From Where I Sit - In The World: HB 477

Monday, March 7, 2011

HB 477 - A real disappointment

As you may or may not know, the Utah State Legislature has recently passed HB 477. This fantastic peace of legislation restricts the famed GRAMA law. For those of you unfamiliar with GRAMA, it works like this. If you want to know what your government official is doing, you can submit a GRAMA request. In return you will receive all of their communications regarding a certain topic, more or less. For example: Maybe you want to know if Rep. Carl Wimmer is attempting to get someone fired because he doesn't like that they are investigating his ponzi scheming friend. But you need to see what he is saying to those in charge to prove it. A GRAMA request will get you access to his emails, text messages, etc. And you would find out that indeed he is. (This really happened by the way).

But our amazing legislature has now restricted this access to GRAMA by passing HB 477 (via Big Brother Rep John Dougall, R-Highland) . This would restrict the access of Utah Taxpayers to our legislators text messages, voice mails, instant messages, and video chats. It is waiting on Governor Herbert's desk to sign.

Their argument is GRAMA requests take up time and money. Though I agree they do, it sounds like we need to create a more efficient system in making GRAMA requests and gathering the info, not eliminate the idea all together. If we claim we want a transparent government that is accountable, then why are we now restricting it and making it secret.

So who voted for it in our area: (Yea that is about everyone)

What a real disappointment. Instead of working on ways to improve education, create jobs or even help Utah be amazing, we can now shoot cats in front of schools with an M1911 and as long as I only tell people via Text Message know one will ever find out.

FAIL!

Comments Welcome.

See More Here:

http://wcforum.blogspot.com/search/label/HB477

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/51374867-76/utah-government-records-law.html.csp

http://www.standard.net/topics/opinion/2011/03/03/our-view-another-attempt-gut-grama

6 comments:

Michael Booth said...: I agree- VERY frustrating and hypocritical. I understand that, in theory, our state government could be paralyzed with GRAMA requests. I know if I had to hand over a copy of every e-mail, IM, voice mail, text message, etc. that I had on a given subject it would be difficult for me to do so.

Like you said, instead of restricting it, we should work on making the system more efficient and capable of doing this.

P.S. - I couldn't help but notice the question mark after the "R" by Senator Reid's name. Was that a typo? ;); March 7, 2011 at 9:59 AM
BenJoeM said...: Thanks Mike,

No it is not a typo. He switched parties to run as a republican. Not convinced he really is.; March 7, 2011 at 10:08 AM
Michael Booth said...: I'm aware of the last-minute switching, hence the winky emoticon ;); March 7, 2011 at 11:30 AM
Educational Politics in Utah said...: This just puts me over the top. All I can think to do is blow up Gov. Herbert's email box with requests saying veto this bill. This is the worst legislation that I have ever heard come through the state of Utah. If the governor does not veto this one, what can we do to make the government more transparent? I am emailing the governor's office right now.; March 7, 2011 at 9:36 PM
RudiZink said...: Bravo, Ben Joe!

It's high time that good Republicans like you started speaking out about this anti-individual liberty issue.; March 8, 2011 at 11:41 AM
BenJoeM said...: Thanks,

In fact I think all I have done this session is criticize Republicans. They have done CRAP this session.; March 8, 2011 at 7:43 PM