In honor of Independence Day, this week I have found two interesting sites featuring a historical project that took place on the 4th of July in 1959 and a website introducing patriotic phone apps that offer games, puzzles and quizzes. Our Highlighted Sites of the Week are clerk.house.gov and gov.tech.com.

According to the Historical Highlights section of the Office of the Clerk website, President Dwight D. Eisenhower arranged the cornerstone for the East Front extension of the U.S. Capitol on the 4th of July. Thousands of people gathered at the construction site for a ceremony honoring the 1959 project.

Eisenhower spoke to his audience about commemorating the Declaration of Independence that provided the groundwork for American society. “As we now lay this new cornerstone in the United States Capitol, we are grateful for the courageous beginnings of a new nation, represented by the first stone.”

In the spirit of Independence Day, Govtech featured an article called “4 Patriotic Apps to Celebrate Fourth of July” introducing phone apps ranging from United States Quizzle questions to Fireworks Arcade games. The United States Quizzle app for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch features multiple-choice questions about presidential history and facts about states. Every correct answer awards 100 points, so users are encouraged to play!

Through a series of five beginner-level games, the free Fireworks Arcade app for iPhone and iPad offers various festive fireworks displays. One of the games, called Spark Samurai, allows the player to slice fireworks for points while avoiding bombs. Whether you have a knack for playing phone apps or learning about American history, these websites will inform and entertain you!

Enjoy these sites and have a nice weekend!

Photo of the U.S. Capitol by Kmccoy in Wikipedia.

Governor Jack Markell signed Senate Bill 212 into law in an effort to improve the online presence and public notice capabilities of the state’s procurement office.

The bill mandates that the state create, by May 1, 2013, a one-stop website which will post all bids with an estimated value of more than $50,000.

This website must be accessible to all contractors and the general public. Further, the website will allow the state’s municipalities to advertise their bidding opportunities on the same site.

“White House Orders Political Ad Info To Be Posted Online” by Seth Cline in U.S. News and World Report.

Here is the order published by the Federal Register: “Standardized and Enhanced Disclosure Requirements for Television Broadcast Licensee Public Interest Obligations; Extension of the Filing Requirement for Children’s Television Programming Report (FCC Form 398)”

“How hackers can code a better America” by Luke Fretwell in Govfresh.

“Civic kickstart: Citizinvestor wants to help your local project get funded” by Luke Fretwell in Govfresh.

“Agencies should publish lists of all their data, group says” by Joseph Marks in Nextgov.

Indiana: “Twitter town hall meeting taxes lawmaker’s ability to be concise” by Eric Bradner in the Evansville Courier & Press.

New Jersey: “Chris Christie, YouTube star?” by Caitlin McDevitt in Politico.

“Jack Abramoff: Healthy ruling for lobbyists” by MJ Lee in Politico.

“Maryland lobbying totals led by gambling interests” by Annie Linskey in the Baltimore Sun.

“Groups Admit to Lobbying Illegally to Aid Mayor’s Plans” by Ray Rivera in The New York Times.

Take a look at The Hill’s “Lobbying World” news summary.

“Common Cause files complaint against Minnesota Majority” by Jennifer Brooks in the Star Tribune.

Video courtesy of Politico.

“Can the Democrats Catch Up in the Super-PAC Game?” by Robert Draper in The New York Times.

“Lawmakers scrambling to nullify Citizens United” by Chris Camire in the Sentinel & Enterprise.

“Countrywide Offered Discounted Loans to Members, Report Says” by Jonathan Strong in Roll Call.

Arizona: “Indicted lawmaker uses campaign cash for legal expenses” by Gary Grado in the Arizona Capitol Times.

California: “Cudahy mayor resigns amid corruption probe” by Ruben Vives in the Los Angeles Times.

Connecticut:  “Twardy finds no evidence Donovan knew of illegal campaign contributions” by Keith M. Phaneuf and Jacqueline Rabe Thomas in the CT Mirror.

Colorado: “Gessler hit with another campaign finance lawsuit – but this one he may actually like” by Sarah Burnett in the Denver Post.

Delaware: “Del. business to pay $500k in campaign probe” by Randall Chase (Associated Press) in the San Francisco Chronicle.

Kansas: “FEC fines Kan. GOP for finance violation” by The Associated Press in KFDA News.

Michigan: “Michigan campaign donation limit survives challenge” by The Associated Press in the Lansing State Journal.

Missouri: “Former Governor wants probation on campaign finance violation” by Mike Lear in Missourinet.

Missouri: “Missouri election season arrives without ethics law” by Elizabeth Crisp in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

New Jersey: “Two N.J. politicians are fined for filing campaign finance reports late” by Matt Friedman in the Star-Ledger.

Lobbyists and people who do business with Baltimore County, Maryland will no longer be allowed to give sports tickets to public officials.

County Council unanimously approved revisions to the county ethics law in order to comply with state standards.

The revision was in response to the state ethics commission’s finding that the county ethics measure (Bill No. 75-11) did not meet the state’s required standards.

The school board of Orange County, Florida is now requiring lobbyists to register. Registrations are filed with the school board and are separate from the county’s registration requirements. Lobbyists must register prior to July 1 of each year, or prior to lobbying if representation of a principal commences after July 1.

Lobbyists must file an annual report of all lobbying expenditures made during the preceding calendar year on or before April 1 of each year, whether or not any expenditures were made during the reporting period.

DELAWARE: The Delaware General Assembly adjourned sine die early in the morning on July 1, 2012.

NORTH CAROLINA: The North Carolina General Assembly adjourned on July 3, 2012.

Dressed in red, white and blue attire, eager patriots flood the streets of their hometowns and cities, celebrating with music, food and family. Some set up chairs and spread out blankets in the grass to watch the dazzling fireworks light up the sky. Others enjoy a family cookout and play music, or munch on cotton candy while exploring a local carnival.

Although Americans celebrate the 4th of July in many different ways, it is important to commemorate the past and understand the significance of this special day in our country’s history.

It has been 236 years since five courageous men collaborated to form the Declaration of Independence for the 13 American colonies. On July 4, 1776, Congress approved this document crafted by Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman and Robert Livingston.

The 4th of July reminds Americans of the great measures the Founding Fathers took to gain independence from Great Britain. This day in history symbolizes the creation of the unalienable Rights of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness, thus allowing Americans to live in a land of opportunity and freedom.

From patriots to political figures, many Americans take part in the festivities of the 4th of July. Washington, DC., hosts an Independence Day Parade along Constitution Avenue beginning at 11:45 a.m. The White House Visitor Center features family activities including games, crafts and other events during the day. President Obama, along with his family, joins the community and commemorates the 4th of July at the White House with celebrations, food and friends.

Here in Akron, the community comes together to provide holiday festivities on behalf of the Downtown Akron Partnership. Lock 3 hosts Akron’s National Rib Fest beginning on July 2nd to kick off Independence Day with a selection of tasty foods. A Fireworks Finale on the 4th at 9:50 p.m. concludes the evening.

No matter where you are on the 4th of July, as you celebrate in your own way, know that Americans across the country are watching fireworks and remembering the history that brought us together as a Nation.

State and Federal Communications, Inc. wishes you a Happy Independence Day!

Q. I developed support for an issue by asking the public to contact and influence their legislator. Should I be concerned with lobbyist disclosure requirements?

A. You are engaging in grassroots lobbying. Grassroots lobbying is communications by a representative of an entity to the general public encouraging correspondence to an official’s office in support of, or opposition to, an official action. You must determine how grassroots lobbying is treated in your jurisdiction.

Engaging in grassroots activities may not meet the definition of lobbying. In Utah, you must communicate directly with an official to be engaged in lobbying and have any registration or reporting requirements.  Next, grassroots lobbying may only trigger disclosure of related expenses. Your grassroots lobbying expenses are disclosed in California if your employer is already registered. Finally, grassroots lobbying may require registration and reporting. Arkansas law expressly includes grassroots communications in the definition of lobbying and requires disclosure of the related expenditures.

Do not assume that if you do not contact a state official directly, you are not engaging in lobbying. Confirm what activities constitute lobbying before taking action.

You can directly submit questions for this feature, and we will select those most appropriate and answer them here. Send your questions to: marketing@stateandfed.com.

(We are always available to answer questions from clients that are specific to your needs, and we encourage you to continue to call or e-mail us with questions about your particular company or organization. As always, we will confidentially and directly provide answers or information you need.) Our replies to your questions are not legal advice. Instead, these replies represent our analysis of laws, rules, and regulations.

Between NCSL, CSG, NGA, and ALEC there is little time between July 11^th and August 8^th to jump in a pool. And, let me add the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese is holding its Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress July 1^st through July 5^th. Yes, only the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese would think it is okay to have a conference during American Independence Day in Phoenix, Arizona. But, that is where yours truly will be for the holiday.

This year I have written a lot about how professional development and networking are really connected. Attending these conferences is a phenomenal way to run into people you might not see regularly and the associations have events incorporating networking opportunities.

My favorite conference this year will be CSG MLC in Cleveland, Ohio! This conference is including events at Blossom Music Center (the VA Wolf Trap of Ohio), at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and even the Pro-Football Hall of Fame in Canton. You will see the best of the best Ohio has to offer and we are only a few blocks away from Dan Gilbert’s Horseshoe Casino.

If CSG MLC isn’t in your plans, check out O H I O Night at NCSL in Chicago. Thanks to our friends at Whirlpool, this event will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Wednesday August 8^th, at the Reid Murdoch Building on 325 North LaSalle—Penthouse Level. We will be happy to send you sponsor information to join us.

Until next month, remember you bring value to your organization because of the people you know in the government affairs community. See you on the circuit!

And then there’s Alexandra Livadas, who goes by Alexa. Her mom calls her Fred and she has no idea why. Alexa attends Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and studies finance. Next year, she will be a junior. Like Joanna, this is Alexa’s first “real” job. She has nannied in the past, and would always take the kids to the pool and the zoo, or for rides on bikes or ice cream. Alexa plays the piano and likes working at State and Federal Communications, Inc.

“Everyone here is really helpful and nice,” she said. Alexa handles our finances. “Elizabeth has taught me the importance of getting involved in the community and being a good corporate citizen through her own efforts, making sure that her interns go to community luncheons and chamber meetings and volunteering with the Annunciation Akron and United Way.”

It’s true: the interns have been attending one to several events every week. Alexa added: “It really helps us grow as young adults and will become a valuable experience for the future.”

Like Joanna, Alexa enjoys peanut butter and jelly for lunch. Old habits die hard.

July 13-15, 2012   National Governors Association Annual Meeting, Williamsburg, Virginia

July 15-18, 2012   The Council of State Governments [CSG] Midwestern Legislative Conference, Cleveland, Ohio

August 6-9, 2012   NCSL (National Conference of State Legislatures) Booth 923, Chicago, Illinois