I knew the Minnesota House of Representatives were meeting late afternoon today, I decided being new to the web and having a computer I wanted see session live. I search through the House Web page to make sure how to do it, I choose the link for possible live action of our elected officials debating the issue of the days, the give and take, the clashing of ideas.
What did I come upon?
A pitch sponsored by the House Public Information Services asking me to donate money to help defray distribution costs of me being able to see our elected officials in action and to also help pay for the web cam stream.
I am scratching my head on this one. I am being asked to donate money to have the privilege to see our elected officials doing the people's work. Granted I know our state is on hard times. But to have the Minnesota House of Representatives solicit the public for money so we can see them do their elected duties is ridiculous.
It is the responsibility of the House of Representatives to give opportunities for the public to learn about the institution, to bring the act of legislative making as close to the people as they can. The House Public Information Services does a fantastic job at doing this through Session Weekly, web cam casts, and other actions.
The House Public Information Services should be funded appropriately, it is an important part of the Minnesota House of Representatives to make sure the institution and the elected members remain accountable, transparent, and open to the people.
By the way does the Minnesota Senate do the same thing?
No comments:
Post a Comment