Delaware – Page 2 – National Freedom of Information Coalition

Why are there so many anonymous corporations in Delaware?

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From the Federal Election Commission’s suggestion that it might finally begin scrutinizing donations to super PACs from mystery limited liability corporations (LLCs) to the revelations in the Panama Papers, LLCs are very in right now.

The leak of the Panama Papers reportedly shows the use of offshore shell companies to hide cash by many high-profile foreign figures, from highly-paid soccer star Lionel Messi to the prime minister of Iceland, but the lack of Americans implicated in the investigations has raised eyebrows in the international community.

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Delaware’s ‘troubling’ lack of oversight of police’s secret cash

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A secret stash of money – seized from citizens and then used to fund Delaware police agencies' wish lists – is lacking not only public review, but also state oversight that's required under the law.

A News Journal investigation in November found that state law shields police and prosecutors from having to tell taxpayers how they spend money from the state's Special Law Enforcement Assistance Fund, comprised of money and property seized from citizens suspected but not necessarily charged with a crime.

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Data Governance Council to revamp Delaware’s open data efforts

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Delaware is redoubling its open data efforts, Gov. Jack Markell has announced. Through the signing of Executive Order 57, the governor mandated the creation of a Data Governance Council that will help executive branch agencies publish their data on the state’s open data portal.

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Delaware lawmakers spar over charter school audit bills

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Two Delaware lawmakers have proposed dueling bills over how charter schools are audited after a string of high-profile incidents in which charter leaders were caught misusing taxpayer funds.

State Rep. Kim Williams, D-Newport, wants the state auditor to select and oversee the firms that do the annual financial reports of charter schools. Currently, charter school boards work out those contracts themselves.

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Delaware: Web transparency varies across state

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Delaware’s municipal governments have websites that make it easier for them to share information with residents. But plenty of opportunities exist for them to improve transparency, encourage local businesses and let the public know about important issues.

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Editorial: Delaware can become a national leader on open data

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Several weeks ago, I had the pleasure of speaking about open data at the coIN Loft in Wilmington as part of Delaware Innovation Week.

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Wilmington not responsive to police inquiry in Delaware

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Wilmington may lose out on $1.5 million allocated by Delaware lawmakers for fighting crime if city officials fail to tell them where police officers are being assigned. Lawmakers and Attorney General Matt Denn are still waiting for a response, putting the cash in limbo more than a week since the funding was approved.

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Editorial: Do Delaware’s secrets pose a security risk?

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The legal structure of a Delaware Limited Liability Company (LLC) grants secrecy to its members, investors, and sources of financing when conducting business.

Because of this lack of transparency is it possible that unknown business interests, and even foreign governments, could invest, own, and gain access to our nation’s vulnerable infrastructure? Continue…
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Dewey Beach of Delaware increases price for document requests

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Despite an outcry from members of the public, Dewey Beach Town Council increased the cost of documents requested under the Freedom of Information Act.

The 4-1 vote came during council’s April 11 meeting. The cost to make copies is now 25 cents per page, up from 10 cents. Commissioner Anna Legates was the lone no vote.

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Lawmakers want Delaware school board meetings recorded

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Every Delaware school board will be required to record audio of meetings and post it online if the General Assembly passes a bill being considered in Dover.

Lawmakers who support the legislation and open-government advocates say recorded meetings are a way for citizens to better keep tabs on the actions of elected officials and stay updated on issues facing schools.

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