[il-talk] Fw: Bring transparency to Illinois government

[CONCERNED CITIZENS OF PARATRANSIT]

ACLU
----- Original Message ----- 
From: ACLU of Illinois 
To: concernedcitizens at cometlink.com 
Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2009 11:00 AM
Subject: Bring transparency to Illinois government


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      Dear Debbie,

      One of the keys to assuring accountability and transparency in our government is timely and appropriate access to public records and information. Senate Bill 189 would modernize and strengthen Illinois' outdated Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Open Meetings Act (OMA), adding enforcement provisions to ensure that the public has meaningful access to public records. 

      Join us in urging Governor Quinn to sign Senate Bill 189 into law without amendment.

      A recent report by the Better Government Association and National Freedom of Information Coalition gave Illinois a failing grade on overall responses to Freedom of Information requests. Too often, the convenience of government agencies takes precedence over Illinoisans' right to access public records and information making Illinois government less transparent and accountable.

      Senate Bill 189 would task the Public Access Counselor, within the Attorney General's office, with coordinating requests and ensuring compliance by government agencies. It would also establish a variety of penalties for noncompliance, adding teeth to Illinois' current open records and meeting laws. No longer could public bodies simply ignore legitimate requests for information without fear of recourse. Senate Bill 189 would put the onus on these agencies to comply.

      Please write to Governor Quinn today, and ask him to sign Senate Bill 189 into law without amendment.

      Together we can help make Illinois government more open and more accessible.

      Sincerely,

      Allie Carter
      Senior Field Manager


      
     
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