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TO REAFFIRM THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY'S COMMITMENT TO OPEN GOVERNMENT IN SOUTH CAROLINA; TO RECOGNIZE THE ROLE PLAYED BY THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT IN OPEN GOVERNMENT AND TO EXPRESS APPRECIATION TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA PRESS ASSOCIATION FOR ITS ROLE IN PROMOTING OPEN GOVERNMENT; TO DECLARE MARCH 11, 2007, AS "SUNSHINE SUNDAY" AND MARCH 11-17, 2007, AS "OPEN GOVERNMENT WEEK IN SOUTH CAROLINA" AND TO ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION IN THESE ACTIVITIES COMMEMORATING OUR OPEN, DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT.
Whereas, the General Assembly has declared in the Freedom of Information Act "...that it is vital in a democratic society that public business be performed in an open and public manner so that citizens shall be advised of the performance of public officials and of the decisions that are reached in public activity and in the formulation of public policy..."; and
Whereas, the Freedom of Information Act was enacted in 1978 and has provided a means whereby citizens and their representatives may learn and report fully the activities of their public officials at a minimum cost or delay; and
Whereas, the courts of South Carolina have consistently recognized that the purpose of the General Assembly in adopting the Freedom of Information Act was to prevent secret government action at all levels of government in this State; and
Whereas, the South Carolina Press Association is sponsoring and promoting Sunday, March 11, 2007, as "Sunshine Sunday" and March 11-17, 2007, as "Open Government Week in South Carolina"; and
Whereas, it is proper and fitting for the members of the General Assembly to pause in their deliberations to salute open government in South Carolina and to recognize the South Carolina Press Association for its important role in promoting open government. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:
That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, reaffirm their commitment to open government, recognize the importance of the Freedom of Information Act in accomplishing open government, and express appreciation to the South Carolina Press Association for its important role in promoting open government.
Be it further resolved that Sunday, March 11, 2007, is declared "Sunshine Sunday" and March 11-17, 2007, as "Open Government Week in South Carolina" and that all citizens are encouraged to participate in activities commemorating our open, democratic government and that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the South Carolina Press Association.
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