FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org
MAY 9 LETTER
The New England First Amendment Coalition joined a group of Rhode Island open government advocates today to insist that certain transparency protections are required for the state’s Long Term Care Coordinating Council.
The council develops state policy concerning all forms of long-term health care for the elderly and adults with chronic disabilities and illnesses. Legislation — recently passed by the House — would allow the council to meet exclusively online.
In a May 9 letter drafted by the ACLU of Rhode Island and addressed to Council Chairwoman and Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos, the group explained that:
• To the extent that advisory bodies are given the ability to meet remotely, it is crucial that certain basic guardrails missing from this legislation be in place to ensure appropriate public access to the meetings.
• Those guardrails should be addressed comprehensively rather than one public body at a time.
“We are especially reluctant to see this provision pass in light of the precedent it would set for other public bodies to seek similar accommodations,” the groups wrote. “We therefore strongly urge you to eliminate the ‘remote meeting’ portion of the bill if and when it is considered in the Senate.”
NEFAC is the region’s leading advocate for the First Amendment and the public’s right to know about government. All coalition briefs, advocacy letters and statements can be found here.
NEFAC was formed in 2006 to advance and protect the Five Freedoms of the First Amendment, including the principle of the public’s right to know. We’re a broad-based organization of people who believe in the power of an informed democratic society. Our members include lawyers, journalists, historians, academics and private citizens.
Our coalition is funded through contributions made by those who value the First Amendment and who strive to keep government accountable. Please make a donation here.
NEFAC is supported by the Estate of Gloria Negri. Additional funding is provided by Leadership Circle donors including the Rhode Island Foundation, The Boston Globe, Paul and Ann Sagan, and the Robertson Foundation. Major Supporters of NEFAC’s work are Hearst Connecticut Media Group, Boston University, the Academy of New England Journalists, Connecticut Public, WCVB-Boston and WBUR-Boston.