NEWS:

• A new paper on the UK’s open government data policies looks into ways that open data can be monetized and recommends an National Data Strategy. Groups have weighed in questioning the paper’s focus on economic growth at the expense of transparency.  (Tech President)
• The NRA PAC kept up a strong fundraising pace during the first quarter, pulling n more than $1.2 million. They have nearly $7 million cash on hand. (Roll Call)
• A day after asserting that his office is exempt from state public records laws Virginia Attorney General, and candidate for governor, Ken Cuccinelli is backing off the controversial statement. Staff attorneys had been claiming the exemption when they responded to public records requests and Cuccinelli has asked them to stop the practice. (Washington Post)
• K street isn’t letting the string of scandals stinging the Obama administration, and sucking up lots of oxygen in Congress, get in the way of their priorities. Lobbyists are still working on issues like the farm bill, immigration, and the internet sales tax. (The Hill)
• A new database put together by the Sarasota Herald-Tribune tracks travel by Members of Congress during 2012. While Afghanistan was the most popular destination, members also spent a lot of time in Spain and France, tending to take a few extra days in those more scenic locales. (Washington Post)
• Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington is suing the IRS over the agencies internal rules on reviewing 501(c)(4)’s for nonprofit status. The suit would force the IRS to bring its rules in line with federal law that says 501(c)(4)’s need to be exclusively “social welfare” organizations. (POLITICO)

TODAY:

• The IRS: Targeting Americans for their political beliefs. House Oversight and Government Reform. 9:30 am. 2154 Rayburn House Office Building.
• Markup of the DATA Act of 2013, H.R.1380, the Access to Congressionally Mandated Reports Act, and more. House Oversight and Government Reform. 1:00 pm. 2154 Rayburn House Office Building.
• 2013 Legislative Data and Transparency Conference. 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Capitol Visitor Center Auditorium.

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