Today in #OpenGov 10/16/2014

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Keep reading for today’s look at #OpenGov news, events, and analysis including outside spending pleas, stronger lobbying regulations in Germany, and an inventory of military equipment in New York State police departments.

A newspaper with the headline Open Gov

National News

  • Despite healthy fundraising numbers, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is feeling the pressure, and the effects of being ignored by major Democratic outside spending groups in favor of more high profile Senate races. The Democrats have never looked likely to take back the House, but are now begging super spenders to help them avoid further losses. (Roll Call)

International

  • Transparency International is calling for stronger lobbying rules in Germany. Specifically, the group has recommended a compulsory register of lobbyists and a three year ban on former government ministers from taking jobs in industry. (The Local)

State and Local News

  • Washington State is pulling the string a bit tighter on some of its loose rules governing lobbyists wining and dining elected officials. New rules limit lawmakers to 12 free meals from lobbyists per year. (Washington Post)
  • For the first time, state officials in New York have released an inventory of equipment obtained by local law enforcement agencies through the Pentagon’s 1033 program. (Government Technology)
  • OpenTrails is a specification that helps people convert GIS data and publish things like trails maps. Code for America is facilitating courses for governments interested in learning more. (Code for America)

Events Today

Do you want to track transparency news? You can follow the progress of relevant bills, court cases, and regulations using Scout. You can also get Today in #OpenGov sent directly to your preferred news reader. If you would like suggest an event, please email mrumsey@sunlightfoundation.com by 7 am on the Monday prior to the event.