Say yes to legislative transparency

California Forward has been in existence for nearly a decade and during that time we’ve talked with people around the state about how to improve and reform our state government.

There have been a number of good ideas that have been expressed, but few of them have more support than what is called the 72-hour in print rule.

That is why CA Fwd is announcing its support of an effort to place the California Legislature Transparency Act on the November ballot.

The act would require that all legislative measures to be publicly posted online at least 72 hours before the final vote, require that all legislative hearings be video recorded and available online, and guarantee the rights of every individual to record and share recordings of public legislative meetings.

“We have long promoted this idea because it reduces the ability of the special interests from having their way with the legislators at the last minute,” said Jim Mayer, who has headed CA Fwd since it was founded in 2007. “Giving legislators, their staffs and the public time to review last-minute changes in legislation is a common-sense practice that will improve governance in California.”

…

Democratic State Senator Lois Wolk has long promoted the idea: “Establishing a strong 72-hour in print rule is a rare opportunity for both parties to join together in making a common sense reform in favor of good government and the public interest. I am encouraged but not surprised by the strong public support for this simple rule to increase transparency and reduce the opportunity for the mischief that can occur when major legislative changes are rushed through in secret without the opportunity for all legislators and the public to read and thoughtfully consider legislation before voting.”

Read the entire article on California Forward’s website HERE.