#10 - FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

 Protecting the Freedom of Information Act

    The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) was passed in 1966 in order to give the public access to federal records upon request. Simplified, the FOIA ensures informed citizens and keeps these citizens "in the know" about their government. When a request is made by someone towards any federal agencies, these agencies are required to disclose any information unless it falls under one of the nine exceptions. These exceptions include protecting personal privacy, national security, and law enforcement. In addition to fulfilling these requests, the FOIA requires that federal agencies continuously post certain categories of information online. 

   

    The basis of the Freedom of Information Act seems simple enough, yet even now some states and cities seem to have a hard time following the rules of the FOIA. On March 31, the Little Rock House committee approved House Bill 1280 which allows cities and county boards to meet in private when discussing pitches for economic development deals. This news may not come as a shock to many people seeing as the mayor, his top aides, and PR people have repeatedly denied FOI requests. In fact, there were no recent produced for these requests until the mayor, Frank Scott Jr., announced them at a City Board meeting.

    I personally think this is a direct infringement on the Freedom of Information Act because it is removing the ability for the public to have access to the federal documents as they wish. Of course, privacy is needed for anyone and I do believe that the government does have a right to reserve some information if it is not fully ready to be disclosed, but refusing FOI requests and then passing this bill seems to be outside of that exception. I think it would be a good idea for the public to use their voice against this and try to take back some of their right to have access to these publications and information.

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