If you are an Arkansan, you should be worried. Whether you identify as conservative, liberal or otherwise, the current state government is working hard to hide information that rightfully belongs to the public.
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) varies from state to state. Many consider the FOIA laws in Arkansas to be the strongest in the country, but that is changing due to legislation proposed by Arkansas lawmakers.
These changes will allow the lawmakers to keep travel and security plans secret and make certain decisions behind closed doors.
The Arkansas Press Association explained it perfectly in a statement that said, “For all intents and purposes, this bill will eliminate the ability to hold our government accountable by shielding processes that provide essential context for decisions that affect millions of Arkansans.”
In addition, the Arkansas Citizens for Transparency (ACT), a coalition that works to protect FOIA in Arkansas, is suing Attorney General Tim Griffin for his attempts to block measures to get FOIA protections in the Arkansas Constitution.
In order to create an amendment, the group must get the measure on the ballot for Arkansans to vote on. Before that can happen, the attorney general needs to approve the proposed amendment’s title and description.
This part of the attorney general’s role ensures the wording of the ballot will not mislead the public. For example, a group could create a ballot that tricks the voter into thinking a vote yes is actually a vote no.
However, I think Griffin is using his power to shoot down measures he does not agree with, rather than using it to ensure Arkansans understand what they are voting for.
Griffin has been known to do this. Earlier this month, the Arkansans for Limited Government Committee tried to create a ballot measure about abortion access. The attorney general shot down the wording of this ballot multiple times.
Regardless of your stance on this issue, it should trouble you that the attorney general is rejecting ballot measures he disagrees with. If he finds the wording confusing, he can reject it but should substitute a better title. ACT’s lawsuit would make it harder for him to do this.
But why should you care?
First, FOIA makes information available and transparent, which makes politicians and officials act as if people are watching them. When we allow our government to act behind closed doors, we open them up to a world of corruption and deceit.
Second, FOIA allows journalists, lawyers and anyone else to request information the public may want to know. You may never find yourself submitting a FOIA request, but you have definitely read a shocking headline made possible by one.
Finally, the changes being made to FOIA will affect you, regardless of your political affiliation. You may agree with everything the current government is doing, but if Arkansas elects a liberal governor, will you agree with these provisions? Any lawmaker, regardless of political affiliation, should be held accountable for their actions.
If you are a citizen of Arkansas, I urge you to use your voice and your vote to protect FOIA.
Categories: Opinion
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