The current Legislature — and the administration of Gov. Jerry Brown — is shaping up to be the worst in recent memory for transparent government. Friday, lawmakers approved a pair of budget trailer bills that would free local governments of the obligation to comply with certain aspects of the California Public Records Act.
Sugar is sweet, but the sugar industry is sweeter when it comes to getting what it wants in the federal farm bill. The Senate this month passed its version of the legislation. The bipartisan bill is about $24 billion less expensive than the farm bill of 2008. Nonetheless, it will cost about $955 billion over 10 years, and sugar supports will remain intact. Sugar is the only commodity program that remains untouched in the farm bill now under consideration.
Journalists shouldn't be prosecuted for just doing their jobs and informing the public. It's past time to enshrine that principle with a federal shield law to protect reporters and their confidential sources.
