RICHMOND─ Americans for Prosperity applauds today’s House Majority Caucus decision to stream live video of all Virginia House Floor Proceedings starting January 14, 2009. Speaker Howell’s decision follows last month’s success in pushing for recorded subcommittee votes.

“This is a victory for transparency in state government and, more importantly, for the citizens of Virginia,” said Ben Marchi, state director of Americans for Prosperity- Virginia who pushed for the decision last year. “I commend Speaker Howell for making it easier for Virginians to participate in the democratic process.”

Americans for Prosperity- Virginia has been a proud advocate for transparency in state government, calling for recorded subcommittee votes last month and calling for online availability of government information like state spending. AFP-Virginia also supported Del. Ben Cline's Google for Government bill that pushed for an online database of state expenditures.

“Half the battle of being an engaged citizen is staying informed on matters of public policy. Making House sessions available online is the first step in informing taxpaying citizens, equipping them to speak their minds about proposed legislation and to hold lawmakers accountable when they forget who they represent.”