How much do government statistics matter to the average citizen? Quite a bit – especially when they’re not accessible. So, the online New Jersey Data Book was launched, allowing anyone to access data about New Jersey in a user-friendly format.
Continue readingUtilities-backed dark money group sparking energy debate in Michigan
As Michigan lawmakers prepare for a new legislative session in Lansing, two of the state's largest utility companies have already launched an ambitious public affairs campaign: Pushing to maintain their dominance over the Great Lakes' States' electric grid.
Continue readingRNC date change gives dark money more room to operate
The RNC will hold its 2016 convention in July, shortening its presidential primary period. The move will free up millions in previously untouchable campaign dollars and lengthen the period in which "dark money groups" can run ads while avoiding disclosure.
Continue readingThe House just voted to restrict open data at the SEC — what’s next?
H.R. 37 — a bill that would exempt more than half of public companies from reporting their financial statements as open data — roared back and passed the House. Will it become law?
Continue readingInfluence Analytics: Cattlemen and congressmen fight against South American beef
While 2014 was waning, cattlemen across the country were writing the U.S. Department of Agriculture against a proposal to allow certain beef imports from Argentina. Why? Plus, Keystone XL still dominates the news.
Continue readingThe Week on Politwoops: freshman breaks rules, mayor deletes big announcement and more
The new 114th Congress begins with some notable deletions archived by Politwoops including a freshman breaking the rules, a mayor backtracking a campaign announcement and a congressman celebrating a bill's passage when it didn't pass.
Continue readingWhy super PACs should have ‘cooling off’ periods, too
Talk about not coordinating: The head of a super PAC gets a job with one of the candidates the PAC helped elect.
Continue readingThe House fights open data at the SEC — again
A bill that's up for a vote would exempt more than half of public companies in the U.S. from reporting their financial statements as open data.
Continue readingAll cooled off: As Congress convenes, former colleagues will soon be calling from K Street
With the new Congress, many former members and staffers are now legal to lobby. But the law's so full of loopholes that it hasn't stopped many from entering the influence game before their "cooling off" period expires.
Continue readingUnhappy returns: First act of 114th Congress a direct hit on Democratic mega-donors
With 2014's final recount now in the books, Sunlight takes a final look at our return on investment study for outside groups — some of which can count on a late Christmas present with the start of the new Congress.
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