Assembly Member Anthony Portantino - who represents part of Monrovia - has introduced legislation to force the Legislature to comply with the California Public Records Act.
A press release from Portantino's office says: "Currently, the State Legislature is the only government agency in California that exempts itself from compliance with this important 'good government' standard."
It then quotes Portantino as saying: "It is hypocritical of the Legislature to say it embraces open government when it is fighting so hard to keep the public in the dark on how it operates. A secret budget is by its very nature a corrupt budget. Assembly leaders are putting themselves above the will of the people by declaring that budgets, expenditures and ongoing operational documents are preliminary drafts, notes, or legislative memoranda."
- Brad Haugaard
I wonder if Mr. Portantino will be so interested in applying this law if he succeeds the current Speaker.
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