Keep reading for today’s look at #OpenGov news, events and analysis including Bill Clinton on the fundraising trail, bribery in Germany, and open data in Vermont.

National News

• The House is taking up a number of bills dealing with federal IT, transparency, and spending this week. (Fedscoop)
• Bill Clinton went down to Kentucky to support Democratic Senate candidate Alison Lundergan Grimes and helped her raise $700,000 at a single fundraiser. (POLITICO)
• Public Library of Science, an open access publisher, is changing its data release practices. Previously, scientists who published in one of their journals had to make underlying data available on request from other researchers, but they will now have to ensure that it is publicly available as soon as their paper is published. (Ars Technica)

International News

• Germany has taken 11 years to pass the UN Convention Against Corruption, but it looks like they might be ready. Last Friday, a wide majority in the German parliament voted to boost regulations to stop bribery. (Transparency International)

State and Local News

• Philadelphia, PA is trying to change the way it does procurement, making the process more flexible and finding innovative solutions to city problems. (Data-Smart City Solutions)
• Around 30 people gathered in Burlington, Vermont last weekend to participate in a CodeAcross event and try to make useful tools out of Burlington’s open data. (Vermont Public Radio)
• State transportation officials in Massachusetts are working to make navigating Cape Cod traffic slightly less stressful. They are installing sensors and signs that will let drivers know how long it will take them to get to various spots on the Cape. (Government Technology)

Events Today 2/27

• The Administration’s Proposed Restriction’s on Political Speech: Doubling down on IRS targeting. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Thurs. 2/27. 9:30 am. 2247 Rayburn House Office Building. Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Job Creation, and Regulatory Affairs.

Events Tomorrow 2/28

• Mexico’s Political Reform and Electoral Transformation. Atlantic Council. Fri. 2/28. 9:00 – 10:00 am. Atlantic Council of the United States, 1030 15th Street NW, 12th floor, Washington, DC 20005.

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