FOIA is a Fundamental Right

Valerie O'Donnell | December 12, 2014 | 0 Comments

B37ntz-CEAEEhBy Illinois lawmakers are attempting to disarm the Freedom of Information Act. The FOIA is a fundamental right for citizens of the United States. The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. § 552, is a federal freedom of information law that allows for the full or partial disclosure of previously unreleased information and documents controlled by the United States government. It allows us to see what lawmakers are doing. For our small business – access to information on how money is being spent – how much and with whom is vital – it’s a lifeline. For the broader audience – it’s a voter’s simple right to access the truth.

For small businesses that “fight” for a chance to compete, “fight” to get competitive pricing, “fight” for inclusion initiatives – we will now have to fight blindfolded. Access to information is power – if passed, they will remove a fundamental lifeline.

I believe that FOIA is an imperative disclosure right protected by the laws of our government. As tax paying citizens – without FOIA – we will have NO idea who is spending what, when, where and how.

Election platforms of politicians often stand on “open government”, “transparency” and “change” – they are about to eliminate HUGE access to transparency and open government. Their excuse on releasing FOIA records is “it’s too much work” and “too costly”. On a good day, FOIA is a difficult beast to contend with. Finding the FOIA record keeper is the best-kept secret in town. Once uncovered – obtaining information can take weeks, months or NEVER – to get requested documents released. Most agencies are understaffed and underfunded. Adding fees will further harm small businesses.

I hope the citizens take a look, take a stand, and contact their legislators to put some teeth into protesting against this. If this is put into effect – the government will increase their ability to do whatever they want. Take a look at more:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/stantis/chi-foia-follies-20141202-story.html

http://www.nfoic.org

I’m no rocket scientist, but this cannot be good for tax paying citizens. It’s said that ignorance is bliss – in this case, “our” ignorance could be “their” bliss.