2Day in #OpenGov 11/1/2011

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Policy Fellow Matt Rumsey wrote this post.

Welcome in November with a look at the day’s transparency-related news items, congressional committee hearings, transparency-related bills introduced in Congress, and transparency-related events.

News Roundup:

Government

  • Legislators are going to have to avoid some strong blocking from lobbyists if they want to tackle tax reform. Most corporate groups say they support tax reform, but every tax break has a supporter prepared to fight to keep it in place. (The Hill)
  • OMB Scorecards related to agency implementation of sustainability policies are not an effective transparency tool or means of informing the public, according to a new paper published by an American University professor in conjunction with the IBM Center for the Business of Government. (Fierce Government)

Campaign Finance

  • Herman Cain has asked a lawyer to investigate reports that he might have used a tax-exempt charity to help his presidential campaign get started. The charity was started by Cain’s chief and deputy chief of staff. (Yahoo/AP)
  • A former aid to Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) has launched the YG Action Fund PAC. The PAC will promote the “center-right” ideals of the Young Guns movement that Cantor helped launch. (Roll Call $)
  • A pro-Rick Perry super PAC has its first ads up in South Carolina and Iowa. They are spending nearly $400,000 on their first salvo. (Politico)
State and Local
  • Many state and local governments have deferred or denied transparency measures because they are struggling to cover the costs. (Government Technology)
  • Ten months after Alabama passed sweeping ethics reform, lobbyists and legislators are dealing with some significant changes in the way they do business. (Lobby Comply)

Relevant committee hearings scheduled for 11/1:

  • None.

Relevant bills introduced:

  • None.
Transparency events scheduled for 11/1:
  • Federal Election Commission. Meeting for the consideration of enforcement matters and other items required to be kept confidential. This is a CLOSED meeting. 10:00 am. FEC hearing room, 999 E St. NW, Washington, DC.

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