BEV BUTULA: Sunlight Foundation apps shine spotlight on information

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The Sunlight Foundation, the nonpartisan group that brings you Open Congress and many other projects, continues to increase its arsenal of mobile and Web-based apps. Here are a few that caught my eye:

Open States

This iPad and iPhone app links users to state legislative activity. Information on lawmakers, pending bills, voting records and campaign finance is available. This has become a favorite app of mine. It is easy to use and the amount of information is amazing.

Congress for Android

This app provides information on members of Congress and links to their sponsored bills. It also provides information on current floor activity and real-time voting.

Sitegeist

This app “helps you to learn more about your surroundings in seconds. Drawing on publicly available information, the app presents solid data in a simple, at-a-glance format to help you tap into the pulse of your location.” Information provided includes age distribution, recommended restaurants, average rent, record temperatures and much more.

Upwardly Mobile

This app allows the user to compare salaries, cost of living and employment data for various cities based on a selected profession.