2Day in #OpenGov 10/22/2012
NEWS ROUNDUP:
Government
- WhiteHouse.gov’s new wardrobe: The White House launched a refreshed web portal that aims to provide clear paths to information and improve ease of use. Macon Phillips, White House Director of Digital Strategy, noted that the changes were an attempt to apply lessons learned through previous updates. (FedScoop)
- Federal websites need some work: A new survey found that most federal websites make significant errors when it comes to usability, accessibility, and search engine optimization. According to the study, the FAA, CIA, and Homeland Security scored highest over a variety of categories. (Government Technology)
Campaign Trail
- Companies disclose their Chamber contributions: The US Chamber of Commerce pledged to spend $100 million this election cycle to support pro corporate candidates, but it isn’t required to disclose the sources funding this push. More than 2 dozen companies have chosen to place the onus of disclosure on themselves and announced their donations to the Chamber of Commerce. (Washington Post)
- Pelosi raised $7 million for Democrats in September: Speculation has been rampant about Nancy Pelosi’s (D-CA) future as House Minority Leader. But, her continued fundraising prowess makes it likely that she can hold on to the job if she wants it. (National Journal)
State and local
- Problems sharing education data: Inconsistencies in a Utah law relating to the release of classroom achievement data have led the State School Board to back off plans to direct principals to share the data with parents. According to the Board different portions of state law indicate the data should be kept private and also made publicly available. They are urging the legislature to resolve the conflict before moving forward. (Salt Lake Tribune)
- South Carolina working on ethics reform: South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley (R), who along with other state leaders have been hit hard by ethics scandals, announced the creation of a special commission on ethics reform. The panel will be lead by former state attorneys general and will join similar efforts by the legislature to introduce ethics reform legislation next year. (State Integrity)
International
- Russian Opposition holds rogue election online: Opponents of Russian President Vladimir Putin are taking a novel approach to protesting irregularities in recent Russian elections. In an effort to “reinvigorate the flagging opposition movement” they are holding elections on the internet to elect a shadow parliament. (Tech President)
RELEVANT BILLS INTRODUCED:
- None
HAPPENING THIS WEEK 10/22 – 10/26:
- The Third Presidential Debate. Sunlight Live. Mon. 10/22. 9:00 pm.
- Mobile Entrepreneurship around the World. Brookings. Tues. 10/23. 10:00 – 11:30 am. 1775 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Falk Auditorium, Washington, DC 20036.
- Trade, Jobs and the Digital Economy. Wed. 10/24. 12:00 – 1:30 pm. Capitol Visitor Center, HC-8 Capitol Building, Ground Floor, East Capitol Street, NE and 1st St, NE Washington, DC 20004.
- Journalists’ Digital Security. National Press Club. Wed. 10/24. 6:30 – 8:00 pm. 529 14th Street NW, 13th floor, conference rooms, Washington, DC 20045.
- Digital Futures Forum: ‘Fair Use Without Fear. Copyright, Video, and Multimedia.’ American University. Thurs. 10/25. 3:00 – 5:50 pm. 4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Abramson Family Founders Room, School of International Service, Main Campus, Washington, DC 20016.
- Moving the Global Access to Information Agenda Forward. World Resources Institute. Thurs. 10/25. 4:00 – 6:00 pm. 10 G Street NE, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20002.
- Broken Cities or Civic Renewal? Hudson Institute. Fri. 10/26. 12:00 – 2:00 pm. 1015 15th Street, NW, 6th Floor, Betsy and Walter Stern Conference Center, Washington, DC 20005.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES:
- None.
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