Shine A Light

It’s a time when newspapers, press organizations and journalists extol the virtues of open government and promote the importance of access to public information.

Freedom of information isn’t just a press issue. It is a cornerstone of democracy, enlightening and empowering people to play an active role in their government at all levels. It is relevant to every American.

Open access to government helps keep public officials honest, makes government more efficient and provides a check against abuse of power.

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis said it best when he referred to the benefits of openness and transparency in government: “Sunlight is the best disinfectant.”