SPJ statement on records fees

Jan. 28, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Mark Pitsch, president, Madison pro chapter, Society of Professional Journalists; 608-252-6145

In response to news reports that Rep. Garey Bies is introducing a bill that would require requestors to pay fees for blacking out information in public records, the Madison pro chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists issued the following statement:

“Amending the state’s records law to let public agencies charge fees to black out certain information amounts to a tax on public information. Maintaining, reviewing and redacting records is a government function for which tax dollars are already allocated. Passage of Rep. Bies’ proposal will discourage the public from seeking records and limit government transparency.”

–30–

About spjmadisononline

The Society of Professional Journalists Madison Pro Chapter
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