Governor Crist Announces New Initiatives for Open Government

Governor Crist’s office issued the news below regarding two initiatives designed to improve public acess to information. 

To view the Governor’s “Office of Open Government” Web page, click here.  To view the Governor’s “Plain Language” Web page, click here.

Also this week, President Bush issued an executive order imposing accountability for how each federal agency sets targets for improving the performance of its programs and tracks progress.  To read the White House Executive Order, click here.  To read Washington Post coverage of this White House initiative, click here.

Should you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact this office.

 

Governor Crist Announces New Initiatives for Open Government

Agencies open Web sites to make government access simpler

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Crist today announced two new open government initiatives that will improve Floridians’ ability to access public documents and meetings.  The first initiative involves a Bill of Rights for all Floridians trying to access public records.  The list of rights was compiled by the Commission on Open Government, established by the Governor on June 19, 2007, by Executive Order 07-107.  The second initiative involves improving Internet access to state agency contact information.

“These initiatives are just one more way we are working to create a more open government for the people of Florida, our boss,” said Governor Crist.  “Our goal is to increase access for all Floridians so they have the tools needed to hold government accountable.  By creating a culture that fosters public trust and confidence, we become a government truly operating in the sunshine.”

At the Commission on Open Government’s first meeting on August 22 and 23, 2007, public testimony revealed common issues citizens have encountered when trying to obtain public records.  In response, the Governor initiated the Open Government Bill of Rights, which facilitates easier access to public meetings and documents, and encourages agencies to exhibit greater respect when interacting with citizens.  The Governor signed the Bill of Rights into effect through Executive Order 07-242. 

The executive order requires all state agencies to adopt an Open Government Bill of Rights to protect citizens’ access rights to public records.  The executive order calls for each agency to post its Bill of Rights in a clear place on its website and in its headquarters.  It must contain statements that make the process of making a records request clearer, such as a reminder that requests do not have to be made in writing, and a statement highlighting the public’s right to respect.

The second initiative introduced by the Governor relates to Internet access to state agency information.  Agencies under the Governor’s purview have created direct links from their individual homepages to a website that directs users on how to make a public records request or learn more about Florida’s open government laws.  These new websites will also include organization charts, open government contacts, budget information, contracts with vendors and providers, legislative budget requests and legislative priorities.

In his first Executive Order issued on January 3, 2007, Governor Crist established the Office of Open Government and charged it with providing the Governor’s Office and all state agencies the tools necessary to serve the people of Florida in a professional and efficient manner.  The executive order also instituted the Plain Language Initiative to ensure all announcements, publications and other documents sent by the Governor’s Office or state agencies contained clear and concise instructions and information. 

For a list of all state agency open government websites, please click here.