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Articles by Matt Rumsey
How Federal Agencies Can Improve Americans’ Health and Well-Being
In 2020, U.S. life expectancy fell to its lowest level since 2003, ranking 26th out of 35 OECD nations despite having advanced medical technology and spending more on healthcare than any other country. Traditional medical care isn’t enough to improve those sobering statistics. Public health experts are now focusing on the role of the social determinants of health, factors related to where Americans live, work, and spend their leisure time.
Federal data is key to optimal governance and business - open it with public input
The Biden administration has made it clear that data is vital to achieving its top priorities.
New report: Align open data, open source and cloud policies for maximum value
Written by Joel Gurin and Matt Rumsey May 10, 2021 | FEDSCOOP For the last few years, federal data leadership has been moving in an “open” direction. Federal policies and legislation have directed agencies to make their data more open, to use open source solutions, and to use the cloud to manage and publish data more efficiently. But the potential of these new initiatives has not yet been realized.
Open data: A critical tool for the new administration’s COVID-19 strategy - FedScoop
Written by Matt Rumsey and Temilola Afolabi Dec 16, 2020 | FEDSCOOP The Biden administration has emphasized their commitment to creating a robust strategy to fight COVID-19, by strengthening the federal role in addressing the pandemic, prioritizing scientific analysis, and ensuring equitable distribution of vaccines and treatments.
Ideas to Bring Influence Out of the Shadows
This week has been filled with news about the influence industry. From high profile staffers moving through the revolving door, to Supreme Court consideration of another attempt to deregulate campaign finance, to outrage over the new Obama affiliated group, political influence is pervasive. Luckily, there are always groups thinking about ways to shed light on this influence.
Today in OpenGov: Catch Up If You Can
Editor's Note: Your editor was out sick on Friday so, with a ton of worthwhile news to share from the unintended long weekend, we're taking a slightly different approach to today's roundup.
Today in OpenGov: Cracks in the Foundation
In today's edition, the Trump Foundation cracks, researchers try to cope with the disappearance of an HHS database, find out where to give back this holiday season with this national Toys for Tots map, and more. The Trump Foundation will be dissolved shortly. Image via Wikimedia. Trump Foundation agrees to shut down amid ongoing investigation, assertions that it was "little more than a checkbook" for President Trump's business and political interests. "The Donald J.
Today in OpenGov: Influential
In today's edition, the Senate shares its reports on Russia's social media manipulation, President Trump makes another move to avoid an emoluments suit against him, protests in Budapest and Belgrade, and more. Facebook and Instagram ads related to the 2016 election.
Today in OpenGov: It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Coordination
Editor's note: This morning marks the last edition of Today in OpenGov for 2018. We wish all of our readers a happy and healthy holiday season and a bright New Year. We'll be back on January 7th to keep you informed on all of the latest open government and transparency news in 2019.
Today in OpenGov: New year, new rules
Happy New Year and welcome back to Today in OpenGov after a long holiday hiatus! In today's edition, we try to squeeze in as many holiday season headlines as possible. Highlights include new House rules, two weeks worth of Trump administration conflicts of interest, our new Open Data User Persona library, and more. New House rules package features ethics reforms, 72 hour rule, Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress and more. The folks at LegBranch.org have a good rundown of the changes.
Open Government Data Act
OPEN Government Data Act poised to pass Congress as part of NDAA On Monday, the United States Senate quietly passed the OPEN Government Data Act as part of the 2018 National Defense... View Article Continue reading A brief history of the DATA Act On May 9th, federal agencies will officially begin reporting data in compliance with the open standards created under the Digital Accountability and Transparency Act, the landmark legislation that cleared Congress in 2014.
Today in OpenGov: Jumping the shark?
In today's edition, a retiring lawmaker may have jumped the shark when setting up her new lobbying firm, we take a look at the latest Trump administration conflicts, a democratic movement in Hong Kong struggles, and more. washington watch The FBI is investigating millions of fake comments on the FCC's net neutrality rules.
Today in OpenGov: Power Grabs
In today's edition, state lawmakers respond to election losses by limiting winners' power, a program plays matchmaker between agency data and civic innovators, documents shed light on power wielded by the VA's Mar-a-Lago overseers, a Filipino journalist turns herself in to government agents, and more. states and cities The Michigan House of Representatives chamber. The incoming Michigan Secretary of State wants to boost dark money disclosure. The State Senate wants to make doing so a crime.
Today in OpenGov: The Once and Future Lobbyist
In today's edition, Rick Scott's successful Senate bid broke a self-funding record, it sure looks like President Trump broke campaign finance laws, public records law might be broken in Oregon, and more. washington watch Citing privacy concerns, the Census will limit release of widely used microdata. "The US Census Bureau is concerned about privacy. Maybe a little too concerned. As a data-focused journalist who writes about economic and demographic trends, I use census data a lot.
Today in OpenGov: First Things First
In today's edition, House Democrats unveil their first legislative priority as they prepare to take power in the 116th Congress, the GAO has probed President Trump's Mar-a-Lago visits but the reports aren't yet public, journalists face danger during French protests, and more. washington watch The United States House of Representatives chamber. House Democrats put focus on ethics and campaign finance reform as they unveil first bill of 116th Congress.
Today in OpenGov: Perking Up
In today's edition, when members of Congress lose their seats they keep the perks, subpoenas are set to fly in a Trump emoluments lawsuit, freedom of expression is at a 10 year low, and more. National The U.S. Capitol building. Image via the Project on Government Oversight. The National Republican Congressional Committee was hacked sometime early this year.
Today in OpenGov: On the road to...
In today's edition, CMS removes a pdf, we launch a new roadmap to informed communities, Saudi lobbyists paid for 500 rooms at President Trump's hotel, using data to fight corruption across Europe, and more. washington watch Screenshot of a slide from the PDF recently removed by CMS, captured by the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine on September 19, 2018. Latest Web Integrity Project report finds removal of documents used by CMS to provide training around healthcare outreach in Latino communities.
20 percent rule
A new bill from Sen. Michael Bennet looks to shine a light on so-called "shadow lobbyists" and end one of the long-running practices that allows them to secretly manipulate Washington.
Today in OpenGov: Have you tried turning it off and on again
In today's edition, Congress needs a reboot, the problem with partisan election officials, the Secret Service tests facial recognition at the White House, and more. Today's roundup is brought to you by the IT Crowd. washington watch Committee staffs have declined sharply in the House and remained mostly stagnant in the Senate since peaking in the 1980's.
Today in OpenGov: Plead Plead Me
In today's edition, Michael Cohen cops a plea, super PACs spent the most in 2018, Hungary's leader consolidates his hold on the media, and more. Today's roundup is brought to you by the Beatles. trumpland Michael Cohen with then-candidate Trump on the campaign trail in 2016. Michael Cohen strikes deal with Mueller probe, admits he lied to Congress about Trump Organization efforts to build a Trump Tower in Moscow.
Today in OpenGov: Overstated
In today's edition, cities embrace public financing of election campaigns, the House Intelligence Committee wants more staffers with security clearances, the latest Trump administration conflicts of interest, and more. states and cities On election day, voters in Baltimore, Denver, and New York City backed public financing of campaigns.
Today in OpenGov: Unbelievers
Editor’s note: Today is #GivingTuesday, an international day of giving to charities and nonprofits that balances the consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. We know you have options when it comes to your donations, but if you find these roundups useful we hope you’ll consider chipping in a couple of dollars to help keep them running. Read more about what Sunlight has planned for the coming year and how you can help out here.
Today in OpenGov: Give Thanks
Editor's note: We're taking some time off to celebrate Thanksgiving, but we'll be back next Tuesday with your regular roundup of of all the latest #OpenGov news. In the meantime, we'd like to remind you that November 27th, is #GivingTuesday, an international day of giving to charities and nonprofits that balances the consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Today in OpenGov: Out of Sessions
In today's edition, President Trump gets Attorney General Jeff Sessions' resignation, House Democrats prepare for their new oversight duties, Durham, NC wants the best government forms, and more. trumpland President Trump.
Today in OpenGov: But Her Emails
In today's edition, Ivanka Trump used her personal email for public business, one former lobbyist has a novel way to keep track of his potential conflicts of interest, open data reorganization in Philadelphia, and more. trumpland President Trump and Ivanka Trump. Ivanka Trump regularly used her personal email account for public business in 2017 according to document review.
Today in OpenGov: Power Rankings
In today's edition, CNN sues President Trump over Jim Acosta's press pass, push back on a high profile "smart city" project, corruption is a drag on democracy in Eastern Europe, and more. Washington watch The White House's argument for revoking Jim Acosta's press credentials has evolved since last week. CNN is suing the White House for revoking correspondent Jim Acosta's credentials.
Today in OpenGov: Hold Up
In today's edition, Sunlight's Web Integrity Project welcomes a new research director, President Trump looks to Mar-a-Lago for a new ambassador, another Senator wants to change his state's laws so he can run for reelection and President in 2020, and more. Today's roundup is brought to you by Titus Andromedon.
Today in OpenGov: The Fast Track
In today's edition, the House Ethics Committee hands down some sanctions, the Supreme Court will fast track a hearing in the Census citizenship question case, a high profile dismissal in New York City, a suspect in the murder of a Maltese journalist, and more. washington watch Washington, DC. Via the National Parks Service. More than 50 former members of Congress are asking the FEC to close a loophole that turns leadership PACs into slush funds.
Today in OpenGov: Referrals
In today's edition, corporate PACs look to boost their bad reputations, transparency comes out on top on election day, Ryan Zinke eyes the exits, Hong Kong turns away a journalist, and more. washington watch The U.S. House of Representatives Chamber in Washington, DC. The Office of Congressional Ethics referred four cases to the House Ethics Committee in the 3rd quarter.
Today in OpenGov: First Up
In today's edition, voters support campaign finance reforms, assessing Seattle's "democracy voucher" program, President Trump plans to award a mega-donor with a top Presidential honor, France and Facebook want to tackle online hate speech together, and more. washington watch The United States House of Representatives Chamber.
Today in OpenGov: Face up to the Facts
In today's edition, Facebook faces the fallout from a report on its attempts to avoid scandal, we join a coalition urging Congress to protect the Mueller probe, two tragic deaths are tied to a Colombian bribery probe, looking back on a big spending gubernatorial race, and more. Today's roundup is brought to you by Talking Heads. Editors note: Planning your holiday giving? Tuesday, November 27th is #GivingTuesday.
Today in OpenGov: Request Denied
In today's edition, California will hold off on implementing its net neutrality law, 11 donors are responsible for 20% of all super PAC cash, another Trump administration effort to delay the Census citizenship question lawsuit is denied, and more. states and cities California agrees to put a hold on its net neutrality law until related litigation is settled.
Today in OpenGov: On Hold
In today's edition, HHS drops "gender" from a civil rights webpage, we reflect on the direction of open cities, Democratic mega-donors wait and see on 2020, the World Bank shares a new way to discover data on development, and more. Today's roundup is brought to you by The XX.
Today in OpenGov: Midterm Madness
In today's edition, we take a look at K Street spending, midterm madness heats up, the Trump administration looks to bypass appeals courts in favor of their Supreme Court majority, unique state FOIA exemptions, and more.
Today in OpenGov: It’s personal
In today's edition, prominent Democrats and other liberal figures are targeted with mail bombs, President Trump won't quit his iPhone even though it's insecure, NASA couldn't keep track of some of its most precious space dust, securing digital rights in the age of "smart cities," and more. Mail bombs sent to CNN, Hillary Clinton, former President Barack Obama, Eric Holder, George Soros, and others.
Today in OpenGov: Countdown
In today's edition, only 12 days until the midterm elections and so much money left to spend, privacy is on the ballot in these states, federal advisory committees won't be getting more transparent this year, removing the press in Paris, and more. midterm madness Image via Pixabay. The top four super PACs are sitting on more than $110 million for final midterm push.
Today in OpenGov: Family Business
In today's edition, Americans lack confidence in government and the tech industry to protect elections from foreign interference, an expansive idea to fix Congress, oil money floods two state ballot initiatives, President Trump and his three oldest children are sued over phony get-rich-quick schemes, and more. midterm madness Image via Pixabay. New survey finds that Americans lack confidence in government's ability to protect elections from foreign influence, trust tech companies even less.
Today in OpenGov: Spooky Scary
In today's edition, Twitter's midterm highlight page is already surfacing fake news, cities address data sharing hurdles, a probe into Ryan Zinke's questionable ethics takes a step forward, and more. Today's roundup is brought to you by Tracy Morgan, Donald Glover, and Jeff Richmond. Happy Halloween! Twitter's midterm tab is surfacing hyperpartisan content from accounts that appear to be bots. Via Twitter's midterm tab is surfacing hyperpartisan content from accounts that appear to be bots.
Today in OpenGov: Exemptions
In today's edition, FOIA doesn't apply to Congress, the broadband lobby sues California over net neutrality, the Trump family faces new pressure over their tax history and "charitable" foundation, and more. washington watch A friendly reminder from the folks at MuckRock: Congress is exempt from FOIA. "Similar to the White House, the entire Legislative Branch of the federal government is exempt from FOIA.
Today in OpenGov: Ties that bind
In today's edition, the Trump administration looks to limit protest in DC, leadership PACs spend big at Washington's baseball stadium, Illinois has some FOI struggles, and more. trumpland A 2017 protest in Washington, D.C. Image credit: Ted Eytan. Trump administration proposals could limit ability to protest in Washington, DC. "Donald Trump’s presidency has inspired massive protests, with hundreds of thousands of women marching on the National Mall and scientists swarming the White House fence.
Today in OpenGov: Under fire
In today's edition, a fake news database, the next generation of police worn body cameras, competing for the President's attention on Fox News, attacks on journalists around the world, and more. washington watch POLITICO launches "Is This True?" a new fake news database. "Disinformation is everywhere. We're tracking it down and explaining why it's fake, where it appeared and who shared it." Check out the database here and read more about the project here.
Today in OpenGov: Crime and punishment
In today's edition, we share the latest in Trump family conflicts, vulnerable Senators seek Wall Street cash, a journalist goes missing in Turkey, and more. trumpland Department of Justice website changes indicate a more punitive approach to juvenile justice.
Today in OpenGov: On hold
In today's edition, exploring how open data can save time on records requests, funding the midterms with hidden money, putting depositions in a high stakes Census lawsuit on hold, detaining more journalists in Myanmar, and more. states and cities Illustrating some of the findings in Alena Stern's white paper on the interaction between open data and public records requests. Open data policies and programs can help cities save significantly on public records request.
Today in OpenGov: That’s what friends are for
In today's edition, our Web Integrity Project gets a boost, ethics complaints against Brett Kavanaugh get moved, out of state donations flood into local elections, President Trump and Sheldon Adelson get closer, and more. Announcing a generous boost in funding for the Web Integrity Project. Yesterday, we announced that that Mike Klein, Sunlight Foundation’s Co-Founder and Chairman of the board, has generously contributed $400,000 to the Sunlight Foundation for the Web Integrity Project.
Today in OpenGov: Peace, Love and Understandable Government Websites
In today's edition, federal agencies need to get more understandable, the Trump administration needs to reveal some documents, Washington, D.C. needs to take another look at its open government oversight nominees, and more. Today's roundup is brought to you by Elvis Costello & The Attractions. Washington watch New report shows that federal agencies are struggling to communicate with the public in understandable language.
Today in OpenGov: Celebrate the right to know
In today's edition, celebrating International Right to Know Day, investigating the removal of LGBT content from federal websites, expanding the subpoena power of inspectors general, using data to help cities embrace multimodal transportation policies, and more. The right to know is international Today is International Right to Know Day. Why does it matter? "Today is International Right To Know Day.
Today in OpenGov: Who read the comments?
In today's edition, scandal fatigue is making it less likely that public pressure will boost government ethics, California approves a tough net neutrality law and is immediately sued by the federal government, an emoluments suit against President Trump is allowed to proceed, a new law in Bangladesh threatens free speech, and more. washington watch Image via Pixabay. In midterm money race, Democrats find advantage among small, online donors.
Today in OpenGov: Opening up
In today's edition, lawmakers want to make it easier to ban personal email use at federal agencies, President Trump accused China of interfering in the midterms, Facebook boosts its state level lobbying, multiple open data reports are released, and more. Washington watch Senate committee approves legislation that will make it easier for agencies to block personal email, Facebook use at the office.
Today in OpenGov: An oversight?
In today's edition, our board shares an update on Sunlight's organizational review process, we support an effort to boost Congress' technology knowledge, citizens in Oakland oversee smart city surveillance, weaponizing online distraction, and more. washington watch Sunlight supports a new group looking to boost Congress' technical knowledge and capacity.
Today in OpenGov: Lighten up already
In today's edition, the Supreme Court lets some light shine on dark money, White House correspondents want more briefings, some state lawmakers can't stop raking in campaign cash despite running unopposed, and more. washington watch Congressional Research Reports are now publicly available through official channels, but the disclosures need some work.
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