Pennsylvania, it's time to let the sun shine. No, we're not referring to the recent spate of regressively poor weather, but rather the fight to open up more public records to citizens.
Today marks the end of Sunshine Week, an annual event designed to raise consciousness about and lobby for greater access to public records. Newspapers and other citizens from all backgrounds have been pushing lawmakers to revise outdated "Right to Know" and "Sunshine" laws, which dictate what documents are open to the public.
Pennsylvania is known for having among the weakest freedom of information laws in the nation; they were last revised 50 years ago. This means that journalists, educators and all other citizens across the state remain ill-equipped to challenge political wrongdoing.
Pennsylvanians only have access to accounts, vouchers, contracts, minutes, orders or decisions, and that access is often limited, according to an article in The Philadelphia Inquirer. This is different from other states, which allow access to all public records with some specified exceptions.
Now for the good news: Governor Rendell has expressed support for strengthening these laws, and Pennsylvania state House representative Tim Mahoney has introduced a proposal that would reform access to information. Mahoney's bill and other similar measures have met support from other lawmakers so far and are expected to pass soon.
Thankfully, it looks like Pennsylvania lawmakers have seen the light.
For more information on Sunshine Week, visit www.sunshineweek.org.
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