Governor Baldacci Ceremonially Signs LD 2111, Announces Web Site for Freedom of Access Information

June 28, 2006

CONTACT: Crystal Canney, 287-2531 (cell) 557-5968

Dan Cashman, 287-2531 (cell) 837-4821

AUGUSTA – Governor John E. Baldacci ceremonially signed LD 2111 Wednesday afternoon, An Act to Implement the Recommendations of the Freedom of Access Advisory Committee.

Senator Barry Hobbins, (D-Saco), Senate Chair of the Judiciary Committee joined the Governor for the ceremonial signing.

“It’s important that there is, and will continue to be, a clear understanding of the Freedom of Access Act,” said Governor Baldacci. “It’s important that what we do as public officials is transparent and can be seen by the public.”

The legislation establishes the Right to Know Advisory Committee. Among the duties of the committee, it will ensure that access to public records and proceedings will be up to date and will advise the legislature on issues pertaining to public access.

Representatives from InforME were also in the Governor’s Office for the ceremonial signing. InforME operates the Maine state website and has designed a site for the Maine Freedom of Access Act. Among the features of the site are information on how to make a request, Frequently Asked Questions, state contacts for Freedom of Access and related websites. The new site can be found at www.maine.gov/foaa