SPONSOR:	Rep. Schwartzkopf on behalf of all Representatives

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 147th GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO.

CELEBRATING THE WEEK OF MARCH 16TH THROUGH MARCH 22ND AS SUNSHINE WEEK IN DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, "Sunshine Week" is an annual national initiative to facilitate discussion aimed at increasing awareness for the importance of open government; and

WHEREAS, Sunshine Week began in 2005 and was created by the American Society of News Editors and is now coordinated in partnership with the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press; and

WHEREAS, the creators of Sunshine Week seek to empower this nation's citizens to play an active role in their government; and

WHEREAS, open government and transparency are important issues to the State of Delaware; and

WHEREAS, this legislative body recognizes that open government and transparency are core values to any well-functioning democracy and stimulate an active citizenry; and

WHEREAS, March 19, 2014 marks the fifth anniversary in the Delaware House of Representatives of the passing of House Bill No. 1; and

WHEREAS, House Bill No. 1 of the 145th Delaware General Assembly brought the General Assembly under Delaware's Freedom of Information Act and allowed the public to have access to the meetings and records of the Legislature.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED, that the 147th Delaware General Assembly hereby declares March 16th through March 22nd, 2014 as Sunshine Week in the State of Delaware and encourages all citizens to recognize and celebrate this week and to educate themselves on their Right to Know.

SYNOPSIS

This resolution celebrates the week of March 16th through March 22nd, 2014 as Sunshine Week in Delaware.