Executive session taping bill receives public hearing

The Senate Committee on Government Operations heard public testimony today on SB 6109: Exempting video and audio recordings of closed executive session meetings from public inspection and copying. SB 6109 reflects a new strategy by the Attorney General and State Auditor to ensure that executive sessions aren't being misused in violations of the state's Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA). I joined State Auditor Brian Sonntag and Tim Ford, Open Government Ombudsman for the Attorney General's Office, in testifying on SB 6109 . . . READ MORE

DOR requests 5 year sunsets for new tax preferences

The state Department of Revenue (DOR) is requesting legislation that would automatically sunset any new, extended, or amended tax preference after 5 years. DOR's request bill (HB 2530) is scheduled for a public hearing at 3:30 on Monday. According to DOR . . . READ MORE

Remember the budget deficit?

As we conclude the 18th day of the 2012 REGULAR Session, the lack of legislative urgency to solve the state's billion dollar plus deficit grows more troubling with each passing day. It's been 92 days since the Governor called last December's special session declaring "timely legislative action is needed to secure the State’s fiscal health and address the shortfall in the 2011-2013 operating budget." Perhaps it is time to revisit the December 5, 2011 email Marty Brown, Director of the Office of Financial Management, sent all lawmakers under the subject line - "The urgency of budget action" . . . READ MORE

State argues 18 year old 2/3 vote requirement for taxes is constitutional

Acting on behalf of the state the Attorney General's Office has once again argued the 1993 voter-approved requirement for a 2/3 vote to raise taxes is constitutional (policy has been subsequently re-approved by the voters and legislature on multiple occasions). Here are some pull quotes from the state's motion for summary judgment in the most recent legal challenge . . . READ MORE

State Auditor sheds light on local government finances

State Auditor Brian Sonntag launched a new website today that allows citizens to quickly find data on local government finances. Here is a summary of the new resource . . . READ MORE