Secretary of State Phil McGrane will lead the first in a four-part public education series focused on Idaho’s transparency and open government laws, sponsored by Idahoans for Openness in Government (IDOG). The session, titled “Campaign Finance & Lobbying: The Rules and How to Access Data,” will take place on Wednesday, November 19, from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. in the Lincoln Auditorium at the Idaho State Capitol. The event is free and open to the public, and will be livestreamed by Idaho Public Television at idahoptv.org/insession
“This series is about giving Idahoans the tools to stay informed and engaged,” said Secretary McGrane. “Transparency builds trust, and that starts with knowing how to access the information that belongs to the public.”
The Government Transparency Series, hosted by IDOG in partnership with Attorneys for Civic Education, is designed for citizens, journalists, public officials, and staff who want to better understand Idaho’s public records and open meetings laws, as well as how to access key data and information. Each session will feature state leaders and subject-matter experts. The full schedule includes:
- Nov. 19: Campaign Finance & Lobbying – Phil McGrane, Secretary of State
- Dec. 17: Transparent Idaho & Townhall Idaho – Brandon Woolf, State Controller
- Jan. 16: Idaho Public Records Act – Andy Snook, Chief Counsel to Governor Brad Little & Betsy Russell, IDOG President
- Jan. 27: Idaho Open Meeting Law – Betsy Russell, Andy Snook & Attorney Brian Kane
In-person attendance is encouraged, but all sessions will be streamed live and available afterward for on-demand viewing at openidaho.org.
RSVPs are requested. To RSVP or learn more, visit www.openidaho.org or call the Controller’s Office at 208-334-3100, ext. 0.
About Phil McGrane
Phil McGrane was elected Idaho’s twenty-eighth Secretary of State and took office on January 2, 2023. McGrane served as elected Clerk of Ada County from 2019-2022. McGrane holds a bachelor's degree in philosophy, a juris doctorate, and a Master of Public Administration. As a fourth-generation Idahoan, Phil has dedicated his career to making elections in the state of Idaho accessible, secure and transparent.
