2Day in #OpenGov 8/20/2012

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NEWS ROUNDUP:

Government

  • Social media connects governments to people: A new study by the Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government examines how social media helps governments and citizens communicate with each other. (Tech President)
  • Both parties mull Internet freedom: The Republican and Democratic parties are considering including language addressing Internet freedom in their policy platforms at the upcoming conventions. (The Hill)
  • Sunstein faces criticism from all sides: Cass Sunstein, director of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, is taking criticism from the left and right as he prepares to leave his post for a position at Harvard. (Government Executive)
  • Obama delays disclosure: Last week, President Obama signed a bill that delays the deadline for posting financial disclosure forms of employees of the Executive and Legislative Branches for one month, until September 30. The bill amends the STOCK Act. (Federal Computer Week)
State and Local
  • State ethics bodies lack punch: According to a new investigation, state ethics commissions are underfunded, lack political power and are, more often than not, not effective.  Of the 41 states with ethics bodies 28 received D or F grades from the State Integrity Investigation. (Center for Public Integrity)
  • New Yorkers love online registration: Last month New York made it possible for citizens to register to vote online. New Yorkers responded in droves, maxing out the web site’s capacity. (Government Technology)
Campaign Finance
  • Members of Congress spend money to make it: Members of Congress spend hundreds of thousands of dollars at Washington, DC restaurants in their constant quest for campaign donations. (Roll Call)

RELEVANT BILLS INTRODUCED:

  • None

HAPPENING THIS WEEK 8/20 – 8/24:

JOB OPPORTUNITIES:

  • None

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