The Presumption of Openness

The South Dakota Senate decided on Feb. 25 that the government should operate under the "presumption of openness." SB 147 passed unanimously on the Senate floor on Feb. 24. The bill was first read in the House on Feb. 25 and was referred to the House State Affairs committee. The bill has not yet been scheduled for a committee hearing.

This bill would be great for the media because it would give them substantially more access than they have today and help them keep public officials accountable. It would be good for the public because it would give them access to records about how its money is being spent. According to the Argus Leader, this bill needs to pass because the state should be able to "conduct its government business openly and protect private information at the same time."

I agree with the Argus. Why can't government be a bit more open? Do government officials have something to hide; is that why they want to keep the records closed? Really, with the exceptions that are included in the bill (medical and personnel records, trade secrets, correspondences about campaign finance issues, etc.) I don't see how any of the information released could hurt the state.

No, the state is being hurt by a government who doesn't believe in the public's right to know.