FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tonda Rush, 703.465.8808

National Newspaper Association Supports Senator Cornyn's OPEN Government Act

            Arlington, VA -- National Newspaper Association President Mike Buffington, editor of The Jackson (Ga.) Herald, announced the support of NNA for S.394, the OPEN Government Act of 2005, introduced today by Senator John Cornyn (R-TX). The bill is aimed at strengthening the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

            NNA represents almost 2,500 community newspapers nationwide, and has traditionally supported open government initiatives. Freedom of information laws have long been useful tools for members of the press, as well as the general public, in researching the actions of government.

            “At both the state and national levels, openness in government has come under assault in recent years. The public's right to know about the actions and expenditures of their tax dollars is being shielded by a growing army of ill-conceived, closed-government laws. Sen. Cornyn's OPEN Government Act of 2005 is an important bulwark in arresting this rising tide of secrecy,” Buffington said.

            Buffington, who sits on the steering committee for Sunshine Week, a national open government initiative set to begin March 13, noted that the federal Freedom of Information Act is a benchmark used by most states, and therefore must set the tone for the nation.

            “From a practical standpoint, the federal government touches rural and suburban communities in a wide variety of ways. But perhaps just as important is the strong message this effort sends to all governments across the nation, from federal agencies down to local school boards and city councils. If the U.S. Congress gets serious about strengthening the public's right to know, state and local governments will have to respond likewise.”

            Members of NNA's Congressional Action Team will be visiting the Capitol March 10, as part of the organization's annual Government Affairs Conference.

            “Congress must work to ensure FOIA remains an effective tool for members of the news media, as well as the public. Senator Cornyn's efforts are a step in the right direction. We hope to have the opportunity to discuss this important bill with our members of Congress next month,” said Matt Paxton, Chairman of NNA's Government Relations Committee.

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