The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a federal law allowing the public to access government records. However, every state has its own FOIA, but could be named differently.
Recently, Arkansas Governor Sanders called a special session to overhaul Arkansas’s Freedom of Information Act. Arkansas has very strong FOIA laws in favor of the people.
A scaled-down version of the bill passed, but not everything in the original bill passed. Arkansas people will lose their rights to access information about what their government is doing. And that’s the point. It’s also the point of the bill’s intent, the original bill, and what Republicans wanted to do.
To many Arkansas people, this is not a partisan issue, Republican or Democrat. People across political parties agree that what makes Arkansas strong is that the people rule in Arkansas.
Public Record Matters
Here is a snippet of what’s baked into the Arkansas Republicans platform:
We firmly support transparency and openness at every level of government. Those elected, appointed, and employed in government work for the taxpayers of this state and must provide public information when requested, in line with Arkansas’s Freedom of information Act.
And the people can’t rule if the people can’t find out what’s happening. How their government is spending money, and what they’re doing with their tax dollars.
It’s essential for “we the people” to access information that states might be keeping. This is fundamental to democracy, it’s not partisan—the public record matters. It’s pro-democracy.
If Republicans try to roll back your state’s equivalence to FOIA under the guise of “increasing efficiency,” know that is not true. That is part of the government’s job. Keeping the people informed.
Call Your Senators And Representatives
If you see this coming to your state, here’s a script you can use to call your representatives and make sure they know what you think and care about:
Hi, I’m a constituent calling from [zip code]. My name is _______.
I want to strongly oppose the bill attempting to limit <your state’s name for FOIA> in <your state>.
This issue is of the utmost importance to me, and will be something I strongly consider when I go to the ballot box next year.
Scripts like these are standard. They are not mean or threatening. Your vote is the leverage you have. Any important issue to you needs to be considered when you vote. Also, share them with other people so they too can vote for what’s important.
Also, your senators and representatives who are for the issues that are important to you, show them you’re with them by calling or emailing them that you’re glad for their support on important issues.
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