Access to Information

• The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, long the lone major conservative outside group in congressional elections, is facing stiff competition from right-leaning super PACs this year. In response, the Chamber is planning to spend more than ever on the 2012 elections. (Politico)
• A new PAC, fueled by the power of Reddit, crowdsourced its major issues. Test PAC, which has raised almost $10,000 so far, is going to focus on campaign finance reform and defeating Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX), champion of the controversial SOPA legislation. (Roll Call)

Government

• The General Services Administration is losing a member of its Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs to Heather Podesta + Partners. Patrice Willoughby, formerly GSA’s liaison to the House of Representatives, was approached by Heather Podesta about making the move. (National Journal)
• Federal agencies are taking different paths towards utilizing digital technology to reduce FOIA backlogs. There are several efforts underway, but officials acknowledged that they could be “harmonized”. (Next Gov)
• Civic groups are pressuring New York State officials to adopt an open government “to-do” list, hoping to improve the way the state makes use of technology to make information more accessible to the public. (Tech President)

• A discussion in Mexico City focused on progress, challenges, and opportunities around transparency issues in Latin America. Representatives from Latin American countries that are scheduled to present their OGP action plans in April participated. (Global Integrity)