Keep reading for today’s look at #OpenGov news, events, and analysis, including data quality at the VA, transit data in Buenos Aires, and a lack of access to email at LA schools.

National News

• The VA’s acting Inspector General revealed some concerning findings to a Senate committee yesterday. Nearly 75% of VA medical facilities being investigated by the IG manipulated wait time data. (Fierce Government)
• A bill that would exempt most public companies from open data requirements is back and potentially more likely to pass than ever as it is now packaged with nine other comparatively uncontroversial measures.  (Data Transparency Coalition)
• The NFL is in search of a new lobbyist. Whoever they choose will have to be ready to play right away as the league faces controversy over domestic violence, head injuries, and its DC team’s name while appearing poised to lose a fight over local blackout policies. (POLITICO)

International News

• A Global Innovation Competition is being launched by Making All Voices Count, an initiative that seeks new ideas and technologies to increase citizen engagement and government responsiveness. One of this year’s topics is legislative openness. (Opening Parliament)
• Buenos Aires, Argentina sees its population double every workday and relies on a 100 year old mass transportation system. To move things a little faster, the city government has launched a variety of apps that use real time government data. (Future Gov)

State and Local News

• The Los Angeles Unified school board voted to buy an email archiving program that would delete old emails after one year, effectively destroying any meaningful opportunity for oversight. The move came after two year old emails were released, raising questions about a huge school district contract. (SCPR)
• New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio named Minerva Tantoco as the Big Apple’s first Chief Technology Officer. Tantoco, who previously worked at UBS and grew up it he city, will be charged with developing a coordinated strategy for technology and innovation in the city. (Tech President)
• Indiana built a new office in its Statehouse to provide real time data access to policymakers. The office cost over $300,000 to renovate, which seems like a small price to pay for better informed policy. (Government Technology)

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