The Wisconsin legislature is currently considering a bill that would give local governments the option to stop publishing a summary of their actions in local newspapers. Senate Bill 55 would allow local municipalities to post meeting minutes on their websites instead.
Supporters of Senate Bill 55 suggest local government websites are sufficient to notify the public of their actions and that publishing meeting minutes in the newspaper limits access only to newspaper subscribers. However, all legal notices published in the State of Wisconsin are available and accessible for free to the public through WisconsinPublicNotices.org.
Removing existing publication requirements would remove important, third-party oversight of government, as well as create holes in this invaluable statewide database while also neglecting the needs of those who lack adequate computer and internet access.
The WNA is asking all members to help defeat this bad public policy that undermines government transparency by:
- Calling your state senator today and ask her/him to oppose the passage of bill Senate Bill 55
- Publishing house ads made available by the WNA
- Publishing a letter to the editor from WNA Executive Director Beth Bennett explaining the benefits of WisconsinPublicNotices.org and calling on the public to help oppose this legislation
A major push by every newspaper is needed to defeat this legislation, which aims to eliminate publication of all meeting proceedings. SB55 is slated to be voted on by the Senate as soon as Tuesday, Feb. 16.
Your support of this effort is greatly appreciated.
If you experience any problems with the files or need a different file type, please contact WNA Membership & Communications Director Julia Hunter at julia.hunter@wnanews.com.
