendations for the Obama Administration’s Open Government Partnership (OGP) national plan. (OMB Watch)

Campaign Finance

  • Interest groups are questioning the status of the Obama Administration’s draft executive order that would require federal contractors to disclose political contributions. (Politico)

Technology

  • Agency apps should be updated regularly and should not contain so much content that they are overwhelming to users, according to government app experts. (Next Gov)
  • Virginia has launched a new online interactive traffic crash database to provide the public with better information regarding highway safety in the state. (Gov Tech)
Access to Information
  • The Government Printing Office (GPO) devised a survey for Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) users to determine baseline performance measures and assess usability. The survey results have now been released. (FDLP)
Ethics
  • Abramoff aide Kevin Ring refused to confess his guilt and unsuccessfully fought the charges against him at trial. Prosecutors are recommending 17 to 22 years in prison for the ex-lobbyist, a sentence which would exceed that of all of the other 20 defendants combined. (AP)
  • Rep. Laura Richardson (D-CA) paid $20,000 out of her congressional office fund to host a district luncheon. (Washington Times)

State and Local

  • Chicago’s new lobbyist disclosure database, available through the City of Chicago Data Portal, ties information together in a way that actually shows the connections between” client, lobbyist, and city hall.” (Lobby Comply Blog)
  • Wyoming lawmakers are drafting legislation seeking to create an exemption from the state’s public records law for emails sent to members of city councils, school boards, and other elected bodies. (trib.com)
  • California Watch, founded by the Center for Investigative Reporting, has created a database allowing users to search who is lobbying any bill before the state Legislature. (California Watch)

Relevant committee hearings scheduled for 9/2:

  • None

Relevant bills introduced:

  • None

Transparency events scheduled for 9/2:

  • None.

Do you want to track transparency news? You can add our feed to your Google Reader.