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Buffalo Common Council Procedures and How You Can Get Involved
Sarah Wooton — Jul 31, 2023
The Buffalo Common Council is the legislative branch of the City of Buffalo. The council meets every week to discuss city matters, including resident concerns. At PPG, we want you to know how the council works so that you can feel confident making your voice heard in council chambers.
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Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) Forms
Civil Rights and Transparency Clinic, University at Buffalo School of Law — Jan 26, 2023
This is the set of forms that accompanies the Self Help Guide: How to Submit a Freedom of Information Law Request Without a Lawyer.
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Self Help Guide: How to Submit a Freedom of Information Law Request (FOIL) Without a Lawyer
Civil Rights and Transparency Clinic, University at Buffalo School of Law — Jan 26, 2023
The ‘Self-Help Guide: How to Submit a Freedom of Information Law Request in New York without a Lawyer’ (the “Guide”) is for anyone who has requested information under the New York State Freedom of Information Law (FOIL). This Guide also assists users who have been improperly ignored, denied, or charged an unreasonable fee for their request for information. The Guide also provides the information you need when determining whether to pursue a pro se lawsuit and illustrates …
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Local Government Authority in Erie and Niagara County Website Report Card 2018
Buffalo Niagara Coalition for Open Government — Mar 13, 2018
In February of 2018, the Buffalo Niagara Coalition for Open Government evaluated the websites of fourteen local government Authorities in Erie and Niagara County The Buffalo Niagara Coalition for Open Government is a nonpartisan charitable organization comprised of journalists, activists, attorneys, educators, news media organizations, and other concerned citizens who value open government and freedom of information. Mission Statement:Through education and civic engagement, the Buffalo Niagara …
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Local Government Municipality Website Report Card 2018
Buffalo Niagara Coalition for Open Government — Mar 13, 2018
In 2017, the Buffalo Niagara Coalition for Open Government evaluated the websites of sixteen municipalities in Erie and Niagara County. The Buffalo Niagara Coalition for Open Government is a nonpartisan charitable organization comprised of journalists, activists, attorneys, educators, news media organizations, and other concerned citizens who value open government and freedom of information. Mission Statement:Through education and civic engagement, the Buffalo Niagara Coalition for Open …
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Freedom of Information: Federal and New York State Laws
Janette Clarke — May 2, 2009
The initial Freedom of Information Act was created so that the public could have greater access to records possessed by federal government agencies. President Linden B. Johnson signed the Act into law on July 4, 1966 and it went into effect the next year. While this Act applies only to federal agencies, all of the states have created similar statutes which require disclosure by state and local government agencies.
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Open Meetings Law
Alicia Giglio — Apr 26, 2009
By law, citizens have the right to attend meetings of public bodies, listen to the debates, and watch the decision-making process in action. These meetings are considered “open meetings.” Article seven of the New York State Public Officers Law is entitled, Open Meetings Law. This law lays out all of the requirements and exemptions for meetings held by public bodies. The Open Meetings Law went into effect in 1977.
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Integrity and Ethical Standards in New York State Government: Final Report to the Governor
Lou Jean Fleron, Lois Gray Jan 1, 1990
September 1990 letter from the New York State Commission on Government Integrity to Governor Mario M. Cuomo. “This letter constitutes the final report of the Commission on Government Integrity. The Commission was created by Executive Order 88.1 and directed to examine a wide variety of subjects concerning government integrity in New York State. Since its inception, the Commission has submitted 20 reports containing specific recommendations for reform of New York laws, …