1Designating the week of March 16 through 22, 2014, as "Sunshine
2Week" in Pennsylvania.

3WHEREAS, The basic principles of freedom of speech and
4freedom of the press guaranteed in the Constitution of the
5United States are fundamental to our national heritage; and

6WHEREAS, Since 2005, the American Society of Newspaper
7Editors annually observes Sunshine Week in mid-March, which
8timing coincides with James Madison's birthday on March 16, as a
9nonpartisan, nonprofit initiative to illustrate the importance
10of open government; and

11WHEREAS, Sunshine Week participation by nonjournalism groups
12is growing, with national and local forums planned by civic
13groups, libraries and open government and freedom of information
14groups, as well as by student media; and

15WHEREAS, Sunshine Week was established to spark a discussion
16about the importance of open government and public access to

1government documents and meetings; and

2WHEREAS, These issues are important in this Commonwealth,
3where public access issues emerge all the time; therefore be it

4RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate the
5week of March 16 through 22, 2014, as "Sunshine Week" in
6Pennsylvania; and be it further

7RESOLVED, That all citizens be urged to join in this
8observance of the basic principles of an open and accessible
9government in a free society.