* From Bryan Zarou at the Better Government Association…

Across most of the country, residents can easily watch, search, and review legislative proceedings online on their own time. In Illinois, that basic level of transparency has long been missing, leaving the public behind while other states and even local governments provide basic online archives.

Early last year, BGA Policy took a clear and direct step to expand transparency in Illinois government. We sent a formal letter to the Speaker of the Illinois House and the President of the Illinois Senate urging both chambers to modernize their websites and provide free, searchable online archives of House and Senate floor and committee proceedings, joining the 44 other states that already offer this access to the public. We followed that letter with meetings and conversations with legislative leadership and staff to press the case for why this reform matters for the people of Illinois.

We are proud to report that this advocacy has led to concrete commitments from both chambers. The Speaker of the Illinois House responded, calling BGA’s request “transformative” and directing senior staff and the Clerk of the House to work with legislative support agencies to make free House floor and committee archives a reality. Shortly thereafter, the President of the Illinois Senate confirmed that improving the General Assembly’s website and creating an accessible archive of Senate proceedings is an active priority, welcoming BGA’s research and guidance on best practices from other jurisdictions.

These commitments reflect the impact of sustained advocacy. While work remains to ensure these promises are fully implemented, this is an important step toward bringing Illinois in line with the majority of the country and making legislative transparency a reality for everyone.

We commend the Speaker and President for making these commitments to the people of Illinois.

If you read the letters, Welch’s commitment seems much stronger than Harmon’s, but it’s a start.

* The BGA’s original letter spells out the problem…

The current process to obtain archived proceedings is archaic. As explained on the General Assembly’s website, the proceedings are “recorded and archived on digital video disc (DVD) by the House Clerk. Copies may be obtained on DVD from the Clerk for a fee.” Not only does this system rely on outdated technology, but it is also inequitable, locking out those who cannot pay.

Just put it on YouTube and call it a day.

Also, too, the GA should fix its clunky “new and improved” website.