Uncle Sam online
A major WINDO of opportunity
The federal government puts out thousands upon thousands of reports
and documents annually. Many are stored electronically, but the current
accessing system is so unfriendly that it discourages potential users
from purchasing them.
Fortunately, Rep. Charlie Rose, D-N.C., has introduced a measure
that will revolutionize Americans' access to government information, HR
2772 the Wide Information Network Data Online, or WINDO, bill.
WINDO will provide single account, one-stop-shopping access to
federal databases. While planning and public comment will be necessary
to determine specific offerings, it's clear that through WINDO Americans
everywhere will have rapid access to a remarkable range of government
information.
Wonder how WINDO could help you?
Well, it's likely to have the Federal Register, the Congressional
Record, FDA consumer and technical reports, patent abstracts, SEC
information on corporate disclosure filngs, and U.S. Supreme Court
opinions. In other words, it will provide businesses, students, and
interested citizens with core information about major issues facing this
country.
WINDO enjoys broad support from organizations and interest groups
that specialize in informing the public. The American Library
Association, for example, has made a major effort to see that the bill
passes. But to pass, it needs help from influential senators including
Alaska's Sen. Ted Stevens.
Sen. Stevens should have no trouble seeing that WINDO will be great
for Alaska. He already knows what the online availability of state
information has done for his constituents. With WINDO, even Alaskans in
remote villages will have access to critical federal information.
Indeed, through WINDO Alaskans will have more rapid access to the
federal government than if they were in Washington tromping from agency
to agency asking for publications.
Sen. Stevens could play a key role in the passage of WINDO by
introducing it in the Senate and vigorously supporting it in his
committees. Here's hoping he does and that Congress provides an open
WINDO to the country.
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James Love, Director VOICE: 609-683-0534
Taxpayer Assets Project FAX: 202-234-5176
7-Z Magie, Faculty Road bitnet: Love@pucc.bitnet
Princeton, NJ 08540 internet: Love@pucc.princeton.edu
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