“Knowledge is power” is more than a truism. In any pursuit, we can be effective only when we are thoroughly informed.
The same is true of our government. We talk about giving power to the people, but that power starts with making it possible for people to find out what goes on in their government.
To enshrine and secure the people’s right to know, the federal government enacted the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) on July 4, 1966. The State of New York enacted its own version — the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) in 1974, and revised it in 1978.
It is hard to imagine anything more central to our democracy than protecting the public’s right to know. Journalists, advocates, and ordinary citizens have used our freedom of information laws to obtain data about government operations and have uncovered government mis-, mal- and non-feasance. This is the strength of an open government, and it is what enables us to maintain trust in our institutions: that no matter what, facts and the truth can be obtained.
National Freedom of Information Day is celebrated annually on or about March 16 — the birthday of James Madison, "Father of the United States Constitution." It is appropriate to join FOIA to President Madison, because ensuring that our citizens have the information they need to make wise decisions about our government is central to a properly functioning democracy.
Democracy depends on the truth; the truth, on accurate information; accurate information, on freedom of information laws.
MaryJane Shimsky
Assemblymember, 92nd District
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