Zephyr Teachout's blog http://www.sunlightfoundation.com/blog/79/atom/feed 2006-12-21T19:53:04+00:00 A Buttoned Up CongressNow.com Launched by Roll Call http://www.sunlightfoundation.com/node/2314 2007-03-20T14:23:51+00:00 2007-03-20T14:23:51+00:00 Zephyr Teachout Yesterday, Roll Call and Gallery Watch launched CongressNow.com, which will provide a daily (2:30 PM) report on the most recent legislative action in Congress.

It could be a great tool for web journalists and citizens who want to follow Congress daily. There's a big problem: it requires a subscription. This is Congress, and people will find other ways to get the same information. There's a second problem once you're inside--the links to the bills are links to Gallery Watch descriptions of bills, which also requires a subscription.

If CongressNow.com wants to become a hub for citizens using the web to learn about Congress--which it could--it should link, instead, to OpenCongress, our new, very free, open source tool that gives direct and contextual information about each bill, and allows citizens to contribute their own input.

]]> Yesterday, Roll Call and Gallery Watch launched CongressNow.com, which will provide a daily (2:30 PM) report on the most recent legislative action in Congress.

It could be a great tool for web journalists and citizens who want to follow Congress daily. There's a big problem: it requires a subscription. This is Congress, and people will find other ways to get the same information. There's a second problem once you're inside--the links to the bills are links to Gallery Watch descriptions of bills, which also requires a subscription.

If CongressNow.com wants to become a hub for citizens using the web to learn about Congress--which it could--it should link, instead, to OpenCongress, our new, very free, open source tool that gives direct and contextual information about each bill, and allows citizens to contribute their own input.

]]> Sunshine Week Highlights http://www.sunlightfoundation.com/node/2309 2007-03-19T21:58:27+00:00 2007-03-19T21:59:27+00:00 Zephyr Teachout Last week we tumbled into an early daylight savings with a blizzard across the east coast and Sunshine Week, starting with a contest and ending with a push to pass legislation. As Ellen Miller's email to members described, Sunshine Week was originally started in 2002 as a series of “Sunshine Sundays” by Florida editors who were opposed to rollbacks in Florida's sunshine laws. Those Sunshine Sundays stopped about 300 provisions from going forward. In the last five years, the week has become a national celebration of openness and a time to push aggressively for more of it, from typically non-political journalists and happily political bloggers. On the first day of Sunshine Week, over 500 papers printed articles and editorials about the need for more open government. Meanwhile, the always industrious Center for Responsive Politics issued several useful suggestions to increase government transparency and the ease of accessing government records.

]]> Last week we tumbled into an early daylight savings with a blizzard across the east coast and Sunshine Week, starting with a contest and ending with a push to pass legislation. As Ellen Miller's email to members described, Sunshine Week was originally started in 2002 as a series of “Sunshine Sundays” by Florida editors who were opposed to rollbacks in Florida's sunshine laws. Those Sunshine Sundays stopped about 300 provisions from going forward. In the last five years, the week has become a national celebration of openness and a time to push aggressively for more of it, from typically non-political journalists and happily political bloggers. On the first day of Sunshine Week, over 500 papers printed articles and editorials about the need for more open government. Meanwhile, the always industrious Center for Responsive Politics issued several useful suggestions to increase government transparency and the ease of accessing government records.

Here is how the Sunlight Foundation celebrated:

  • On Tuesday, March 13, Sunlight held an event at the National Press Club titled “Sunshine in the First Branch: How Transparent is Congress?” The panel consisted of Mark Tapscott (Washington Examiner), John Solomon (Washington Post), Jonathan Salant (Bloomberg), Bill Allison (Sunlight), Rafael Degennero (Read the Bill), and Matt Stoller (MyDD, Open House Project). The event was hailed as a success.

  • The Sunlight Foundation offered a $2,000 prize for the best “Web 2.0 Mashup” that displayed information about Congress. The deadline was set at April 15th.
  • Sunlight Labs created a neat tool which allowed users to make-their-own “Top Secret redacted congressional document,” in which users could move given words and redactions around to create a new document or browse other people's documents.

Meanwhile, Sunshine Week prompted a flurry of blogging about open government legislation:

  • H.R. 1309, that amends (and strengthens) the Freedom of Information Act--the main lever that the press and the public have for prying documents out of the executive branch.
    The bill passed in the House, 308-117    .


  • H.R. 1254 would force presidential library foundations to make their donor lists public. The bill passed the House, 390-34    .


  • H.R. 1255 establishes procedures for releasing presidential records, and overturns a 2001 executive order from President Bush that sharply restricted (and in many cases out-and-out eliminated) public access to these government documents. The bill passed the House, 333-93    .


  • H.R. 985 expands whistleblower protections--protecting agency employees who report waste, fraud, abuse, illegalities and other malfeasance to members of Congress or Inspectors General from administration retribution. The bill passed in the House, 331-94.


  • H.R. 1362 addresses shortcomings in the government's relationships with private contractors by seeking to reduce the number of non-competitive, sole-source and cost-reimbursement contracts. Agency heads would be required to make public within fourteen days any contract awarded on a non-competitive basis. The document would then be posted on the agency website and be available through the Federal Procurement Data System. The bill passed in the House, 347-73.


  • S. 223 would, for the first time, require campaign committees of Senate candidates to file their contribution and expenditure information electronically with the Federal Election Commission rather than sending in stacks of paper (both House and presidential candidates file electronically). No vote has been taken on the bill as of yet.

    ]]> FOIA Amendments Pass House--In Senate Next Week http://www.sunlightfoundation.com/node/2300 2007-03-16T14:18:39+00:00 2007-03-16T14:24:39+00:00 Zephyr Teachout The House passed HR 1309 on Wednesday, and a version of the same bill is in the Senate as S 894 (not yet on Thomas or Open Congress). Please write co-sponsors Leahy and Cornyn to let them hear your support.

    The bill would reduce delays in agency processing of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests by:

    > Clarifying that FOIA requesters who are forced to bring legal action to push an agency to respond can become eligible to collect attorneys' fees when their suit is successful or is a catalyst for a change in the agency's position (the agency changes its position prior to judgment and releases documents).

    ]]>     The House passed HR 1309 on Wednesday, and a version of the same bill is in the Senate as S 894 (not yet on Thomas or Open Congress). Please write co-sponsors Leahy and Cornyn to let them hear your support.

    The bill would reduce delays in agency processing of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests by:

    > Clarifying that FOIA requesters who are forced to bring legal action to push an agency to respond can become eligible to collect attorneys' fees when their suit is successful or is a catalyst for a change in the agency's position (the agency changes its position prior to judgment and releases documents).

    > Requiring detailed and comparable data on processing times to be reported to Congress and the public.

    > Taking away the ability of an agency to claim most exemptions.

    The bill would improve customer service and accountability by:

    > Requiring agencies to establish FOIA hotlines and tracking systems.

    > Requiring additional annual reporting.

    > Ensuring agencies specify the exemption relied upon for any redaction in a released document.

    ]]>         Sunshine Week Mashup Contest Reminder http://www.sunlightfoundation.com/node/2292 2007-03-14T18:16:16+00:00 2007-03-14T18:16:16+00:00 Zephyr Teachout To celebrate Sunshine Week, the Sunlight Foundation is offering a $2,000 prize for the best "Web 2.0 Mashup" that displays information about Congress. The deadline is April 15th--we have only one entry so far, so your chances of winning $2000 are high, but start soon!

    Mashups will be judged on their creativity and how effectively they share information about Congress. We are looking for simple projects: earmarks on a map, vote history displayed in interesting ways, campaign contributions displayed interestingly.

    See details

    ]]>     To celebrate Sunshine Week, the Sunlight Foundation is offering a $2,000 prize for the best "Web 2.0 Mashup" that displays information about Congress. The deadline is April 15th--we have only one entry so far, so your chances of winning $2000 are high, but start soon!

    Mashups will be judged on their creativity and how effectively they share information about Congress. We are looking for simple projects: earmarks on a map, vote history displayed in interesting ways, campaign contributions displayed interestingly.

    See details here

    ]]>     Bill on FOIA Expansion in the House http://www.sunlightfoundation.com/node/2286 2007-03-13T18:52:31+00:00 2007-03-13T18:53:05+00:00 Zephyr Teachout As early as this afternoon, Congress may be considering a bill to promote open government by strengthening FOIA. The Sunlight Foundation will be sending the following letter to Members of the House of Representatives today--we hope you join us and add your voice. To read--and track-- HR 1309, the bill referenced here, follow it on Open Congress.

    We are writing in support of the Freedom of Information Act Amendments of 2007 (H.R. 1309).

    Transparent government is fundamental to democracy. We believe in the important promise of FOIA ­ an open government, with accessible information about government workings.

    ]]>
     As early as this afternoon, Congress may be considering a bill to promote open government by strengthening FOIA. The Sunlight Foundation will be sending the following letter to Members of the House of Representatives today--we hope you join us and add your voice. To read--and track-- HR 1309, the bill referenced here, follow it on Open Congress.

    We are writing in support of the Freedom of Information Act Amendments of 2007 (H.R. 1309).

    Transparent government is fundamental to democracy. We believe in the important promise of FOIA ­ an open government, with accessible information about government workings.

    FOIA has failed to live up to its promise. Legally requested information about government arrives years late, incomplete, and after substantial bureaucratic hurdles. FOIA programs are full of structural inefficiencies and the commitment to openness is constantly compromised. In age of the Internet, excessive delays in processing FOIA requests are particularly unacceptable. Government information should be freely and easily available, and all agencies should start with a presumption of online publication. In the meantime, Congress should support this important bill.

    The bill would reduce delays in agency processing of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests by:

    > Clarifying that FOIA requesters who are forced to bring legal action to push an agency to respond can become eligible to collect attorneys' fees when their suit is successful or is a catalyst for a change in the agency's position (the agency changes its position prior to judgment and releases documents).

    > Requiring detailed and comparable data on processing times to be reported to Congress and the public.

    > Preventing agencies from charging processing fees whenever they failed to meet the 20-working day response deadline.

    The bill would improve customer service and accountability by:

    > Requiring agencies to establish FOIA hotlines and tracking systems.

    > Requiring additional annual reporting.

    > Ensuring agencies specify the exemption relied upon for any redaction in a released document.

    The core idea animating the Sunlight Foundation is that “Sunlight is the best disinfectant.” In the one year since we have opened our doors, thousands of citizens have responded to our efforts to open the government ­ we have tapped into a deep societal mistrust of government that comes from the culture of secrecy, and the failure of government to be more open.

    That culture of secrecy is in full flower when federal agencies look on FOIA requests as something to be prevented and obstructed.

    The bill would improve prompt resolution of FOIA disputes without litigation by creating an independent ombudsman to mediate FOIA disputes, and by clarifying the right of FOIA requesters to collect attorneys' fees for successful litigation.

    Finally, it also would create a presumption of openness – what Congress always intended.

    This bill is very important. It will ensure that FOIA's carefully
    prescribed exemptions to disclosure are used to truly protect the nation and not to protect against disclosure of information that is merely embarrassing to the government.

    Thank you for your efforts to strengthen the accountability of
    our government agencies.

    Sincerely,

    Zephyr Teachout
    National Director
    The Sunlight Foundation

    ]]>         Panel On Transparency in Congress 2 PM Today http://www.sunlightfoundation.com/node/2281 2007-03-13T15:21:10+00:00 2007-03-13T15:54:57+00:00 Zephyr Teachout The National Press Club and the Sunlight Foundation are co-sponsoring a panel discussion that promises to be quite lively:

    What: Sunshine in the First Branch: How Transparent is Congress?
    When: 2 PM
    Where: Zenter Room, National Press Club
    Who: Mark Tapscott (Examiner), John Solomon (Washington Post), Jonathan Salant (Bloomberg), Bill Allison (Sunlight), Rafael Degennero (Read the Bill), Matt Stoller (MyDD, Open House Project).

    There is still room for attendees-please come and bring questions about how to investigate Congress, and ways in which Congress could be more transparent. The event is in celebration of Sunshine Week.

    ]]>     The National Press Club and the Sunlight Foundation are co-sponsoring a panel discussion that promises to be quite lively:

    What: Sunshine in the First Branch: How Transparent is Congress?
    When: 2 PM
    Where: Zenter Room, National Press Club
    Who: Mark Tapscott (Examiner), John Solomon (Washington Post), Jonathan Salant (Bloomberg), Bill Allison (Sunlight), Rafael Degennero (Read the Bill), Matt Stoller (MyDD, Open House Project).

    There is still room for attendees-please come and bring questions about how to investigate Congress, and ways in which Congress could be more transparent. The event is in celebration of Sunshine Week.

    ]]>         Word on the Hill: Bush Will Reneg on Earmark Transparency Commmitment http://www.sunlightfoundation.com/node/2271 2007-03-12T14:45:08+00:00 2007-03-12T18:19:48+00:00 Zephyr Teachout Today, OMB was going to release a list of earmarks.

    UPDATE: See the blog post above. Bill Allison talked to OMB about reasons for delay.

    From Mark Tapscott:

    Word is circulating on the Hill that the Bush administration is going to release only a limited database of earmarks later today or maybe no database at all, but just aggregate or summary data.

    Seems the White House legislative staff fears releasing the database would offend members of the appropriation committees in Congress. So, the public gets the shaft, again, on a topic on which there is no doubt where the American people stand.

    ]]>
     Today, OMB was going to release a list of earmarks.

    UPDATE: See the blog post above. Bill Allison talked to OMB about reasons for delay.

    From Mark Tapscott:

    Word is circulating on the Hill that the Bush administration is going to release only a limited database of earmarks later today or maybe no database at all, but just aggregate or summary data.

    Seems the White House legislative staff fears releasing the database would offend members of the appropriation committees in Congress. So, the public gets the shaft, again, on a topic on which there is no doubt where the American people stand.

    Note that this earmark suppression comes during Sunshine Week.

    Emphasis mine. Not releasing the database offends members of the public.

    ]]>         Urgent Call to Action: Senate Hearing on Electronic Filing of FEC Reports http://www.sunlightfoundation.com/node/2270 2007-03-12T14:22:15+00:00 2007-03-12T14:22:15+00:00 Zephyr Teachout The Senate Rules and Administration is holding a hearing on Wednesday on a bill that would require electronic filing of Senate FEC reports:

    http://rules.senate.gov/h...

    This bill is long overdue -- candidates for the House already file electronically and the only reason to oppose it is that candidates don't want members of the public to know, at the time of filing, who has donated to their campaigns.

    We tried to get this into the lobbying reform bill in January and the Porkbusters coalition pushed on this late last year after the Coburn-Obama success. As we know from that effort certain elements were blocking the bill in committee. This is our chance to get the bill out of committee if we put enough pressure on the right committee members.

    ]]>     The Senate Rules and Administration is holding a hearing on Wednesday on a bill that would require electronic filing of Senate FEC reports:

    http://rules.senate.gov/h...

    This bill is long overdue -- candidates for the House already file electronically and the only reason to oppose it is that candidates don't want members of the public to know, at the time of filing, who has donated to their campaigns.

    We tried to get this into the lobbying reform bill in January and the Porkbusters coalition pushed on this late last year after the Coburn-Obama success. As we know from that effort certain elements were blocking the bill in committee. This is our chance to get the bill out of committee if we put enough pressure on the right committee members.

    Call your Senator and ask if they are testifying in favor of the bill. We have heard that only Russ Feingold is testifying in favor of the bill--we need to get a list of participants.

    ]]>         Sunshine Week Starts Today http://www.sunlightfoundation.com/node/2266 2007-03-11T14:28:31+00:00 2007-03-11T14:28:31+00:00 Zephyr Teachout Today is the first day of Sunshine Week, with over 500 papers printing articles and editorials about the need for more open government in the last 24 hours alone.

    Please, spread the news in the blogosphere -- make this the year that Sunshine Week becomes a rallying cry for bloggers who are looking to open up government.

    As AP CEO Tom Curley writes in a Q & A about Sunshine Week, this year is different than the last two years:

    "The Sunshine Week momentum (in 2005 and 2006) forced elected officials to choose between public service or self service. We saw some very powerful officials become openly defiant of efforts to do the public's business in public. In a strange way they inspired a new generation of investigative reporters and stiffened the resolve of editors. Persistent reporters at local, state and federal levels helped save billions of dollars and even lives by what they were able to uncover last year.

    ]]>
     Today is the first day of Sunshine Week, with over 500 papers printing articles and editorials about the need for more open government in the last 24 hours alone.

    Please, spread the news in the blogosphere -- make this the year that Sunshine Week becomes a rallying cry for bloggers who are looking to open up government.

    As AP CEO Tom Curley writes in a Q & A about Sunshine Week, this year is different than the last two years:

    "The Sunshine Week momentum (in 2005 and 2006) forced elected officials to choose between public service or self service. We saw some very powerful officials become openly defiant of efforts to do the public's business in public. In a strange way they inspired a new generation of investigative reporters and stiffened the resolve of editors. Persistent reporters at local, state and federal levels helped save billions of dollars and even lives by what they were able to uncover last year.

    ...

    Q. What role can citizen journalists and participatory networks play in advancing the dialogue about the people's right to know?

    A. The citizen community has produced some of the most exciting counters to cover-ups. The growth in public involvement and sophistication in information gathering and distributing are among the most positive signs in connecting the people to their elected or appointed representatives."

    ]]> OMB Will Release Earmarks Database Monday http://www.sunlightfoundation.com/node/2260 2007-03-08T17:39:02+00:00 2007-03-08T18:29:56+00:00 Zephyr Teachout The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is set to make public its earmark database on Monday, March 12. That should includes recipient name and address, earmark cost, description, an indication of whether or not the earmark is statutory or non-binding, and relevant bill or report language--this should provide great fodder for anyone interested in entering our Sunshine Week mashup contest.

    Thanks to Sean Davis of Coburn's office for the tip.

    ]]>     The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is set to make public its earmark database on Monday, March 12. That should includes recipient name and address, earmark cost, description, an indication of whether or not the earmark is statutory or non-binding, and relevant bill or report language--this should provide great fodder for anyone interested in entering our Sunshine Week mashup contest.

    Thanks to Sean Davis of Coburn's office for the tip.

    ]]>         Attention Bloggers: What are You Doing for Sunshine Week? http://www.sunlightfoundation.com/node/2253 2007-03-08T14:58:37+00:00 2007-03-08T14:58:37+00:00 Zephyr Teachout I'd like to collect a list of blogshine activities. Email to me at zteachout at sunlightfoundation.com.

    If you're NOT doing anything, Sunshine Week starts March 11--it was started in 2002 as a series of "Sunshine Sundays" by Florida Editors who were opposed to rollbacks in Florida's sunshine laws. Those Sunshine Sundays stopped about 300 provisions from going forward. Newspapers around the country will be running pro-transparency editorials starting on Sunday, and when the blogosphere and the MSM have real synergy, magic can happen.

    To learn more about Sunshine Week generally, see the Sunshine Week homepage.

    ]]>     I'd like to collect a list of blogshine activities. Email to me at zteachout at sunlightfoundation.com.

    If you're NOT doing anything, Sunshine Week starts March 11--it was started in 2002 as a series of "Sunshine Sundays" by Florida Editors who were opposed to rollbacks in Florida's sunshine laws. Those Sunshine Sundays stopped about 300 provisions from going forward. Newspapers around the country will be running pro-transparency editorials starting on Sunday, and when the blogosphere and the MSM have real synergy, magic can happen.

    To learn more about Sunshine Week generally, see the Sunshine Week homepage.

    ]]>         DC Residents: What Are You Doing Next Tuesday at Two? http://www.sunlightfoundation.com/node/2250 2007-03-07T16:00:10+00:00 2007-03-07T16:46:48+00:00 Zephyr Teachout March 13 at 2-3 PM in the Zenger Room of the National Press Club, we are holding a panel discussion on "Sunshine in the First Branch: How Transparent is Congress?"

    Our goal is to celebrate Sunshine Week--a three-year old week where the press corps pushes government to be more transparent--and to make sure that Congressional transparency stays in the spotlight, along with Executive Branch transparency. But we also want to explore creative suggestions for opening up Congress -- the panel is a mix of investigative journalists whose life work is investigating congress and activists, each bringing their own ideas about what could-and ought-be more transparent in Congress.

    ]]>     March 13 at 2-3 PM in the Zenger Room of the National Press Club, we are holding a panel discussion on "Sunshine in the First Branch: How Transparent is Congress?"

    Our goal is to celebrate Sunshine Week--a three-year old week where the press corps pushes government to be more transparent--and to make sure that Congressional transparency stays in the spotlight, along with Executive Branch transparency. But we also want to explore creative suggestions for opening up Congress -- the panel is a mix of investigative journalists whose life work is investigating congress and activists, each bringing their own ideas about what could-and ought-be more transparent in Congress.

    Mark Tapscott moderates, and the panelists are John Solomon (Washington Post), Jonathan Salant (Blooomberg), Bill Allison (Sunlight), Rafael Degennero (Read the Bill), and Matt Stoller (Open House Project). Tapscott, among many other things, has been honored by the National Freedom of Information Hall of Fame for his lifelong efforts to open up government.

    The room holds about 40, and about 20 have RSVP'd. If you'd like to come, please send me an email at zteachout at sunlightfoundation.com. After the panel discussion (40 minutes) the floor will open for 20 minutes of discussion.

    ]]>         Enter our Sunshine Week Mashup Contest! http://www.sunlightfoundation.com/node/2227 2007-03-05T15:04:09+00:00 2007-03-06T22:14:47+00:00 Zephyr Teachout Next week (March 11-17) is Sunshine Week, during which journalists, activists, and bloggers raise awareness about the importance of open government and advocate for more transparency.

    To celebrate, we are hosting a contest! We will give a $2,000 prize for the best "Web 2.0 Mashup" (wikipedia) that displays information about Congress:

    Our judges--Esther Dyson, Jimmy Wales, and Craig Newmark--will select the winning mashup based on creativity and how effectively it displays Congressional information.

    ]]>     Next week (March 11-17) is Sunshine Week, during which journalists, activists, and bloggers raise awareness about the importance of open government and advocate for more transparency.

    To celebrate, we are hosting a contest! We will give a $2,000 prize for the best "Web 2.0 Mashup" (wikipedia) that displays information about Congress:

    Our judges--Esther Dyson, Jimmy Wales, and Craig Newmark--will select the winning mashup based on creativity and how effectively it displays Congressional information.

    We are not looking for something complicated -- simplicity is often the best transparency tool. Entries should have been created in the last six months.

    The deadline for entries is April 15.

    Confused? Wondering what a mashup is? A mashup is a website or web application that combines content from more than one source. You've probably seen a mashup even if you don’t realize it. Sunlight Labs made this mashup last year, taking an excel spreadsheet of earmarks in the Labor, Health and Human Service BILL and “mashing them” onto Google maps so that people could locate earmarks designated for their zip code:

    Hundreds of citizens used that mashup to learn more about earmarking in Congress.

    ]]>         Sunlight Accepting Applications for Mini-grants for 2007 http://www.sunlightfoundation.com/node/2058 2007-02-01T18:07:22+00:00 2007-02-01T20:46:25+00:00 Zephyr Teachout The Sunlight Foundation is offering grants of $1,000 to $5,000 for local groups that have creative ideas for changing the relationship between elected Federal representatives and the people they represent. This is the second year of our mini-grant program. Last year we funded five extraordinary programs (see below) selected from nearly one hundred applicants.

    Successful applicants will receive the grant, consulting and strategic support, and networking opportunities. Our goal is to provide that extra element that takes a project from good to great -- server space, a video camera, or access to polling data -- or provide the seed that makes a new project viable. Projects could range from citizen media, to creative use of the internet to engage citizens in watchdogging, to opening up new ways of communicating with federal lawmakers to creative mapping of lawmakers' activities.

    ]]>     The Sunlight Foundation is offering grants of $1,000 to $5,000 for local groups that have creative ideas for changing the relationship between elected Federal representatives and the people they represent. This is the second year of our mini-grant program. Last year we funded five extraordinary programs (see below) selected from nearly one hundred applicants.

    Successful applicants will receive the grant, consulting and strategic support, and networking opportunities. Our goal is to provide that extra element that takes a project from good to great -- server space, a video camera, or access to polling data -- or provide the seed that makes a new project viable. Projects could range from citizen media, to creative use of the internet to engage citizens in watchdogging, to opening up new ways of communicating with federal lawmakers to creative mapping of lawmakers' activities.

    We encourage applications from existing small local nonprofits and websites, from offshoots of national groups, from individuals, and from informal groups of citizens.

    We plan to give a total of 8-10 grants over the year, and 3-5 grants in the first cycle, which begins today. The first set of mini-grant applications will be considered on a rolling basis between now and June 1.

    Projects will be judged on how closely they fit with Sunlight's purposes of using technology to enable citizens to learn more about what their elected representatives are doing, reducing corruption, and ensuring greater transparency. They will also be judged on their creativity, and their ability to grow or be replicated. As a general rule, we will not fund salaries or general overhead expenses, but will fund technological upgrades.

    To apply, please send a one page summary of your project, a budget (including the amount requested from Sunlight) and contact information to our organizing and outreach director Nisha Thompson (nthompson@sunlightfoundation.com). Feel free to call her at 1-202-742-1520 if you have questions before applying.

    Previous grantees are not eligible.

    Below is a list of Mini-grantees 2006

    Arizona Congresswatch. We made a grant of $1,650 for access to poll data to this organization that is a one-stop shop for all information on Arizona members of Congress. Arizona Congresswatch, is constantly
    updated with every action a member of the congressional delegation takes, or statement he or she makes. The rate of updates and breadth of sources monitored make the Web site a reliable and trusted resource for anyone in Arizona to find out what their member of Congress is up to.

    Connecticut Local Politics Blogspot. We made a $1,600 grant for an upgrade to this nonpartisan, nonprofit blog that covers Connecticut politics from town halls to its congressional delegation. The site, which began in January of 2005, welcomes all points of view, and includes opinion pieces on the news of the day from many viewpoints, interviews, live online question-and-answer sessions with candidates, an informational wiki about the 2006 election and coverage of major events.

    Bluegrass Report. This blog won a Koufax award for its political reporting last year, and has become of hub of political life in Kentucky. Since then, BluegrassReport.org reached a technological limit with its very basic Web site as it tried to communicate with its 25,000 readers a week. We made a $2,500 grant that allowed Bluegrass Report to upgrade its Web site and add software to better educate the voters.

    Metavid. We made a grant of $5,000 to this project which seeks to capture, stream, archive and facilitate real-time collective
    [re]mediation of Federal legislative proceedings. Metavid uses the Internet as a platform for the democratization of citizens' relationships to their representatives. It opens up video source footage of House and Senate proceedings for permanent reusable online access, allowing citizens to remix, investigate, and track their representatives in a participant-driven open source archive.

    More Perfect. We made a grant of $5,000 to this innovative new Web site that enables citizens to participate more directly in the creation of public policy and laws. More Perfect allows individuals, public
    interest groups, local governments and elected officials to present their issues, policy proposals and positions to a diverse and engaged audience, gathering real-time feedback while potentially avoiding a time consuming, costly and often uncertain public outreach process. More Perfect utilizes wiki-technology, made popular by the online encyclopedia Wikipedia, to allow visitors to the site the ability to directly edit Web pages on the site.

    ]]>         Open the Government and Sunshine Week http://www.sunlightfoundation.com/node/1921 2007-01-24T17:06:19+00:00 2007-01-24T17:07:06+00:00 Zephyr Teachout This week, Sunlight joined Open the Government, a coalition of over 50 groups who are committed to citizen access to governmental information. Open the Government coalition partners include groups like OMB Watch and associations of reporters.

    We are also starting to plan our own contribution to Sunshine Week, a week in Mid-March dedicated to making Government transparent, and we'd welcome any ideas. We are currently thinking about a panel on congressional transparency and some cool online display of secrecy and openness, but we are, as always, curious to hear your input.

    ]]>     This week, Sunlight joined Open the Government, a coalition of over 50 groups who are committed to citizen access to governmental information. Open the Government coalition partners include groups like OMB Watch and associations of reporters.

    We are also starting to plan our own contribution to Sunshine Week, a week in Mid-March dedicated to making Government transparent, and we'd welcome any ideas. We are currently thinking about a panel on congressional transparency and some cool online display of secrecy and openness, but we are, as always, curious to hear your input. What panel topics would interest you, and what is your dream online demonstration related to access to congressional information?

    ]]>         Rumors of a Deal to Save the Ethics Bill http://www.sunlightfoundation.com/node/1899 2007-01-18T17:30:18+00:00 2007-01-18T17:32:35+00:00 Zephyr Teachout Although it seems that the ethics bill is dead and this afternoon's cloture vote this afternoon is all about message, one contact just informed us that the Democrats and Republicans are actually close to a deal.

    The vote is scheduled to take place between 3 and 6. If they do come to an agreement, the bill should be finished tomorrow.

    If it does go through, we are still hoping -- though it is a long shot -- that the managers will accept a combination of language that requires the Senate to come up with a way to get personal financial disclosure reports online. We hear that Senator Cardin will be working to get this in a manager's amendment.

    ]]>     Although it seems that the ethics bill is dead and this afternoon's cloture vote this afternoon is all about message, one contact just informed us that the Democrats and Republicans are actually close to a deal.

    The vote is scheduled to take place between 3 and 6. If they do come to an agreement, the bill should be finished tomorrow.

    If it does go through, we are still hoping -- though it is a long shot -- that the managers will accept a combination of language that requires the Senate to come up with a way to get personal financial disclosure reports online. We hear that Senator Cardin will be working to get this in a manager's amendment.

    Republican support for making required personal financial disclosure statements available on the Internet would really help at that stage.

    ]]>         Transparency Agenda Update http://www.sunlightfoundation.com/node/1894 2007-01-17T17:02:27+00:00 2007-01-17T23:15:35+00:00 Zephyr Teachout There is a lot happening in the Senate today. By the end of the day, we will likely know where our efforts to get contemporaneous online filing of Senate reports stands. We have a new, part time lobbyist, Lisa Rosenberg, to push our short term agenda. In the context of the reform bill currently in the Senate, this means she is working to ensure that the following provisions are included:

    • All earmarks are online prior to a vote with the names of the sponsors of the earmarks;
    • All travel documents are online in a searchable and sortable format;and,
    • Personal financial disclosure forms are online immediately after being filed.
      ]]>
     There is a lot happening in the Senate today. By the end of the day, we will likely know where our efforts to get contemporaneous online filing of Senate reports stands. We have a new, part time lobbyist, Lisa Rosenberg, to push our short term agenda. In the context of the reform bill currently in the Senate, this means she is working to ensure that the following provisions are included:
    • All earmarks are online prior to a vote with the names of the sponsors of the earmarks;
    • All travel documents are online in a searchable and sortable format;and,
    • Personal financial disclosure forms are online immediately after being filed.

    As you know, the Senate voted yesterday to put earmarks online 48 hours before a vote. We think this is a major victory for transparency and for citizens, and applaud everyone that made this possible. Bloggers' response to the much weaker version of this was important in ensuring that the stronger version passed. Thank you. Senator Cardin has proposed an online disclosure amendment to the reform bill that includes our proposals to get travel reports and personal financial disclosure forms online in a searchable format. We have reason to think there is strong enough bipartisan support for the travel reports disclosure to get it passed, and a mixed attitude towards getting personal financial disclosure reports online. However, because Cardin’s amendment also includes a requirement that Senate Campaign finances must be filed online, the < ahref="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parliamentarian_of_the_United_States_Senate">parliamentarian may decide that the amendment is not "germane,"-- that is, that the amendment is not related to the substance of the bill to be considered at this time. Campaign finance amendments, according to most Senate staff that we have talked to, dont belong in this bill – and they believe that Cardin’s amendment will not be put up for a vote because of this “germaneness” issue. If Cardin’s amendment does not get considered, it remains possible that versions of the travel and personal financial disclosure provisions will be accepted in a manager's amendment. We believe the leadership is supportive of the fuller disclosure provisions and Senator Cardin's office is working hard to have the increased disclosure provisions accepted. Senator Coleman has also offered an amendment to put travel gift receipts online in a searchable database. On Personal Financial Disclosures, there has been some concern that it will be impossible to get 15,000 pages of information online in 48 hours. We are, at a minimum, pushing to get the information online when the paper documents are made public. So where does that leave us? We’ll know at the end of the day. A strong Republican supporter, or more support from Democratic Senators could make a big difference. We’ll keep you posted.

    ]]>         Will Reid/DeMint Compromise Include Online Accessibility to Earmarks? http://www.sunlightfoundation.com/node/1873 2007-01-12T19:38:58+00:00 2007-01-12T19:41:49+00:00 Zephyr Teachout With all the drama in the Senate over earmark disclosure, one major question remains -- what will the Reid/DeMint compromise have to say about keeping the earmarks reports online?

    A major flaw in Pelosi's Rule requiring all earmarks to be identified by sponsor and purpose is that this information is not required to be online. Only staffers and a few overworked local DC reporters can even plausibly review the earmarks. While Reid's proffer was profoundly flawed in its failure to cover the majority of earmarks, it did, at least, require that earmarks and the identifying information be online prior to a vote.

    ]]>     With all the drama in the Senate over earmark disclosure, one major question remains -- what will the Reid/DeMint compromise have to say about keeping the earmarks reports online?

    A major flaw in Pelosi's Rule requiring all earmarks to be identified by sponsor and purpose is that this information is not required to be online. Only staffers and a few overworked local DC reporters can even plausibly review the earmarks. While Reid's proffer was profoundly flawed in its failure to cover the majority of earmarks, it did, at least, require that earmarks and the identifying information be online prior to a vote.

    The pending compromise, to meet the most basic standards of openness, must make sure it keeps the online provision of Reid's bill. We trust that it will -- but encourage citizens to keep the pressure on.

    ]]>         What Senator Tester Did Today: This is What Real Openness Looks Like http://www.sunlightfoundation.com/node/1856 2007-01-10T22:22:59+00:00 2007-01-11T21:50:38+00:00 Zephyr Teachout Freshman Senator Jon Tester of Montana has committed to sharing his schedule, and even though his website isn't up yet, he is already sharing it in a public place in his office. Here it is -- exactly the kind of information the public wants to know. This is what real openness looks like:


    Download Image

    January 10th 7 AM Gym

    8:15-9 AM Constituents Breakfasts with Senator Baucus's Office

    9:45-11:45 Hearing: Energy Committee

    ]]>     Freshman Senator Jon Tester of Montana has committed to sharing his schedule, and even though his website isn't up yet, he is already sharing it in a public place in his office. Here it is -- exactly the kind of information the public wants to know. This is what real openness looks like:


    Download Image

    January 10th 7 AM Gym

    8:15-9 AM Constituents Breakfasts with Senator Baucus's Office

    9:45-11:45 Hearing: Energy Committee

    11:00 Message/scheduling meeting

    11:30 John Prinkey and Harold Blattie with MaCo

    12:30 Meeting Stephen Hadley

    2 PM Meeting Bridget and Stephanie re: consponsoring bills

    3:15-3:45 American Association for Justice 7th Annual Leaders forum Legislative Day.

    4 PM Tom McCOy, MSU VP for Research, and Dr. Dave Dooley, MSU Provost

    4:30 Chris Ross, Mike Roche and Mark Boback of Anhauser Busch -- Meet and Greet

    5 PM -- JT, Sharia, Stephanie and Gina

    6:30-9 PM Dinner Honoring the 110th Congress

    Tester's Chief of Staff, Stephanie Schriock, has insisted that the staff stick to Tester's promise as best they can before the web site is up. As much as this proves how easy it is -- just put on the wall -- it is also very impressive. Its shows a completely open attitude towards the public. It should be lauded, and imitated -- this is what changing the culture of Congress means.

    ]]>         Open Lobbying Report #4 http://www.sunlightfoundation.com/node/1660 2006-12-21T19:50:04+00:00 2006-12-21T19:53:04+00:00 Zephyr Teachout If you email someone in Congress, and they don't write you back, does it still count as a contact? In an abundance of caution (and hope that my notes will be requited), here is my open lobbying report for the shortest day of the year:

    Contacted: Ron Weich, Senior Policy Expert, Reid's Office
    When: December 21
    Where: Email
    About Bills: S Res 21, hoping for a revival of it
    About topics: Online filing of Congressional Reports
    Relations: I am not an ex-staffer, neice, mother, sister, or other relation to Ron Weich, or any other Member of Congress. However, Ellen saw him at a meeting Monday, and he sent me an encouraging one line email the day before yesterday. (Is it a contact when they contact you? I suppose so.)

    ]]>     If you email someone in Congress, and they don't write you back, does it still count as a contact? In an abundance of caution (and hope that my notes will be requited), here is my open lobbying report for the shortest day of the year:

    Contacted: Ron Weich, Senior Policy Expert, Reid's Office
    When: December 21
    Where: Email
    About Bills: S Res 21, hoping for a revival of it
    About topics: Online filing of Congressional Reports
    Relations: I am not an ex-staffer, neice, mother, sister, or other relation to Ron Weich, or any other Member of Congress. However, Ellen saw him at a meeting Monday, and he sent me an encouraging one line email the day before yesterday. (Is it a contact when they contact you? I suppose so.)
    Special Notes: I really hope he writes back.

    Contacted: Ruchi Bhowmak, Senior Policy Expert, Obama's Office
    When: December 21
    Where: Email
    About Bills: S Res 21, hoping for a revival of it
    About topics: Online filing of Congressional Reports
    Relations: I am not an ex-staffer, neice, mother, sister, or other relation to Ruchi Bhowmak, or any other Member of Congress. I have never broken bread with Ruchi. However, when I talked to Ruchi on the phone last week she mentioned that Jim, the webmaster, mentioned that I saw him the other week.
    Special Notes: I tried to be upbeat, in the holiday spirit.

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