FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 2010
Back

Adjust Text Size

Pennsylvania Freedom of Information Coalition Honors Senator Pileggi for New Open Records Law 

PHILADELPHIA – The Pennsylvania Freedom of Information Coalition today honored Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi for his work in enacting a strong new Open Records Law in Pennsylvania. 

"As a group that helps citizens understand and use the state's open records and open meetings law, we are honoring Senator Pileggi's leadership in getting the new Right-to-Know Law passed," said Kim de Bourbon, executive director of the PaFOIC. "Senator Pileggi and Unionville-Chadds Ford school board member Keith Knauss are both being recognized for their work in the service of open government." 

The Pennsylvania Freedom of Information Coalition was founded in 2005 by journalists, librarians, attorneys, educators and community group leaders. The organization is dedicated to protecting the right of all citizens to obtain public information from local and state government officials.  

"I believe that transparency builds trust in government, and that a strong Open Records Law is the true foundation of government reform in Pennsylvania," Senator Pileggi said in accepting the award. "Many people doubted that we could rewrite Pennsylvania's 50-year-old law, but because of the determined work of a lot of people, our Open Records Law is now being looked at as a model for other states." 

In 2009, its first year of operation, the Office of Open Records handled more than 1,100 appeals. "I think that shows the pent-up demand in Pennsylvania for a strong Open Records Law," said Senator Pileggi. "I am honored to have played a role in accomplishing that task." 

The award was presented to Senator Pileggi at a luncheon in the Inquirer / Daily News building in Philadelphia. The guest speaker was Mark Bowden, author of Black Hawk Down, Killing Pablo, and The Best Game Ever. 

More information about Senator Pileggi and state issues is available at www.SenatorPileggi.com and www.facebook.com/SenatorPileggi. More information about the Pennsylvania Freedom of Information Coalition is available at www.pafoic.com.
 

Contact:

Erik Arneson
(717) 787-4712