Freedom of Information
Cornyn-Leahy Bipartisan Bill Would Strengthen FOIA
Feb 22, 2005 by Guest Blogger
In perhaps one of the most significant moves to advance openness and accountability within the federal government in the last decade, Sens. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Patrick Leahy (D-VT) introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen the public’s hand in obtaining information from federal agencies under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
read in fullFreedom of Information Far From Free
Feb 7, 2005 by Guest Blogger
The Justice Department has informed the People for the American Way (PFAW) that responding to the group’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for all records related to the decision to seal the records of immigrants detained in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks will cost nearly $400,000. The unusually large price tag appears to be the agency’s latest move in an ongoing struggle to withhold the information.
read in fullWorking Group on Community Right to Know Joins OMB Watch
Jan 10, 2005 by Guest Blogger
Since 1989, the Working Group on Community Right-to-Know has helped people defend and improve our right-to-know about environmental and public health concerns. As of January 2005, the Working Group was merged into OMB Watch and will focus on outreach activities.
read in fullIllinois State Police Issue Gag Order
Jan 10, 2005 by Guest Blogger
A new Illinois State Police policy could silence whistleblowers that expose corruption, impropriety or wrongdoing within the police department by prohibiting employees from talking to news reporters.
read in fullWisconsin Speaker Pushing for New Sunshine Law
Jan 10, 2005 by Guest Blogger
A Wisconsin lawmaker recently proposed state “sunshine” legislation aimed at providing more transparency in the state’s contracting process. Currently, details about government contracts are not available to the public.
read in fullReclamation Officials Withhold Dam Safety Information
Dec 13, 2004 by Guest Blogger
The Bureau of Reclamation refuses to disclose safety details about the Jackson Lake Dam to a county official trying to verify his county is out of harm’s way. The Teton County Commissioner, Bill Paddleford, wants the information as part of the area’s emergency planning, which includes the city of Jackson.
read in fullCenter Sues FERC Over Restricted Energy Information
Dec 13, 2004 by Guest Blogger
The Center for Public Integrity (CPI) has filed a lawsuit against the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), claiming the agency illegally blocked access to documents relating to liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities throughout the country.
read in fullMinnesota Legislature Restricts Media Access to Polling Sites
Nov 15, 2004 by Guest Blogger
The Minnesota Legislature passed a law that greatly restricts media access to polling sites on election days. The law passed with bipartisan support just hours before the close of the 2004 legislative session. The law has been widely regarded as a "housekeeping" elections bill for Minnesota Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer, who requested the restrictions.
read in fullCalifornia Passes Prop. 59 in Win for Open Government
Nov 15, 2004 by Guest Blogger
California citizens passed a new open government proposal on Nov. 2 that embeds requirements for open records and meetings into the state constitution. The measure, Proposition 59, passed with 83 percent supporting it.
read in fullIndiana Open Records Audit Finds Improvement but Still Trouble
Nov 1, 2004 by Guest Blogger
A recent open records audit by eight Indiana newspapers found the state still needs to make significant improvements in order to comply with its own open records laws. Journalists found mixed results to inquiries in all of Indiana's 92 counties.
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