The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: Transparency and the 2015 Legislative Session

Although the sun was at high noon when it ended, the 2015 Legislative Session won’t be remembered as the Sunshine Session. Cue the theme song from Sergio Leone’s “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” for a look at the 60 day term in the light of transparency. Proceedings started on a high and good Read More …

Police, Public and Press: Shining a Light on Officer Shootings

The NMSU Library, NMSU Department of Journalism & Mass Communications, and NMSU Alumnus Tim Parker are presenting “Police, Public and Press: Shining Light on Officer Shootings.” The event, held on Thursday, April 2, 2015, will commemorate Sunshine Week, which celebrates the public’s access to information, open records, and open government. It will begin at 5 Read More …

New Mexico 35th in Online Access to Government Spending Data

U.S. PIRG released a report yesterday ranking and grading states on online budgetary transparency.  New Mexico faired better than some, but shows plenty of room for improvement, receiving a ‘C+’ and a score of 77 out of a possible 100. FOLLOWING THE MONEY 2015: “Every year, state governments spend hundreds of billions of dollars through Read More …

Don’t put our sunshine laws in the shade

Elected officials and candidates love to proclaim themselves to be “pro-open government.” That’s a little like being “pro-education” or “pro-family.” The sentiment is nice and sounds great in a speech, but can mean little in reality. Sunshine Week is March 15-21. This national initiative is designed to bring better awareness of the importance of open Read More …

UPDATED: Public Comment Bill Moves to House Floor

UPDATE (03/13/15): House Bill 378 to require the opportunity for public comment in public meetings received a “do pass” from the House Judiciary Committee and will advance to the House floor for a vote.  With only a week remaining in the session, amendments to the bill are still pending for debate and time is of Read More …