I am very happy to announce that as of July 9, 2009 the popular initiative to apply the Open Government Act to the Legislature has been certified by the Office of the Attorney General for placement on the ballot this November election.  Attached in this email is the certification letter from Acting Attorney General Greg Baka.  

 

The successful placement of this initiative was the result of over two years of hard work on the part of dozens of volunteer citizens committed to improving transparency in the legislature.  Our thanks to all who helped collect signatures and engaged in public education and dialogue about the importance of a clean and honest government that serves us all.  We also thank the diligent staff of the Commonwealth Election Commission and the Office of the Attorney General for their role in advising volunteers about initiative regulations and election law, in certifying signatures, and in ensuring that the initiative is duly placed on the ballot for voters to consider.

 

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In other Open Government Act news, the Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for oral argument on the government's appeal of the Superior Court's order to disclose certain financial records related to the federalization lawsuit.  The government's Opening Brief and my Reply are both attached in this email.    

 

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Finally, the House has scheduled a session on Monday, July 13, 2009 @ 1:30pm in the House Chamber.  The draft agenda is attached.