New: Michigan Coalition for Open Government (MiCOG)

Until two weeks ago, Michigan was one of only two states that didn't have an affiliate of the National Freedom of Information Coalition (NFOIC).  The founding of such an organization in Michigan is good news for people who have sought government records pursuant to federal or state Freedom of Information Acts (FOIA) and encountered obstacles.  Many have faced such difficulties as unwarranted denials of disclosure, unreasonable delays and prohibitive costs.

The Michigan group is led by Jane Briggs-Bunting.  She is a distinguished journalist, lawyer and educator.

Through NFOIC, MiCOG members will be able to apply for funds provided by the Knight Foundation to bring lawsuits against government agencies that evade their responsibilities under FOIA.  Any sums recovered go back into the pot for the benefit of others.  The MiCOG board and a national committee decide which cases are most appropriate for funding.

Statistics show that FOIA requests and legal actions have declined in recent years.  Is the public losing confidence in disclosure laws?  That would be truly regrettable.

The Knight Foundation is a private, non-profit foundation devoted to journalism and related innovation.  There are also programs for selected communities and the arts.  The Knights' newspaper investments began with the establishment of the Akron Beacon Journal in 1907.  Their charitable work grew from helping needy students with college expenses.

NFOIC describes itself as "...a nonpartisan alliance of citizen-driven nonprofit freedom of information organizations, academic and First Amendment centers, journalistic societies and attorneys"  and "...an education and outreach resource for state and local governments to counsel on transparency and open government issues, laws and legislation."

The national coalition was created in 1989.  It's located at the Reynolds Journalism Institute in Columbia, MO.  The executive director is Ken Bunting of the Missouri School of Journalism.

More information about MiCOG, including membership particulars, can be found at  http://miopengov.org/