It’s Sunshine Week. How Open is Baltimore County Government?

Have you had a question lately about the workings of Baltimore County government?

Now may be a good time to pursue your inquiry. Sunshine Week is a national initiative that promotes open government and encourages journalists and residents to talk about the public’s right to know what the government is doing.

This year's Sunshine Week, from March 11 to 17, is co-sponsored by ASNE and the Reporters Committee For Freedom of the Press and many other media industry partners, including Patch.

The goal is to promote a dialogue about the importance of open government and freedom of information. Participants include news media, civic groups, libraries, nonprofits, schools and others interested in government transparency. 

The week is funded by a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation of Miami, along with the ASNE Foundation, the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and others. 

Want to dig up data on your state and local governments?

The Center for Responsive Politics website offers an excellent one-stop shop for financial information about national elections and candidates. A single page contains the latest campaign fundraising tally for all congressional races in Maryland. Information for all states can be found by using the drop down menu.