Ensuring Open and Honest Government
“It is the public policy of this State that public bodies exist
to aid in the conduct of the people’s business and that the people
have a right to be informed as to the conduct of their business.”
(5 ILCS 120/1)
Attorney General Lisa Madigan believes that an open, honest and accountable
government, the cornerstone of a democracy, can only be achieved through
the free and open exchange of information between government and its citizens.
Both the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Open Meetings Act (OMA)
endeavor to open the workings of government to the public, shed light
on government actions and, in the process, strengthen our democracy. Similarly,
the newly enacted government ethics laws are intended to increase government
accountability. The Office of the Attorney General is committed to ensuring
compliance with these laws and increasing awareness by both the public
and public officials of their rights and obligations under them.
On the following pages, you will find information on the work of the
Attorney General’s Public Access and Opinions Division, including
the newly established Public Access Counselor, to promote compliance with
these laws. You will also find detailed information to assist members
of the public and public officials in navigating FOIA and OMA. Additionally,
you will find background information on the recently enacted ethics laws.
Ensuring Open and Honest Government links
and documents:
Public Access Counselor
Ethics and Public Integrity
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