2Day in #OpenGov 8/14/2012

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Policy Intern Adeeb Sahar wrote this post.

Here is your serving of today’s transparency-related news items, congressional committee hearings, transparency-related bills introduced in Congress, and local events involving open government.

NEWS ROUNDUP:

International

  • U.S. calls for transparency in Samaha case to avert violence: The United States urged Lebanon to ensure transparency in any action against former Minister Michel Samaha in the midst of the ex-official’s interrogations over his alleged role in terror plots. (The Daily Star)
  • Corruption and insecurity major threats to Nigerian youth: Young Nigerian journalists urge governments at every level to engage the country’s youth through programs that will positively impact their lives and communities. (Sahara Reporters)

Government

  • Veterans Affairs agency under investigation for conference spending: The Department of Veterans Affairs spent $5 million (and set aside $4 million more) last year for two training conferences whose organizers are under investigation for breaking ethics rules by improperly accepting gifts. (The Washington Post)
  • FBI refuses to disclose cost in Lubbock criminal case: The FBI claims that allowing taxpayers to know how much was spent on test explosions last year would interfere with the investigation of a would-be terrorism case in Lubbock. (KCBD)
  • New poll shows support for limiting lobbyist gifts for Georgia lawmakers: In a non-binding survey question on the July 31st Primary ballot, 87% of Republicans and 72% of Democrats said “yes” to putting a limit on lobbyist gifts for Georgia’s state lawmakers. Under current legislation, Georgia’s legislators can accept unlimited gifts from lobbyists, as long as they’re disclosed publicly. (11Alive)

RELEVANT BILLS INTRODUCED:

  • None.

HAPPENING TODAY 8/14/12:

  • None.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES:

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