2Day in #OpenGov 7/11/2012

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NEWS ROUNDUP

Campaign Finance:

  • Campaign finance reform: a history: Despite being outspent last month and possibly becoming the first presidential incumbent to be outspent in his reeelection campaign, President Obama has said little about campaign finance reform. The current campaign finance system, according to the author, is entrenched in 19th-century policy and ideals. (New Yorker)
  • Opinion: Those willing to spend on elections have ruined our ability to govern: The author argues that our election funding system leads to a nation where a small group of people who give money to campaigns can block whatever policy it doesn’t like. (National Journal)

Transparency:

  • Opinion: Transparency may be bad for business: The lack of accountability at many foreign firms (such as those in China) may increase bribery and corruption, but it also speeds up their business, allowing them to pursue more opportunities and make more money than more regulated organizations. (Wall Street Journal)

Government:

  • Scandals may have been spotted early with DATA Act: The recent spending scandals by the GSA and other government agencies may have been prevented with help from the quarterly spending reports required by the pending DATA Act, which would bring to light examples of excessive spending. (Government Executive)
  • Forum exhibits how DATA Act can help the government save: In a recent demonstration, many tech companies—including Microsoft—proposed how they could use the information released if the DATA ACT is passed to monitor things like misused government spending. (Washington Post)
  • “Write Congress” tool to be implemented by House Oversight Committee: The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee will be the first congressional committee to implement Write Congress, a tool allowing constituents and organizations to comment on legislation discussed in the committee. (techPresident)

RELEVANT BILLS INTRODUCED

  • None.

HAPPENING TODAY 7/10

  • None.

REST OF THE WEEK

JOB OPPORTUNITIES
  • None.

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