WHAT CAN YOU DO?
CONTACT YOUR STATE LEGISLATORS
In Illinois, there are 59 Senators and 118 Representatives, each with their own legislative district. You elect one Representative and one Senator to the state legislature. As information is vital to being an effective activist, the first pieces of information you’ll need are your legislators’ names and contact information.
Learn about the legislature and state government. Click here.
Find out who your State Legislators are. Click here.
2011 Legislative Calendar: Regular Session convenes January 12, meets throughout the year.
EDUCATION & ACTIVISM
The following organizations are invaluable resources for you to learn about legislation, policy, and politics that affect you as a resident of Illinois. There are also opportunities for activism, to help you become an advocate for transparency. Bookmark their websites and you’ll find that you will be ready to talk to your legislators and your neighbors.
Illinois Policy Institute
190 S. LaSalle Street, Ste. 2130
Chicago, IL 60603
Phone: 312-346-5700
Fax: 312-346-5755
jtillman@illinoispolicy.org
IllinoisOpenGov.org, gives Illinois citizens a clear look into how Illinois government spends their hard-earned tax dollars, down to the agency, person and penny. IllinoisOpenGov.org provides Illinois taxpayers with an unbiased look at raw spending data, provided directly from official government sources, and gives Illinois citizens a tool for researching, analyzing, comparing and sharing government spending data.
Illinois Comptrollers Office
Dan Hynes
312-814-5921 (Chicago)
217-782-6000 (Springfield)
Open Book is a searchable database of state contracts and campaign contributions. The website combines information from the Comptroller’s accounting system with official semi-annual campaign finance disclosure reports filed by political committees with the Illinois State Board of Elections. The data is presented in a format that allows users to enter the name or partial name of an entity that conducts business with the State of Illinois and compare that entity’s State contracts with political contributions it made.
Contact: Joshua Meyer
joshualmeyer@wikifoia.org
http://sunshinereview.org/index.php/Illinois_on_WikiFOIA
State sunshine laws are the laws in each state that govern public access to governmental records. These laws are sometimes known as open records laws or public records laws, and are also collectively referred to as FOIA laws, after the federal Freedom of Information Act. The more familiar you are with Illinois’ sunshine laws, the more power you will possess to hold elected officials accountable.
City, County and School District Transparency
Contact: Kristin McMurray
kristinpedia@sunshinereview.org
www.sunshinereview.org
Sunshine Review has analyzed the transparency of more than 5,000 state and local government websites throughout the United States including those in Illinois.
Contact: Ballotpedia
c/o The Lucy Burns Institute
301 S. Bedford St., Suite 6
Madison, WI 53703
608-255-0688 (Phone)
www.ballotpedia.org
Ballotpedia is an online almanac of state and local politics that can help you track ballot initiatives in your state and throughout the country.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
CONTACT YOUR STATE LEGISLATORS
In Alabama, there are 105 Representatives and 35 Senators, with a separate set of legislative districts for each. You elect one Representative and one Senator to the state legislature. As information is vital to being an effective activist, the first pieces of information you’ll need are your legislators’ names and contact information.
Learn about the legislature and state government. Click here.
Find out who your State Legislators are. Click here.
2011 Legislative Calendar: Regular Session convenes March 1, adjourns mid-June.
EDUCATION & ACTIVISM
The following organizations are invaluable resources for you to learn about legislation, policy, and politics that affect you as an Alabama resident. There are also opportunities for activism, to help you become an advocate for transparency. Bookmark their websites and you’ll find that you will be ready to talk to your legislators and your neighbors.
Alabama Policy Institute
402 Office Park Dr., Suite 300
Birmingham, AL 35223
(205) 870-9900 (Phone)
(205) 870-4407 (Fax)
info@alabamapolicy.org
www.alabamapolicy.org
The Alabama Policy Institute’s “Stand & Deliver” project tracks bills that have been introduced and compares them to original political platforms, so that voters can determine whether promises made are promises kept. As Stand & Deliver updates the bill tracking, website visitors are encouraged to participate in the process by notifying Stand & Deliver’s website administrator of legislative updates. Together, Alabamians can take a stand and hold their legislators accountable to “stand and deliver.”
Contact: Joshua Meyer
joshualmeyer@wikifoia.org
http://sunshinereview.org/index.php/Alabama_on_WikiFOIA
State sunshine laws are the laws in each state that govern public access to governmental records. These laws are sometimes known as open records laws or public records laws, and are also collectively referred to as FOIA laws, after the federal Freedom of Information Act. The more familiar you are with Alabama’s sunshine laws, the more power you will possess to hold elected officials accountable.
City, County and School District Transparency
Contact: Kristin McMurray
kristinpedia@sunshinereview.org
www.sunshinereview.org
Sunshine Review has analyzed the transparency of more than 5,000 state and local government websites throughout the United States including those in Alabama.
Contact: Ballotpedia
c/o The Lucy Burns Institute
301 S. Bedford St., Suite 6
Madison, WI 53703
608-255-0688 (Phone)
www.ballotpedia.org
Ballotpedia is an online almanac of state and local politics that can help you track ballot initiatives in your state and throughout the country.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
CONTACT YOUR STATE LEGISLATOR
In Wyoming, you elect one state senator to the Senate and one state representative to the House of Representatives. As information is vital to being an effective activist, the first pieces of information you’ll need are your legislators’ names and contact information.
Learn about the legislature and state government. Click here.
Who is my Senator and how do I contact him/her? Click here.
Who is my Representative and how do I contact him/her? Click here.
2011 Legislative Calendar: Regular Session convenes on January 11 and adjourns in early March.
EDUCATION & ACTIVISM
The following organizations are invaluable resources for you to learn about legislation, policy, and politics that affect you as a Wyoming resident. There are also opportunities for activism, to help you become an advocate for transparency. Bookmark their websites and you’ll find that you will be ready to talk to your legislators and your neighbors.
Wyoming Liberty Group
1902 Thomes Ave., Suite 201
Cheyenne, WY 82001
(307) 632-7020 (Phone)
(307) 632-7024 (Fax)
info@wyliberty.org (General)
legislature@wyliberty.org (Legislative)
Transparency in government is vital to the strength of a democracy. James Madison wrote, “A popular government, without popular information or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy.” Check out the transparency resources and reports so that you can become a better informed and engaged citizen activist.
Contact: Joshua Meyer
joshualmeyer@wikifoia.org
http://sunshinereview.org/index.php/Wyoming_on_WikiFOIA
State sunshine laws are the laws in each state that govern public access to governmental records. These laws are sometimes known as open records laws or public records laws, and are also collectively referred to as FOIA laws, after the federal Freedom of Information Act. The more familiar you are with Wyoming’s sunshine laws, the more power you will possess to hold elected officials accountable.
City, County and School District Transparency
Contact: Kristin McMurray
kristinpedia@sunshinereview.org
www.sunshinereview.org
Sunshine Review has analyzed the transparency of more than 5,000 state and local government websites throughout the United States including those in Wyoming.
Contact: Ballotpedia
c/o The Lucy Burns Institute
301 S. Bedford St., Suite 6
Madison, WI 53703
608-255-0688 (Phone)
www.ballotpedia.org
Ballotpedia is an online almanac of state and local politics that can help you track ballot initiatives in your state and throughout the country.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
CONTACT YOUR STATE LEGISLATORS
In Wisconsin, you elect one state senator to the Senate and one state representative to the Wisconsin Assembly. As information is vital to being an effective activist, the first pieces of information you’ll need are your legislators’ names and contact information.
Learn about the legislature and state government. Click here.
Who are my legislators and how do I contact them? Click here.
2011 Legislative Calendar: Regular Session convenes January 11 and meets throughout the year.
EDUCATION & ACTIVISM
The following organizations are invaluable resources for you to learn about legislation, policy, and politics that affect you as a Wisconsin resident. There are also opportunities for activism, to help you become an advocate for transparency. Bookmark their websites and you’ll find that you will be ready to talk to your legislators and your neighbors.
MacIver Institute
44 East Mifflin Street, Suite 201
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 588-6477 (Phone)
info@maciverinstitute.com
State officials and candidates running for public office file a Statement of Economic Interests with the Government Accountability Board (GAB) every year. Previously, individuals or groups who wanted to review these records had to travel to Madison and fill out a form identifying themselves. Included on the form is an acknowledgment that failure to properly identify yourself or your purpose is punishable by up to a $5,000 fine and jail for up to a year. Most likely, this has had a chilling effect on the public’s right to know and clouded what was intended to be a promotion of transparency in government. The MacIver Institute has put this information where the public can actually find it, the internet. Using this site, anyone can now look at a pdf of the Statement of Economic Interests for all 132 state legislators. Doing so will not trigger a notification to the public official whose records are being examined.
Contact: Joshua Meyer
joshualmeyer@wikifoia.org
http://sunshinereview.org/index.php/Wisconsin_on_WikiFOIA
State sunshine laws are the laws in each state that govern public access to governmental records. These laws are sometimes known as open records laws or public records laws, and are also collectively referred to as FOIA laws, after the federal Freedom of Information Act. The more familiar you are with Wisconsin’s sunshine laws, the more power you will possess to hold elected officials accountable.
City, County and School District Transparency
Contact: Kristin McMurray
kristinpedia@sunshinereview.org
www.sunshinereview.org
Sunshine Review has analyzed the transparency of more than 5,000 state and local government websites throughout the United States including those in Wisconsin.
Contact: Ballotpedia
c/o The Lucy Burns Institute
301 S. Bedford St., Suite 6
Madison, WI 53703
608-255-0688 (Phone)
www.ballotpedia.org
Ballotpedia is an online almanac of state and local politics that can help you track ballot initiatives in your state and throughout the country.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
CONTACT YOUR STATE LEGISLATORS
In West Virginia, you elect one state senator to the Senate and two state delegates to the House of Delegates. As information is vital to being an effective activist, the first pieces of information you’ll need are your legislators’ names and contact information.
Learn about the legislature and state government. Click here.
Who are my legislators and how do I contact them? Click here. You will also need your nine-digit zip code which you can find here.
2011 Legislative Calendar: Regular Session convenes January 12 and adjourns mid-March.
EDUCATION & ACTIVISM
The following organizations are invaluable resources for you to learn about legislation, policy, and politics that affect you as a West Virginia resident. There are also opportunities for activism, to help you become an advocate for transparency. Bookmark their websites and you’ll find that you will be ready to talk to your legislators and your neighbors.
Public Policy Foundation of West Virginia
49 Falling Run Road, Suite 205
P.O. Box 1118
Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 282-8249 (Phone)
info@westvirginiapolicy.com
The Public Policy Foundation seeks to address such ongoing issues as the economy, education, tax reform and health care from the perspective of individual liberty, free markets and identifying the proper role of government. They publish books, reports, and policy briefs with important information for all West Virginians.
Contact: Joshua Meyer
joshualmeyer@wikifoia.org
http://sunshinereview.org/index.php/West_Virginia_on_WikiFOIA
State sunshine laws are the laws in each state that govern public access to governmental records. These laws are sometimes known as open records laws or public records laws, and are also collectively referred to as FOIA laws, after the federal Freedom of Information Act. The more familiar you are with West Virginia’s sunshine laws, the more power you will possess to hold elected officials accountable.
City, County and School District Transparency
Contact: Kristin McMurray
kristinpedia@sunshinereview.org
www.sunshinereview.org
Sunshine Review has analyzed the transparency of more than 5,000 state and local government websites throughout the United States including those in West Virginia.
Contact: Ballotpedia
c/o The Lucy Burns Institute
301 S. Bedford St., Suite 6
Madison, WI 53703
608-255-0688 (Phone)
www.ballotpedia.org
Ballotpedia is an online almanac of state and local politics that can help you track ballot initiatives in your state and throughout the country.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
CONTACT YOUR STATE LEGISLATORS
In Washington State, each legislative district (this is different from your congressional district) elects one state senator and two state representatives. As information is vital to being an effective activist, the first pieces of information you’ll need are your legislators’ names and contact information.
Learn about the legislature and state government. Click here.
Find out who your State Legislators are. Click here.
2011 Legislative Calendar: Regular Session convenes January 10, adjourns April 24
EDUCATION & ACTIVISM
The following organizations are invaluable resources for you to learn about legislation, policy, and politics that affect you as a Washington State resident. There are also opportunities for activism, to help you become an advocate for transparency. Bookmark their websites and you’ll find that you will be ready to talk to your legislators and your neighbors.
Washington Policy Center
PO Box 3643
Seattle, WA 98124
Other office locations
206-937-9691 (Phone)
206-624-8038 (Fax)
wpc@washingtonpolicy.org
WPC is an independent, non-partisan, research and education organization that publishes studies, sponsors events and conferences and educates citizens on public policy issues facing our region. WPC’s Center for Government Reform’s mission is to partner with stakeholders and citizens to work toward a government focused on its core functions while improving its transparency, accountability, performance, and effectiveness for taxpayers. WPC wants you to be knowledgeable so that you can make informed decisions. Check out their website and sign up for their updates! They have offices in Seattle, Olympia, Tri-Cities, and Spokane.
Transparency in Government Project
Evergreen Freedom Foundation
PO Box 552
Olympia, WA 98507
360-956-3482 (Phone)
360-352-1874 (Fax)
effwa@effwa.org
EFF’s mission is to advance individual liberty, free enterprise, and limited, accountable government. EFF is a strong advocate of open and accountable government. Transparency in government spending and decision-making serves as a powerful deterrent against corruption and decreases the cynicism people have about their government. As part of our Transparency in Government Project, we will work with state and local leaders to shine more light on the spending practices of state and local governments, higher education, property taxes and K-12 education. Transparency in government spending increases public participation and provides key information to policy makers about the impact of budget decisions on the everyday lives of taxpayers.
Washington State Sunshine Laws
Contact: Joshua Meyer
joshualmeyer@wikifoia.org
http://sunshinereview.org/index.php/Washington_on_WikiFOIA
State sunshine laws are the laws in each state that govern public access to governmental records. These laws are sometimes known as open records laws or public records laws, and are also collectively referred to as FOIA laws, after the federal Freedom of Information Act. The more familiar you are with Washington State’s sunshine laws, the more power you will possess to hold elected officials accountable.
City, County and School District Transparency
Contact: Kristin McMurray
kristinpedia@sunshinereview.org
www.sunshinereview.org
Sunshine Review has analyzed the transparency of more than 5,000 state and local government websites throughout the United States including those in Washington State.
Contact: Ballotpedia
c/o The Lucy Burns Institute
301 S. Bedford St., Suite 6
Madison, WI 53703
608-255-0688 (Phone)
www.ballotpedia.org
Ballotpedia is an online almanac of state and local politics that can help you track ballot initiatives in your state and throughout the country.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
CONTACT YOUR STATE LEGISLATORS
In Virginia, you elect one state senator to the Senate and one state delegate to the House of Delegates. As information is vital to being an effective activist, the first pieces of information you’ll need are your legislators’ names and contact information.
Learn about the legislature and state government. Click here.
Who are my legislators and how do I contact them? Click here.
2011 Legislative Calendar: Regular Session convenes January 12 and adjourns February 26.
EDUCATION & ACTIVISM
The following organizations are invaluable resources for you to learn about legislation, policy, and politics that affect you as an Virginia resident. There are also opportunities for activism, to help you become an advocate for transparency. Bookmark their websites and you’ll find that you will be ready to talk to your legislators and your neighbors.
Thomas Jefferson Institute
9035 Golden Sunset Lane
Springfield, VA 22153
(703) 440-9447 (Phone)
(703) 455-1531 (Fax)
info@thomasjeffersoninst.org
The mission of the Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy is to provide Virginia’s political, business, academic, community and media leadership with thoughtful, realistic, useful and non-partisan analysis of public policy issues confronting our Commonwealth. These alternative policy ideas focus on state and local issues and are based on the Institute’s belief in free markets, limited government and individual responsibility. Check out the reports and analyses published about local and state transparency in Virginia.
Government Reform & Accountability
Mercatus Center
3301 North Fairfax Drive Suite 450
Arlington, VA 22201-4433
(703) 993-4930 (Phone)
(703) 993-4935 (Fax)
For over 25 years, the Mercatus Center at George Mason University has been the world’s premier university source for market-oriented ideas-bridging the gap between academic ideas and real world problems. The website has a tremendous amount of transparency resources sorted by topic, including: Accountability, Government Reform, Oversight, Performance Report Scorecard, and State and Local Government. Be sure to check them all!
Contact: Joshua Meyer
joshualmeyer@wikifoia.org
http://sunshinereview.org/index.php/Virginia_on_WikiFOIA
State sunshine laws are the laws in each state that govern public access to governmental records. These laws are sometimes known as open records laws or public records laws, and are also collectively referred to as FOIA laws, after the federal Freedom of Information Act. The more familiar you are with Virginia’s sunshine laws, the more power you will possess to hold elected officials accountable.
City, County and School District Transparency
Contact: Kristin McMurray
kristinpedia@sunshinereview.org
www.sunshinereview.org
Sunshine Review has analyzed the transparency of more than 5,000 state and local government websites throughout the United States including those in Virginia.
Contact: Ballotpedia
c/o The Lucy Burns Institute
301 S. Bedford St., Suite 6
Madison, WI 53703
608-255-0688 (Phone)
www.ballotpedia.org
Ballotpedia is an online almanac of state and local politics that can help you track ballot initiatives in your state and throughout the country.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS
In Vermont, the number of state senators and state representatives you elect depends on the district in which you live. Together the senate and house make up the Vermont General Assembly. As information is vital to being an effective activist, the first pieces of information you’ll need are your legislators’ names and contact information.
Learn about the legislature and state government. Click here.
Who are my legislators and how do I contact them? Click here.
2011 Legislative Calendar: Regular Session convenes January 5 and adjourns mid-May.
EDUCATION & ACTIVISM
The following organizations are invaluable resources for you to learn about legislation, policy, and politics that affect you as an Vermont resident. There are also opportunities for activism, to help you become an advocate for transparency. Bookmark their websites and you’ll find that you will be ready to talk to your legislators and your neighbors.
The Ethan Allen Institute
4836 Kirby Mountain Road
Concord, VT 05824
(802) 695-1448 (Phone)
(802) 695-1436 (Fax)
eai@ethanallen.org
Vermont Transparency Project is a reliable portal for citizens, legislators, news media, scholars, and nonprofit groups who want to know where the state, their city, town, and school district get their money, and how they spend it. The site also offers a route for citizens to access legislative voting records to hold their legislators accountable. In addition, it contains numerous links to analyses and commentaries on the state budget process, public spending, taxation, and Federal government activities. The site contains a user comment section and suggestion box for improving content and presentation. Vermont Transparency Project is an unique joint venture of two dissimilar organizations, the Ethan Allen Institute and the Public Assets Institute.
Contact: Joshua Meyer
joshualmeyer@wikifoia.org
http://sunshinereview.org/index.php/Vermont_on_WikiFOIA
State sunshine laws are the laws in each state that govern public access to governmental records. These laws are sometimes known as open records laws or public records laws, and are also collectively referred to as FOIA laws, after the federal Freedom of Information Act. The more familiar you are with Vermont’s sunshine laws, the more power you will possess to hold elected officials accountable.
City, County and School District Transparency
Contact: Kristin McMurray
kristinpedia@sunshinereview.org
www.sunshinereview.org
Sunshine Review has analyzed the transparency of more than 5,000 state and local government websites throughout the United States including those in Vermont.
Contact: Ballotpedia
c/o The Lucy Burns Institute
301 S. Bedford St., Suite 6
Madison, WI 53703
608-255-0688 (Phone)
www.ballotpedia.org
Ballotpedia is an online almanac of state and local politics that can help you track ballot initiatives in your state and throughout the country.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS
In Utah, you elect one Senator and one Representative to the state legislature. As information is vital to being an effective activist, the first pieces of information you’ll need are your legislators’ names and contact information.
Learn about the legislature and state government. Click here.
Who are my legislators and how do I contact them? Click here.
2011 Legislative Calendar: Regular Session convenes January 24 and adjourns March 10.
EDUCATION & ACTIVISM
The following organizations are invaluable resources for you to learn about legislation, policy, and politics that affect you as an Texas resident. There are also opportunities for activism, to help you become an advocate for transparency. Bookmark their websites and you’ll find that you will be ready to talk to your legislators and your neighbors.
The Sutherland Institute
Crane Building
307 West 200 South, Suite 5005
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
(801) 355-1272 (Phone)
(801) 355-1705 (Fax)
Contact
This website has been designed with parents in mind. Utah Schools at a Glance provides information on public, private and home schooling in the state. It also spotlights innovations in education. A project of the Sutherland Institute, the philosophy is simple: Parents are responsible for the education of their children and that the state role in education is primarily as a support to parents. Also, educational freedom is a necessary ingredient in providing the best education possible for each individual student.
State of Utah
136 East South Temple, Suite 1150
Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
801-983-0275 (Phone)
877-9UTEGOV (Toll-Free)
877-860-7680 (Fax)
transparency@utah.gov
Transparent.Utah.gov is a website dedicated to the transparency and accountability of government finances. The website is administered by the Utah Division of Finance under the direction of the Utah Transparency Advisory Board. The Board is comprised of ten members knowledgeable about public finance or providing public access to public financial information. Be sure to check out all of the information, raw data, and resources available for you to become a better informed and more engaged citizen.
Contact: Joshua Meyer
joshualmeyer@wikifoia.org
http://sunshinereview.org/index.php/Utah_on_WikiFOIA
State sunshine laws are the laws in each state that govern public access to governmental records. These laws are sometimes known as open records laws or public records laws, and are also collectively referred to as FOIA laws, after the federal Freedom of Information Act. The more familiar you are with Utah’s sunshine laws, the more power you will possess to hold elected officials accountable.
City, County and School District Transparency
Contact: Kristin McMurray
kristinpedia@sunshinereview.org
www.sunshinereview.org
Sunshine Review has analyzed the transparency of more than 5,000 state and local government websites throughout the United States including those in Utah.
Contact: Ballotpedia
c/o The Lucy Burns Institute
301 S. Bedford St., Suite 6
Madison, WI 53703
608-255-0688 (Phone)
www.ballotpedia.org
Ballotpedia is an online almanac of state and local politics that can help you track ballot initiatives in your state and throughout the country.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS
In Texas, you elect one state senator to the Senate and two state representatives to the House of Representatives. As information is vital to being an effective activist, the first pieces of information you’ll need are your legislators’ names and contact information.
Learn about the legislature and state government. Click here.
Who are my legislators and how do I contact them? Click here.
2011 Legislative Calendar: Regular Session convenes January 11, adjourns May 30.
EDUCATION & ACTIVISM
The following organizations are invaluable resources for you to learn about legislation, policy, and politics that affect you as an Texas resident. There are also opportunities for activism, to help you become an advocate for transparency. Bookmark their websites and you’ll find that you will be ready to talk to your legislators and your neighbors.
Texas Public Policy Foundation
900 Congress Avenue Suite 400
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 472-2700 (Phone)
(512) 472-2728 (Fax)
Contact
TexasBudgetSource.com is a project of the Texas Public Policy Foundation with the goal of providing a single source for information on state and local budgets and spending in an effort to bring greater transparency to government spending. TexasBudgetSource.com not only provides links to existing publications and data released by state agencies and local governments, but also provides unique analysis that puts government budgets and spending in context. Check out the other transparency publications here.
Contact: Joshua Meyer
joshualmeyer@wikifoia.org
http://sunshinereview.org/index.php/Texas_on_WikiFOIA
State sunshine laws are the laws in each state that govern public access to governmental records. These laws are sometimes known as open records laws or public records laws, and are also collectively referred to as FOIA laws, after the federal Freedom of Information Act. The more familiar you are with Texas’ sunshine laws, the more power you will possess to hold elected officials accountable.
City, County and School District Transparency
Contact: Kristin McMurray
kristinpedia@sunshinereview.org
www.sunshinereview.org
Sunshine Review has analyzed the transparency of more than 5,000 state and local government websites throughout the United States including those in Texas.
Contact: Ballotpedia
c/o The Lucy Burns Institute
301 S. Bedford St., Suite 6
Madison, WI 53703
608-255-0688 (Phone)
www.ballotpedia.org
Ballotpedia is an online almanac of state and local politics that can help you track ballot initiatives in your state and throughout the country.
