By Christa Westerberg, Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council Wisconsin’s open government laws were meant to strengthen our democracy by ensuring an informed electorate. But, sometimes, transparency is about more than democracy—it is about human health, with serious consequences when transparency fails. Earlier this year, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that the city of Milwaukee had […]
Your Right to Know: Assembly lawmakers should keep 2015 promise on transparency
By Jonathan Anderson, Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council A week after Republicans in the state Legislature voted to gut the public records law in 2015, members of the Assembly sought to quell backlash over the plan. A resolution that passed 96-1 affirms that the Assembly “remains committed to our state’s open record and open government […]
“Your Right to Know”: Mail ballots threaten government transparency
The Wisconsin Constitution states that “the doors of each house” of the state Legislature “shall be kept open,” except on rare occasions. But even with the doors open, the public may not know what’s going on.
A growing trend threatens transparency — and good government — in Wisconsin. Some legislative committees are using “mail ballots” to vote, instead of voting during public meetings. It’s a practice that goes back over a decade, and one that has been used by both parties.
Trump raises stakes for press, public with lack of transparency, disregard of facts
By Mark Pitsch, Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council Two days before the new president’s inauguration, the Society of Professional Journalists and dozens of other media and government transparency groups sent a letter asking Donald Trump for a meeting to discuss his administration’s relationship with the press. Among other things, the groups wanted Trump to affirm […]