Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Project Overview/Background:

The Freedom of Information Action (FOIA) is one of chief importance to a journalist. It ensures transparency at all levels of government and public business.

According to FOIA.gov, “The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a law that gives you the right to access information from the federal government. It is often described as the law that keeps citizens in the know about their government.” Journalists can use this to mine for information about entities of public interest. They can look at incomes and expenditures, and if there is a discrepancy of any sort, it gives them the lead to chase down the story that is undoubtedly there. Likewise, if an entity reports a certain bit of information, it can be verified by filing a FOIA Request. At the end of every business day at State, each entity must file a Financial Disclosure form. These forms are public. 

Your Task/Requirements:

Utilize the Financial Disclosure forms to look for stories. Report incomes and expenditures in order to keep the citizenry of State more informed about what their elected officials are doing. In order to do this, you will have to go the office of each county and other entity to request the form.

Resources:

• http://www.foia.gov/
• Kansas Sample FOIA Request

Notes: This is the Financial Disclosure