Sen. Glassman Supports Senate Proposal to Better Inform & Empower Marylanders

From the office of Sen. Barry Glassman:

Proposed Changes to Senate Rules Good News for Marylanders

Annapolis, MD- In an effort to better inform the public through greater access to the state legislative process, Senator Barry Glassman R-35 joined Senate Minority Leader Allan Kittleman (R- Carrol & Howard Counties) and Senate Majority Whip Nancy Jacobs (R-Harford & Cecil Counties) this week in supporting changes to the rules governing the Senate

If approved by the Senate, beginning immediately, these new Senate rules will provide the public with “real time” internet access to all Senate committee votes, as well as, specifically address the public’s right to attend all Senate committee meetings, including Senate committee voting sessions.

“Marylanders are seeking more transparency and timely access in the legislative process. My proposal represents an important step towards expanding this access to all individuals even those that cannot be present in Annapolis during our deliberation,” said Kittleman. “More access allows for greater informed participation of the public in government and empowers Marylanders in the legislative process.”

In her remarks on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday, Senator Jacobs said, “There is a real suspicion of government these days. Marylanders are under the false impression that Senate committee meetings, including Senate voting sessions, are closed to the public. The Senate rules do not especially address this issue; I think we need to clarify our commitment to public access

Senator Glassman believes that both parties are close to agreeing on having committee votes posted online.

In a letter to Senate President Mike Miller, the Maryland Joint Republican Caucus wrote, “The public deserves the highest standard of openness and accountability from their state legislators and we believe that immediately implementing these measures for the 2010 session will go a long way towards fulfilling commitment for transparency to our constituents.”