In theory, public records belong to everyone. In practice, they often come with a price tag.
Cardinal News budgeted $5,000 last year to cover the costs of Freedom of Information Act requests, things like councilmembers’ internal emails, government contract information, public employee salary records and more. Sometimes these requests are fulfilled for free (we love it when that happens). But sometimes government agencies charge fees, anywhere from a few dollars to literally hundreds of dollars for one request.
This type of important investigative reporting takes time. It may take a Cardinal News reporter months of background work before a story involving these records is actually published.
Will you help us raise $5,000 this Sunshine Week to help fund this important work?
Help us unlock the facts. Donate now.
Thank you.