In response to the ongoing corruption scandals unfolding in our nation's capitol, Congress has taken up efforts to pass lobby and ethics reform. Among the provisions proposed for inclusion in lobby reform legislation was one that simply seeks to uncover where taxpayer dollars are going, specifically money spent on government contracts and grants. Unfortunately, at this point the provision appears unlikely to be included in final legislation.

The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) released a new policy statement governing public dissemination of information from the agency. Released on March 30, the policy is an apparent response to allegations that the agency attempted to suppress scientific research on climate change that contradicted Bush administration policy on the issue. While the new policy does begin to clarify and establish official guidelines for release of information, it remains too vague and contains too many loopholes to fully function as a vehicle for public disclosure.

The public is growing weary and distrustful of burgeoning government secrecy--that's the message brought to the public last week during Sunshine Week (March 12-18th), an effort by the media, civic groups, libraries, universities and others to highlight the importance of open government.