Connecticut Council on Freedom of Information
Minutes, Feb. 17, 2016
The meeting was at Wood-n-Tap, 99 Sisson Ave., Hartford.
Present: Jim Smith, Chris Powell, Dan Klau, Michele Jacklin, Dana Whalen, John
Bailey, Marc Fitch, Zach Janowski, George Lombardi, Mitch Pearlman, Dick Ahles, Gary Gold, Mary Connolly, Colleen Murphy, Paula Pearlman.
The minutes of the Jan. 20, 2016 meeting were accepted.
Treasurer’s report: Lombardi reported a balance of $9,592.24 and distributed an updated dues payment report.
Legislative report: Bailey reported two committees are considering legislation regarding the UConn Foundation and its lack of transparency. He said CCFOI should be developing testimony for hearings as well as connecting with allies on this issue. There also is legislative interest in ensuring a public process for the UConn budget, contrary to what is now practiced. The proposal for making historic records available to the public is making progress. The coalition is growing in support of CTN becoming a C-SPAN model supported by cable subscribers.
Murphy reported that the governor’s proposed budget would cut the Freedom of Information Commission’s budget by $243,000, a serious blow.
CFOG First Amendment project: Mitch Pearlman reported on an ongoing project to reach high school and college students on the First Amendment. It will start with a symposium still being planned.
Looking ahead: The next CCFOI meeting will be March 16 at noon at Wood-n-Tap.