Questions on the agenda:

Lobbying Emails

• Are expenditures related to lobbying emails to legislators concerning possible legislation, or lobbying emails to state agencies concerning possible rules, reportable?
• Are expenditures related to grassroots lobbying directed to the public via email reportable?

Lobbying Websites

• Are websites established to provide lobbying information, and to encourage others to lobby for or against a particular bill or rule engaged in a reportable activity?
• Is staff time and other expenditures for lobbying websites (creation, maintenance, etc.) reportable? If so, what else is reportable?

Lobbying Blogs (Web logs)

• Are lobbying postings and responses on blogs reportable?
• Are funds provided to "tip jars" (donation links) on lobbying blogs reportable?

While I recognize the need for lobbyists to report their lobbying expenses, regardless of the communication tool, this raises concerns. It could quash legitimate citizen debate and discussion in our new "public square" -- the Internet. I'll attend the meeting tomorrow and will report on the discussion.