Group letter urges New York governor to sign bill that would enhance transparency law

The National Freedom of Information Coalition joined Reinvent Albany in urging New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign a bill that would enhance the state’s Freedom of Information Law. “We are asking you to sign this bill into law as part of a new and sincere commitment to fostering greater transparency in our state,” reads […]

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New York coalitions see signs of progress in new transparency laws signed by governor

Government transparency took a few legislative steps forward this fall in New York, where the National of Freedom of Information Coalition has two member organizations. Starting Nov. 18, 2021, public bodies must post their meeting documents online, to the “extent practicable,” at least 24 hours before a meeting. The New York Coalition for Open Government, […]

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New York coalition insists on more transparency regarding Buffalo Bills football stadium plans

The New York Coalition For Open Government is demanding more transparency about negotiations to build a new stadium for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. The New York coalition is urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to release a study regarding the need and cost of a new stadium, and to provide opportunities for public […]

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Letter, signed by NFOIC, urges New York governor to publish COVID data

Ten open government groups, including the National Freedom of Information Coalition, signed a Sept. 7, 2021, letter urging New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to publish COVID-19 data. “Publishing COVID data in a tabular, downloadable, machine-readable format would help restore trust in state government and help researchers, journalists and the public to better understand the dire […]

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In announcing upgrades to Open Meetings Law, New York State Senate cites coalition’s study

In a press release announcing amendments to the state’s Open Meetings Law, the New York State Senate mentions the work of the New York Coalition for Open Government, which has reported widespread failure of local governments to post meeting documents online. “A recent study by the New York Coalition for Open Government (“Local Governments Struggle with […]

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Planning boards across New York State violate open meetings law, coalition’s study finds

In a March 2021 study of 20 town planning boards in New York State, only 25 percent posted meeting documents online as required by the New York Open Meetings Law. The New York Coalition for Open Government reviewed town websites across the state to determine if meeting documents were posted online before the meeting. The […]

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News Leaders Association honors First Amendment Award winners for advancing Freedom of Information principles

Journalists uncovered decades of New York police disciplinary records, detailed a university’s handling of sexual misconduct claims, and investigated deaths inside detention facilities. Their efforts have been recognized by the News Leaders Association, which announced its 2021 First Amendment Award recipients on May 12, 2021. The awards recognize “the best journalism advancing Freedom of Information […]

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NFOIC supports New York coalition’s effort to mandate the posting of public meeting minutes

The National Freedom of Information Coalition has endorsed a letter written by the New York Coalition for Open Government, urging the state to mandate that minutes of public meetings be posted online within two weeks of a meeting. “It is important to have a written record of who attended a meeting; what motions were made […]

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Reinvent Albany, NFOIC, others urge full transparency regarding COVID-19 in New York

Several organizations, including the National Freedom of Information Coalition and NFOIC member Reinvent Albany, in March wrote a letter urging New York leaders to provide full transparency about the COVID-19 emergency and the state’s response. “We are fully aware that the state’s response to the COVID-19 emergency has become controversial, and we are not calling […]

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Letter, signed by NFOIC, urges attorney grievance committee to make Giuliani’s disciplinary proceedings public

The public should have access to all records related to disciplinary proceedings pending against Rudy Giuliani, given the substantial public interest in Giuliani’s role in challenging the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. So says a letter written by the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. The National Freedom of Information Coalition and 31 […]

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