Representative Cory Mason Tries to Bring Caucuses Into the Light

As part of the annual Sunshine Week, Representative Cory Mason (D-Racine) wants to shed light on the partisan caucus meetings that occur on both sides of the aisle. While the Assembly floor may be where the drama is staged, the real discussion typically happens behind closed doors.

“During these challenging times, it is more important than ever to acknowledge the virtue of open government in our democracy. I am once again introducing a bill that would apply the open meetings law—a foundation of our democracy—to closed door meetings in the Legislature,” said Mason in a written statement.

It is during these meetings that representatives present their positions, try and persuade other representatives to get on their side, and reach a general consensus on how to move forward for any particular issue. Since, Mason said, this is when the real work, or action, takes place, it's only right these meetings take place in public.

“I continue to believe that transparency is the best policy.  If a democracy is to have the trust and confidence of its citizens, the deliberations of its elected representatives must be open to the public,” Mason noted.

According to the release issued by Mason's office, Sunshine Week was started in 2002 so the public could have more access to the way government works. Mason is circulating his bill for a sponsor.