House Dems decry Rep. Barbieri’s ‘anti-transparency bill’

House Democrats have issued a statement critical of new legislation introduced this morning by Rep. Vito Barbieri, R-Dalton Gardens, to exempt lawmakers’ emails and other communications from the Idaho Public Records Act, with Minority Leader Mat Erpelding, D-Boise, saying, “I am embarrassed that I have to even address an issue so detrimental to our democracy.” Here is the Dems’ full statement:

“House Democrats feel that this is a blow to transparency, accountability, and freedom of the press. This legislation is not ‘fake news,’ but rather another attack on our democracy. This legislation would do a great disservice to the citizens of Idaho who have the right to know what their elected officials are doing with their time and taxpayer money. House Democrats strongly oppose this bill and will fight to stop ongoing attacks against government transparency.

“House Minority Leader Rep. Mat Erpelding, D-Boise, said, ‘This is the latest attempt by Republicans nationwide to call into question the importance of a free press and the role they play in holding our elected officials accountable. I am embarrassed I have to even address an issue so detrimental to our democracy.’”