In the midst of Sunshine Week, advocates are calling on New York to improve its open-government efforts. They say the state continues to fall short in enforcing laws that allow citizens greater access to information and government proceedings.

For generations, Americans have cherished their right to question government officials and demand accountability. This editorial—originally published to mark Sunshine Week—reminds us that openness and transparency are deeply woven into our nation’s fabric.

As concern over government fraud, waste, and abuse grows, Sunshine Week returns to champion the public’s right to know. The initiative underscores the importance of open government, free speech, and robust press freedoms to ensure accountability at all levels.