Part of good journalism lies in knowing how and where to get information. Much of the information journalists need comes from government. Often, getting that information proves a challenge.

Overcome that challenge through knowledge of your state’s open meeting laws.

I’m told Florida’s “Sunshine” laws foster more openness than those in any other state. I haven’t made a case-by-case exploration of the claim, but California lawyer Ann Taylor Schwing has. Visit her site for a complete list of links to open meeting laws in each of the 50 states.

Of course, these laws apply to everyone, not just journalists. Regardless who uses them, they should get their exercise.