Sunshine Sunday

By Senator Ken Pruitt (R-Port St. Lucie)

Today is Sunshine Sunday, a time for Floridians to count our blessings as citizens of a state that is devoted to open government. Sunshine laws illuminate the workings of government, holding lawmakers accountable and empowering citizens to learn about issues and decisions important to them.

In 1992, Florida voters decided by a significant margin to include in the state constitution a right to access government records and meetings. As an elected official, I am proud to represent a state in which citizens desire involvement and are devoted to a healthy, vigorous lawmaking process.

Open government benefits lawmakers, providing accountability and inspiring them to serve effectively and transparently. The public entrusts elected officials with the task of governing. It is an enormous undertaking that carries great responsibility. Open government ensures that officials fulfill that trust with the seriousness and integrity it demands, and it increases the ability of public servants to receive feedback on important programs and legislation.

An essential hallmark of American democracy is the freedom of the press. In Florida, journalists have access to the information they need to keep the public informed. Although occasional restrictions on this access are necessary to protect sensitive personal information and certain public employees, such as judges and police officers, it is understood that access to information is an essential ingredient of an aware, involved public.

Open government is also good for citizens. In a nation that prizes freedom and democracy more than any in history, it is the responsibility of individual citizens to involve themselves in the process. And in order to be involved, one must be aware of what is going on in state government. Sunshine laws give the people of Florida a front-row seat in the process of governing. Just as lawmakers are responsible to conduct their affairs openly and with integrity, citizens are responsible to strive for a working knowledge of government happenings that affect their lives.

Sunshine Sunday is a reminder that involvement in democracy can extend far beyond the voting booth. Citizens are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity these laws provide to research government programs, attend committee meetings, and serve on advisory councils.

Our nation’s founding fathers knew what they were doing when they set up a system of government that emphasized freedom and citizen involvement. And the people of Florida knew what they were doing when they chose an open, transparent process.

Senator Ken Pruitt represents the people of the 28th Senate District and is Chairman of the Senate Rules and Calendar Committee.

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