Thank you for your efforts on behalf of a more transparent legislature. While information is essential to democracy, it is the organized participation of informed people that is necessary to achieve the political and economic reforms that will move us toward a more just society. We are fortunate to have an honest and progressive voice …
Transparency
Transparency as the best policy
There is a deep and passionate conversation going among legislators right now around the issue of transparency. There is a growing group of legislators who feel that the legislature needs to change the way it manages its own business.
Legislative Spending for legal services
I’m happy to see Speaker DeLeo has responded to his house members and begun an investigation of legal fees for the ex-speaker. But – it’s only a start. The entire Legislative body’s spending, perks and benefits must have records open to the public. To think they are “special” and don’t need to have the public see …
Availability of information about legislative spending
This post relates to a fairly technical question that has been the subject of some confusion on the House floor: Exactly what information is available to the public about spending on legislative operations?
Voting in the minority
I found myself voting in the minority — with the Republicans and a small group of Democrats — on three financial integrity issues this week.
Thoughts on budget transparency
I have been reading about the idea of having a budget transparency website where citizens can get information easily. Apparently, there are 23 states using this system and wonder what your thoughts are on the pros and cons of this.