2Day in #OpenGov 2/17/2012

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Policy Fellow Matt Rumsey wrote this post.

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

News Roundup:

Campaign Finance
  • Seven Democratic Senators called on the IRS to investigate nonprofit “social welfare” organizations that are heavily engaged in political activities. These groups have spent tens of millions of dollars for political purposes since the Citizens United decision, and do not have to disclose their donors. (Politico)
  • An Illinois based PAC is suing the state, claiming that a law that prohibits a PAC from establishing additional PACs to raise more money, is inconsistent with the Citizens United and other court decisions. (Courthouse News)

Government

  • The EPA and the Department of Commerce are hoping to launch their FOIA portal this fall. Yesterday, the Office of Government Information Services allowed a sneak peak. (Investigative Reporting Workshop)

Lobbying

  • More than 20 members of federal advisory committees de-registered as lobbyists after the Obama administration banned registered lobbyists from the panels in 2009. Critics say the rule simply encourages lobbyists to move into the shadows. (The Hill)
  • Editorial: The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) a corporate backed organization that writes legislation for state legislators, should be required to register as a lobbyist in Wisconsin. (The Cap Times)
  • The MPAA pulled some new staff through the revolving door. New hires include veterans of the Justice Department, the Senate Judiciary Committee, and the White House. (National Journal)

Relevant committee hearings scheduled for 2/17:

  • None.

Relevant bills introduced:

  • None.
Transparency events scheduled for 2/17:
  • None

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