Well, our wonderful New Jersey State Senate did it. Calling its clearance of the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) a “modernization,” the Budget Committee has fast tracked a bill, the text of which was not even available to the public at the start of the committee hearing. Claiming that towns are “overwhelmed” by requests, Rep. Paul Sarlo and other Democrats with one exception (Andrew Zwicker), pushed the bill through.
The proposal would permit courts to ban certain people from making requests, and still permit commercial interests the right to seek records. NJ ACLU Policy Counsel Joe Johnson was particularly incensed as Sarlo claimed they worked with the ACLU in coming up with this new version.
New Jersey shares the honor along with Alabama and Mississippi as being the worst states in public transparency. There’s an eight-letter euphemism for the claims Sarlo and his other compatriots are making, but it’s not printable. The answer is to challenge these legislators in 2025 and throw the bums out!
Prayer for the Day
Aware that those who hold power hope we forget their betrayals,
We look to you, O God, for fortitude in our struggles;
Knowing that corrupt politicians want to hide behind laws,
We search for ways to expose their double-dealing.
Be our strength, O Holy One, as we strive to keep knowledge open,
And let us not forget the importance of knowledge.
In the name of the One who is our strength,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Ultimately, the legislation punishes the public for seeking information that is rightfully theirs.
Jesse Burns Executive Director, League of Women Voters of New Jersey
The revised bill still guts OPRA.
C.J. Griffin, director, Justice Gary Stein Public Interest Center
To you, O Lord, I call; my rock, do not refuse to hear me,
For if you are silent to me, I shall be like those who go down to the Pit.
Hear the voice of my supplication, as I cry to you for help,
As I life up my hands toward your most holy sanctuary
Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those wh are workers of evil,
Who speak peace with their neighbors, while mischief is in their hearts.
Psalm 28: 1-3