Just read this Globe article today.; A growing group of dissidents in the Massachusetts House yesterday called on Speaker Robert A. DeLeo to open the chamber’s books, allow healthy debate on all bills, and subject the Legislature to the laws that cover other elected bodies – including laws on public records, open meetings, and competitive …
Government Reform
children and families, election laws, ethics rules, insider jobs, pensions & benefits, structure and operations, transparency
Transparency
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 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.
Possibility of Early Retirement Incentives
Further below see a proposal made by the Arlington Education Association for an early retirement incentive ERI for teachers. I think this concept deserves some careful study.
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?