Connecticut Council on Freedom of Information
Minutes, March 20, 2026
The regular monthly meeting was via Zoom.
Present: Michele Jacklin, Tom Sheffey, Jacqueline Smith, Mary Connolly, Mitch Pearlman, Chris Powell, Mike Savino, Jeff Daniels, Jodie Gil, Katherine Revello, David DesRoches, Paul Bass, Liz Gemski, Paula Pearlman, Russell Blair.
Minutes for the Feb. 20, 2026 monthly meeting and the March 9, 2026 legislative update meeting were accepted.
Legislative update: Gemski said the legislative committees are continuing their work and reporting out bills. The legislation advocated by teachers to exempt their home addresses from public disclosure has moved forward and was extended to other employees. In talking to legislators, she hears a “push and pull” between maintaining FOI access to public information and respecting concerns about privacy and public safety. She said legislators have heard those concerns and want to respond.
President’s report: Jacklin announced she does not plan to seek another term as president. She wants to remain on the board, however. Officers are elected at the annual meeting in June.
Annual awards event: Jacklin suggested we consider a new approach to this event, usually scheduled in June. We generally honor several reporters for their recent work and several legislators for their support of the Freedom of Information Act. It is an expensive event. There was discussion of partnering with another organization on a similar event. The discussion will continue.
Treasurer’s report: Smith reported a balance of $9,592. The board agreed at the February monthly meeting to schedule a special meeting to discuss finances and fundraising strategies. Smith said she will send a report on finances and fundraising before the meeting. Savino will send out a Doodle Poll to find the best day for a meeting during the week of May 11-15.
Looking ahead: The next CCFOI monthly meeting will be Friday, April 17, at 9 a.m. via Zoom. A finance meeting is expected to be scheduled during the week of May 11-15.