Keep reading for today’s look at #OpenGov news, events and analysis including a Colombian court decision, local open data in DC, and good news from the GAO for spending transparency.

National News

• There is a new bill in the House of Representatives that would attempt to address some issues exposed by the rocky launch of healthcare.gov as well government technology more broadly. Among other things, the Reforming Federal Procurement of Information Technology Act would create a U.S. Digital Government Office and make the position of Chief Technology Officer permanent. (E Pluribus Unum)
• A new GAO report finds that agencies were able to leverage technology to ensure that Recovery Act funds were spent in an accountable and efficient manner. (Gov Exec)

International News

• Prominent Chinese legal advocate Xu Zhiyong was sentenced to four years in prison this weekend. The sentence is being seen as a reprisal for Xu’s leadership of an anti-corruption movement. (New York Times)
• Colombia’s highest court recently handed down a significant Freedom of Information decision, saying that the mere fact that information may be related to national security or international relations is not enough to withhold it from the public. (Open Society)

State and Local News

• Open data in DC can help citizens gain a greater understanding of their local government. The city already provides a number of ways to engage with its data. (Greater Greater Washington)
• New Mexico judges used to see their financial disclosure forms posted online, but the practice was recently stopped because it was not explicitly laid out in law. Now, New Mexico State Senator Jacob Candelaria (D), is pushing to get them back online with a new bill. (Public Integrity)

Events Today

• Civic innovation, can it save our democracy? New America Foundation. Tues. 1/28. 4:00 – 6:00 pm. 1899 L Street, NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036.

Events Tomorrow

• The open internet: Where do we go from here? Progressive Policy Institute. Wed. 1/29. 9:30 -11:00 am. Sofitel Hotel, Paris Ballroom, 806 15th Street NW, Washington, DC.

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