MORE GOVERNMENT SUNSHINE GETS BOOST

Since 1973, Missouri government at all levels has been operating under the Open Meetings and Open Records Act, which is more popularly known as the Sunshine Law. Its nickname comes from the notion that government business ought to be the public's business, and shining a bright light on the activities of government is better than keeping that information in the dark.

As with any law, there are special provisions that allow government to keep some things from the public -- too much, as far as many Missourians are concerned. It was gratifying that a bill to expand access to public information received an overwhelming 118-23 vote during first-round approval last week in the Missouri House of Representatives. Sadly, the forces of governmental special-interest groups have been extremely busy trying to convince legislators that the public is better served by being in the dark. Three area representatives -- Mary Kasten, David Schwab and Patrick Naeger -- all voted against more access to public information.

The changes sought in the current legislation would, for example, require disclosure of how government board members vote in closed meetings. It would require full disclosure of legal settlements agreed upon by governmental bodies, a change that would let taxpayers know how much money Southeast Missouri State University is spending to settle lawsuits out of court, for example.

Another change would require the immediate disclosure of votes on the hiring, firing and disciplining of public employees, instead of waiting up to 72 hours as allowed in the current Sunshine Law.

Much of Missouri's Sunshine Law, as well as similar laws in other states, have been adopted at the urging of the Missouri Press Association, which represents daily and weekly newspapers -- large and small -- across the state.

But it is important to remember that sunshine laws aren't for the press, which only serves as the messenger when the public is entitled to information about government. Whenever the public is cut off from knowing what its government officials are doing, then the public loses its ability to make good choices and its opportunity to participate fully. Government in darkness is ripe for abuse, and the people have little recourse without information on which to base their opinions.

The bill to increase the candlepower of Missouri's Sunshine Law awaits a final vote in the House before it goes to the Senate. It is likely to pass, based on the strong support shown so far. It would be better if the vote were unanimous -- an indication that our elected representatives agree that open government is better than secrecy.