Tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon is the moment of truth at the Colorado state legislature for Senate Bill 57, a measure that would require school districts to open up their financial books online so citizens can search them. It goes before the House Education Committee. Here are things you can do: Starting at sometime shortly after 1:30 PM local Mountain time, listen to the hearing online (House Committee Room 0112) Follow me on Twitter during the proceedings, or join the Tweeting yourself Show up at HCR 0112 and testify yourself, or just pack the room and provide moral support - nothing like an extra concerned citizen or two to remind lawmakers whom they serve Call or email members of the House Education Committee to make your voice … [Read more...]
Another Landmark Day for Colorado Citizens Fighting for Open Government
Today was another landmark day in the struggle for open, transparent government spending in Colorado. On CBS4 Denver, the Associated Press reports:About 30 people turned out at the state Capitol Tuesday to show their support for a bill from Sen. Ted Harvey, R-Highlands Ranch, which originally would have required such reports to be posted monthly in a searchable database. [link added] A memorable line from the bill sponsor:"If you can't defend it, don't spend it," Harvey said, echoing one of the slogans on the signs at the group's rally. Where have I seen that phrase before? … [Read more...]
“If we can’t even cut waste, fraud and abuse out of the budget, we shouldn’t be here”
Those are the words of Republican state senator Steve Johnson, as the Democrats in the legislature seek to increase the discretionary budgets for State Board of Education members to dine in style ($200 - $300 a meal for catering from Pour la France?), and enjoy other amenities. Despite what some say, such expenditures cannot best be characterized as "prudent." There's outrage when people learn about this kind of stuff, though many in the public are tuned out, overwhelmed, or just plain cynical. … [Read more...]