2Day in #OpenGov 11/3/2011

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Policy Fellow Matt Rumsey wrote this post.

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

News Roundup:

Government

  • Darrell Issa (R-CA) and Elijah Cummings (D-MD) introduced H.R. 3289, the House version of the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act, this week. The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee considered the bill this morning and reported it to the full House. (POGO)
  • John Boehner (R-OH) defended the transparency of the appropriations process during his tenure as Speaker of the House, but refused to commit to open rules on 2012 spending bills. (Roll Call $)
  • Representative Laura Richardson (D-CA) has sent a private letter to all 10 members of the House Ethics Committee in an attempt to convince them not to proceed with an investigation into claims that she pressured her congressional staff to engage in banned political activities. (Politico)
  • Several former lobbyists came through the revolving door to join Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI) when he took control of the House Energy and Commerce Committee in January. Nine current Republican staff on the committee have been through the revolving door at some point. (Legistorm)
Campaign Finance
  • Regulators are considering new rules that would increase the disclosure requirements for online political ads. The number of online ads has rocketed upwards since the Citizens United decision. (National Journal)
  • Broadcasters are concerned about proposed FCC rules that would require them to post information about their political advertisers online. Broadcasters are currently required to keep paper records of the information at local stations. (Ad Age)
State and Local
  • The 2011 Digital Cities Survey spotlights municipalities that best show how information and communication technology are used to enhance public service. Among this years honorees are Honolulu, Hawaii and Eden Prairie, Minnesota. (Government Technology)
  • Palm Beach County, FL is considering new lobbying rules. The changes would create a countywide lobbyist registry and standardize rules for the 38 municipalities that make up Palm Beach County. (Lobby Comply)
  • Over $9 million was spent in Michigan on state Supreme Court elections in 2009-2010, the most in the nation, according to a new report. Other top spenders were Pennsylvania and Ohio. (Michigan Lawyer)

Relevant committee hearings scheduled for 11/3:

  • Administration. Federal Election Commission: Reviewing policies, processes, and procedures. 1310 LHOB. 10:00 am. Elections Subcommittee hearing.
  • Oversight and Government Reform. Markup on H.R. 3289, the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act, among other measures. 2154 RHOB. 10:00 am.

Relevant bills introduced:

  • None.
Transparency events scheduled for 11/3:

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