Just days left to make NY more transparent

Gov. Cuomo can shine light on state government [New York Civil Liberties Union]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( URGENT: Tell Gov. Cuomo to stand up for government transparency [TAKE ACTION]( Share this: [Facebook share sidebox]( [Twitter share sidebox]( [Email share]( If you forward, the links will open to a page with your personal information. Dear {NAME}, Information is power. That’s why our state Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) is so important. It gives the public a right to government records and to glimpse behind the bureaucratic curtain. Yet too often government agencies won’t hand over what is legally required. They delay, they dodge, or they outright refuse. Now there is a bill on Gov. Cuomo’s desk that would change that – but he has just days left to decide whether to sign it. [TAKE ACTION: Tell Gov. Cuomo to make government agencies think twice before hiding critical information from the public](. State lawmakers overwhelmingly passed a bill earlier this year that makes it less costly and time consuming to hold government accountable. It makes government agencies reimburse your legal fees if they don’t comply with FOIL law and you can only get the records by taking them to court. Government bureaucrats know most people and organizations simply don’t have the time or thousands of dollars needed to win a FOIL lawsuit. They bet on this when they unlawfully withhold information and hide behind red tape. If a government agency values secrecy more than the law, they should pay the price. [Don’t let Gov. Cuomo give state and local agencies a pass on public disclosure – Tell him to sign this FOIL legislation NOW](. The NYCLU has long used FOIL to uncover essential information, whether about police departments, schools, hospitals or other government agencies across the state. For example, New Yorkers had no idea the NYPD was using controversial cell phone spying devices called Stingrays – and without a warrant – until we brought it to light thanks to FOIL. Secrets like this shouldn’t remain secret just because agencies think they can flout disclosure rules. Thank you for advancing transparency and accountability, [Donna Lieberman] Donna Lieberman Executive Director [New York Civil Liberties Union]( [Defend liberty, equality & justice. Become a member »]( If you forward, the links will open to a page with your personal information. © New York Civil Liberties Union • 125 Broad Street • New York, NY 10004 This email was sent to: {EMAIL} [Privacy Statement]( | [Unsubscribe](