By Jim Condos COVID-19 has strained so many of our institutions over the last year. As our Vermont government agencies work to support our state through this crisis, we must always work to maintain the public’s right to know. Fortunately, in Vermont we have made great strides. Confidence in our public institutions is needed now […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition sent a letter today to Vermont representatives demanding more transparency within law enforcement agencies and describing changes that could be made to improve public oversight. “During the last several weeks, the issue of police brutality has risen in our […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition testified today in support of continued public access to Victim Compensation Board hearings in Vermont. The board decides who receives financial assistance from the state to help with losses resulting from certain crimes. House Bill 558 would exempt the […]
Coalition Encourages Lawmakers to Follow Recent Doyle Decision and Keep Free Inspection FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition recently testified against efforts in Vermont to charge fees for the inspection of public records. A Vermont Supreme Court decision last year held that citizens are able […]
The following are prepared remarks by NEFAC’s Michael Donoghue for the Jan. 16, 2020, hearing on charging fees for the inspection of public records in Vermont. Donoghue provided these comments as a representative for both NEFAC and the Vermont Press Association. Madame Chair and members of the Senate Government Operations Committee, good afternoon. My name […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition recently testified before a joint panel of Vermont Senate and House lawmakers about the public interest in promptly released information on persons arrested. The lawmakers called on representatives from state and local law enforcement and the media to provide […]
Today’s Decision Follows Amicus Brief Filed By NEFAC and Vermont Media Organizations FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition applauds a Vermont Supreme Court ruling released today that prevents citizens from being charged to inspect public records. “This is a major win for transparency in Vermont,” […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org After calls for disclosure by the New England First Amendment Coalition and other transparency advocates, the Vermont State Police recently ended more than two weeks of secrecy and provided the name of a teen driver involved in a fatal crash last month. “While the state […]
NEFAC Supports Effort of WCAX-TV Ownership to Provide Transparency, Reasoning Behind Ruling FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The Vermont Supreme Court today heard arguments about a sealed Superior Court ruling that addresses the state’s newly enacted reporter’s shield law. Gray Television, Inc., is seeking to unseal the decision which protected […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition will join other media and open government groups today for a press briefing at the Vermont Supreme Court, 111 State Street in Montpelier. The briefing will immediately follow arguments in a lawsuit brought by ACLU of Vermont that seeks […]