PRINTER'S NO. 2910
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
717
Session of
2015
INTRODUCED BY MATZIE, GIBBONS, KOTIK, READSHAW, SACCONE,
HENNESSEY, MILLARD, SCHWEYER, V. BROWN, DiGIROLAMO, THOMAS,
LONGIETTI, KIRKLAND, GOODMAN, WHEELAND, MARSICO, YOUNGBLOOD,
SCHLOSSBERG, BIZZARRO, M. DALEY, ROSS, COHEN, MURT AND
BRADFORD, MARCH 10, 2016
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
MARCH 10, 2016
A RESOLUTION
Designating the week of March 13 through 19, 2016, as "Sunshine
Week" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, The basic principles of freedom of speech and
freedom of the press guaranteed in the Constitution of the
United States are fundamental to our national heritage; and
WHEREAS, Since 2005, the American Society of News Editors
annually observes "Sunshine Week" in mid-March, which timing
coincides with James Madison's birthday on March 16, as a
nonpartisan, nonprofit initiative to illustrate the importance
of open government; and
WHEREAS, "Sunshine Week" participation by nonjournalism
groups is growing, with national and local forums planned by
civic groups, libraries and open government and freedom of
information groups, as well as by student media; and
WHEREAS, "Sunshine Week" was established to spark a
discussion about the importance of open government and public
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access to government documents and meetings; and
WHEREAS, These issues are important in this Commonwealth,
where public access issues emerge all the time; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate the
week of March 13 through 19, 2016, as "Sunshine Week" in
Pennsylvania; and be it further
RESOLVED, That all citizens be urged to join in this
observance of the basic principles of an open and accessible
government in a free society.
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