Injustice in the Upper Peninsula

F.O.I.A. "Freedom of Information Act"

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Our author of the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the Constitution of the United States is quoted as saying:

"A popular government, without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy - or perhaps both. Knowledge will forever govern ignorance, and a people who mean to be their own governor's must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives."

~ James Madison

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* Michigan Open Meetings Act 267 of 1976

The 1970s brought policy makers at the federal level and in many of the states to a renewed commitment to making government institutions "by and for the people." Several initiatives, including greater access to decision-making bodies and freedom of access to information, were embodied in public laws. Michigan's efforts resulted in passage of the Open Meetings Act and the Freedom of Information Act. Both public acts ensure that government will not be conducted in the proverbial "smoke-filled back rooms." The deliberation of public policy in the public forum provides an important check and balance in our system of government.

Closed sessions are allowed only for the limited purposes stated in Section 8 of the act.

Click here for Section 8 of the act.

* Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

* What is a FOIA?

* Your rights to governmental documents * Also see "State of Michigan FOIA" below.

* The Open Meetings Act & The Freedom of Information Act described in full along with court rulings

* Making the FOIA Work for You

* Example of a FOIA

You have a statutory right to inspect Michigan's public records using the state's Freedom of Information Act.

The Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Public Act 442 of 1976, regulates and sets requirements for the disclosure of public records by all public bodies in the state. In general, all records except those specifically cited as exceptions are covered by the FOIA.

* MDNR FOIA

* MDEQ FOIA

* State of Michigan FOIA

* Federal FOIA's

* EPA FOIA's

"The marvel of all history is the patience with which men and women

submit to burdens unnecessarily laid upon them by their governments."

~ William H. Borah

Summary of Michigan FOIA laws:

http://www.michigan.gov/ag/O,1607,7-164-17337_18160-51242--,00.html

Michigan Legislature; FOIA

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