http://nfoic.org/resources/bga/
States failing FOI responsiveness
Better Government Association and National Freedom of Information Coalition give 38 out of 50 states “F” grade in overall responses to FOI requests.
Analysis by the Better Government Association
Overview by Charles N. Davis
COGI Quote – Feb 17
Public records are the people’s records. The officials in whose custody they happen to be are mere trustees for the people.”
Judge Rufus Smith, Superior Court of Concinnati, Ohio, 1901.
The Carpetbagger’s Report
http://www.thecarpetbaggerreport.com/archives/14575.html
We don’t usually pick up on federal affronts – lots of national organizations do a great job of keeping an eye on Washington – but this list was so comprehensive and current that we couldn’t pass it up, had to pass it on.
Are Americans Hostile to Knowledge?
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/14/books/14dumb.html?ei=5087&em=&en=4165809c79fa2544&ex=1203138000&pagewanted=print
New York Times 2-14-08 A good piece to read and think about before – or after – the March 1 “Afloat in the wireless pond” conference. The title suggests a theme “Dumb and Dumber”…..
Digitizing & Preservation
http://www.loc.gov/today/pr/2008/08-029.html
If the feds recognize the importance of preservation, can/will the state be far behind – or will we digitize everything that matters and assume it will be there when it’s needed? Who’s thinking about that?
Best Practices For Immigrant Outreach
http://www.urbanlibraries.org/stranger021108.html
ULC Captures Best Practices For Immigrant Outreach in New Publication“Welcome Stranger” Though this new publication may not seem relevant at first blush, it is absolutely on target — public libraries should provide formal and informal (read government) information about immigrant communities, serve as conduits to local resources and services, and “jump-start” civic engagement. Includes a free download.
ALA on FISA
http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=367
One professional association’s take on recent Congressional action pertaining to FISA (Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act).
AP and the nation’s newspapers
http://www.forbes.com/2008/02/13/media-newspapers-ap-biz-media-cx_lh_0214ap_print.html
The article presents well the tension between AP and the nation’s newspapers. Interesting questions about how citizens will continue to get close-up information about their state and local goverment. This reference came from Media Reform – and following the link was well worth the (minimal) effort!
MPR on 2008 Leglislature
Minnesota Public Radio has a literal handful of points of access to the state legislative process. The best thing to do is to check them out and see which best fit your learning style, taste in technology,and tolerance level.
2008 Legislature
Minnesota Legislature collection: The latest news
Votetracker: Follow key legislation
Fantasy Legislature: Draft a team of legislators
Polinaut: Blog exploring politics
Policast: Podcast of political coverage
Walz calls for better access to soldiers’ medical records
Minnesota Rep. Tim Walz has just returned from his first trip to Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Germany. Walz said the trip gave him a renewed sense of urgency to improve access to soldiers’ medical records. Learn more on MPR.