2Day in #OpenGov 1/4/2012
Policy Fellow Matt Rumsey wrote this post.
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:
International
- Iranian bloggers are reporting that Iran will be cut off from the larger World Wide Web once the country launches its own planned national internet network. (Global Voices)
- Most Cubans don’t have access to the internet, or even own personal computers, but many manage to share information and media with flash memory sticks full of data. (Havana Times)
Campaign Finance
- A new group, United Republic, aims to eliminate the influence of money over politics. Their three pronged strategy revolves around efforts to increase awareness of the issue, replace lawmakers who put money over their constituents, and amend the constitution to limit money’s power in politics. (National Journal)
- The impact of Super PACs and other independent groups was evident at the Iowa Caucuses last night. Mitt Romney, who narrowly won the Caucuses, has seen the most monetary benefit. (Washington Post)
- Stephen Colbert has taken advantage of the Citizens United decision and FEC rulings to educate his audience and satirize the campaign finance system by becoming an active participant in it. (New York Times Magazine)
State and Local
- Nevada launched a new online system for campaign finance filings. All parties filing contribution and expense reports or financial disclosure statements are required to report online. (Lobby Comply)
- The Montana Supreme Court found that a state law prohibiting independent expenditures by corporations related to a candidate is constitutional and does not conflict with the Citizens United decision. (Lobby Comply)
Relevant committee hearings scheduled for 1/4:
- None.
Relevant bills introduced:
- None.
Transparency events scheduled for 1/4:
- None.
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