AFP-Maryland Supports HB344

- Proposed bill promotes accountability, transparency –

ANNAPOLIS – The Maryland chapter of Americans for Prosperity supports HB344, the “Maryland Open Government Act.” The proposed bill promotes transparency and makes it easier for the general public to hold their elected officials accountable. Publishing committee votes online, allowing the public to sign-up for testimony on the legislative website, and streaming committee hearings on the web are practical, common sense ideas to further engage Marylanders in the legislative process.

“HB344 is not about left, right, Republican or Democrat,” stated Maryland state director Dave Schwartz. “This bill is about good government and making it easier Marylanders to hold their elected officials accountable. We thank Del. Mizeur for her introduction of this proposal, and will be encouraging our members to support HB344.”

Americans for Prosperity-Maryland is a free market, grassroots organization that also encourages good government policies. With the exploding popularity of social networking websites, we believe the internet is a cost effective tool to encourage transparency and accountability within state government. HB344 uses that technology in a way that promotes those virtues.