{ "muckrock_id": "176183", "agency": "Office of Government Information Services", "title": "To Whom It May Concern:", "first_date": "2024-11-12", "last_date": "2025-02-03", "sourceSearchUrl": "https://www.muckrock.com/foi/list/?q=176183", "route": "/foia/176183-office-of-government-information-services/", "messages": [ { "when": "2024-11-12 12:31:06", "file": "2024-11-12T12_31_06.770342 Communication.txt", "text": "To Whom It May Concern:\n\nPursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, I hereby request the following records:\n\nRequest for Comprehensive Directory of FOIA Contacts and Administrative Guidelines for Connecticut Government Agencies\n\nFOIA Request Text:\n\nTo the Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission,\n\nUnder the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act (C.G.S. Chapter 14, 1-200 through 1-242), I am requesting access to a complete, detailed directory of Freedom of Information (FOIA) contacts across all levels of Connecticut government, encompassing state, regional, and municipal agencies. This request seeks information critical for transparency and effective public access to information, including comprehensive contact and procedural details for FOIA administration across Connecticut government bodies.\n\nSpecifically, I am requesting the following information:\nA Comprehensive Directory of FOIA Officers:\n\nNames of all designated FOIA officers across Connecticut government agencies.\nTitles and positions held by each FOIA officer within their respective agencies.\nAgency Affiliations specifying the exact governmental body (e.g., department, division, office, municipality, or regional authority) each FOIA officer represents.\nDirect Contact Information for each FOIA officer, including both email addresses and phone numbers, to facilitate clear and direct communication for FOIA-related matters.\nRoles and Responsibilities specific to FOIA administration, including any official duties, procedural oversight, or compliance obligations that each FOIA officer or affiliated position holds under the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act.\nFOIA Procedural Documents and Compliance Guidelines:\n\nOrganizational Directories: Any existing documents, directories, or listings that provide an organized view of FOIA contacts, administrative hierarchies, or support personnel involved in FOIA request handling across Connecticut government.\nFOIA Process Documentation: Any documents, handbooks, or guidelines detailing Connecticut government FOIA processes, including protocols, timelines, and step-by-step procedures that Connecticut government agencies follow in handling FOIA requests.\nFOIA Compliance Requirements: Any standards, regulations, or guidelines that address compliance with Connecticuts FOIA laws, including record retention policies, processing times, appeal processes, redaction practices, and communication requirements that apply to Connecticut government agencies in the administration of FOIA.\nAdministrative and Training Resources:\n\nFOIA Training Manuals or Guides: Any documents used for training Connecticut government employees on FOIA compliance, including procedural and legal requirements, ADA compliance standards, and best practices for handling FOIA requests and appeals.\nCompliance Audits or Reviews: Any publicly available audits, assessments, or reviews that examine Connecticut agencies adherence to FOIA regulations, including agency-level compliance, common procedural issues, and areas for improvement identified in the administration of FOIA requests.\nThis request is designed to obtain a full scope of the FOIA administration infrastructure and regulatory adherence across Connecticuts state, regional, and municipal government entities, ensuring transparent and efficient public access to information.\n\nADA Accommodations Required for this Request\nDue to cognitive processing challenges resulting from a traumatic brain injury (TBI), I request that the following ADA accommodations be fully adhered to, without exception:\n\nEmail-Only Communication via MuckRock Platform: Please provide all responses, updates, and records exclusively through email. No phone calls, physical mail, or alternative communication portals should be used.\n\nDirect Text in Email Body: Embed all primary response text directly within the email body where feasible to allow for straightforward readability and access.\n\nPDF Attachments for Documents: If attachments are necessary, please provide documents as clearly labeled PDFs, organized by date and document type, with original formatting preserved to facilitate clarity and ease of navigation.\n\nSimplified Summaries for Complex Records: For documents containing complex legal, procedural, or technical language, include simplified summaries to enhance comprehension.\n\nNames and Contact Details of Responsible Personnel: For transparency and follow-up, provide the names, titles, and direct contact information of any FOIA officers, decision-makers, or supervisory personnel involved in processing this request.\n\nDetailed Justifications for Redactions and Denials: If any information is redacted or withheld, please include detailed explanations citing specific statutory exemptions per Connecticut General Statutes, Chapter 14, 1-200 through 1-242.\n\nExpedited Processing: Given the public interest in access to FOIA contacts and ADA accommodations compliance, I request expedited processing under Conn. Gen. Stat. 1-210(a) and 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(6)(E).\n\nConfirmation of Accommodation Compliance: Upon receipt of this request, please confirm that all accommodations will be followed in responses and communications.\n\nAdditional Requirements for Submitted Documents:\nTo further enhance accessibility and accountability, I request that all documents provided in response to this FOIA request be signed and include the name, title, and date of the responsible party. This ensures clarity and transparency in documenting responses.\n\nThank you for your attention to this request and for adhering to these ADA accommodations to support accessibility. I look forward to receiving your timely and comprehensive response within Connecticuts statutory FOIA response period.\n\nSincerely,\nDavid Medeiros\n\nThe requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.\n\nIn the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.\n\nThank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.\n\nSincerely,\n\nDAVID MEDEIROS" }, { "when": "2024-11-15 13:21:09", "file": "2024-11-15T13_21_09.951328 Communication.txt", "text": "Dear Mr. Medeiros,\n\n\nThank you for contacting the National Archives and Records Administration\n(NARA). The Operational FOIA Division office handles inquiries, FOIAs and\nPrivacy Act requests for NARAs operational records. NARA is not a\nrepository for state or municipal records. From your request it is\ndifficult to discern what records are sought from our agency. Your email\nstates that you request the following records: Request for Comprehensive\nDirectory of FOIA Contacts and Administrative Guidelines for Connecticut\nGovernment Agencies. However, it also appears to be addressed to the\nConnecticut Freedom of Information Commission. The FOIA statute does not\nrequire agencies to do research, answer questions, or analyze data. It\nallows you to request records that are clearly identified to enable an\nagency to conduct a search. If you believe NARA maintains the records you\nseek, please further perfect your request, so that we may process your FOIA\nor refer it to the proper office. In accordance to 1250.20\n you should include\nthe following information:\n\n\n\n 1.\n\n The agencies, offices, or individuals involved;\n 2.\n\n The approximate date(s) when the records were created;\n 3.\n\n The subject, title, or description of the records sought; and\n 4.\n\n Author, recipient, case number, file designation, or reference number.\n\nThank you,\n\n\n\n Operational FOIA Division\n\n 8601 Adelphi Road\n\n College Park, Maryland, 20740-6001\n\n 301-837-3642\n\n\n \n\n\n\n" }, { "when": "2024-11-15 19:57:43", "file": "2024-11-15T19_57_43.541910 Communication.txt", "text": "David Medeiros \nABI Resources, LLC \n39 Kings Highway, Suite C \nGales Ferry, CT 06335 \nDate: November 15, 2024 \n\nSubject: Formal Appeal for FOIA Non-Compliance, ADA Violations, and Constitutional Rights Infringement Request No. 2025-00481-FOIA-PHS \n\nTo: \nNatasha Taylor for Arianne Perkins \nDirector, Initial FOIA Requests \nOffice of the Secretary (OS) \nU.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) \n200 Independence Avenue, SW, Suite 729H \nWashington, DC 20201 \nEmail: HHS_FOIA_Public_Liaison@hhs.gov \n\nCC: \nOffice of Government Information Services (OGIS) \nNational Archives and Records Administration \n8601 Adelphi Road \nCollege Park, MD 20740-6001 \nEmail: ogis@nara.gov \n\n---\n\nIntroduction \n\nThis appeal addresses the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' failure to fulfill its statutory and constitutional obligations in processing my FOIA request, numbered 2025-00481-FOIA-PHS. This request pertains to Medicaid services for NPIs 1962278119 and 1023012345. Despite clear legal requirements under FOIA, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and constitutional principles, HHS improperly dismissed and referred my request to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services without justification and failed to meet my ADA accommodation requests. \n\nThis appeal asserts my rights under FOIA, the ADA, and the Constitution. It demands immediate corrective action to ensure compliance with the law, access to public records, and accountability required by taxpayers and citizens. The failure to process this request adequately violates my First, Fifth, and Fourteenth Amendment rights. \n\n---\n\nLegal and Constitutional Basis \n\nFirst Amendment: Right to Access Public Records \n\nThe First Amendment guarantees the public's right to access government records and engage in informed discourse. FOIA directly supports this principle by ensuring transparency in government operations. \n\nViolations: \nObstruction of Access: HHSs failure to process my request properly and the improper referral to CMS hindered my First Amendment right to oversee and scrutinize Medicaid program operations and public funds. This obstructs transparency and public accountability. \n\nFifth Amendment: Right to Due Process \n\nThe Fifth Amendment guarantees due process, including the right to a fair and transparent process in all matters involving government decisions. HHS's actions in closing the request and referring it without proper justification violate this right. \n\nViolations: \nArbitrary Closure: HHS closed the request without properly searching for or providing the requested records or justifying its referral to CMS. This constitutes an arbitrary decision, which violates the due process protections afforded under the Fifth Amendment. \n\nFourteenth Amendment: Equal Protection and ADA Compliance \n\nThe Fourteenth Amendment guarantees equal protection under the law, while Title II of the ADA ensures that individuals with disabilities have equal access to public services, including public records. \n\nViolations: \nFailure to Fulfill ADA Accommodations: HHS ignored explicit requests for accommodations, including email-only communication, accessible formats, and simplified summaries. This constitutes discrimination against a disabled individual and violates the Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection Clause. \nInaccessible Communication: Referring me to an inaccessible portal system denied me equal access to government records, in direct violation of the ADA and the Fourteenth Amendment. \n\nFOIA Statute (5 U.S.C. 552): Legal Right to Access Public Records \n\nThe FOIA statute mandates that federal agencies respond to public records requests promptly and in good faith. HHS failed to meet these standards by improperly referring my request and failing to justify its inaction. \n\nViolations: \nFailure to Process the Request: HHS referred the request to CMS without conducting a proper search or providing substantive records. This violates FOIA requirements. \nFailure to Provide Accountability: HHS did not provide the names or contact information of officials responsible for handling my request, which is an essential FOIA compliance requirement. \n\nTaxpayer Rights and Public Interest \n\nWhile not explicitly enumerated in the Constitution, taxpayers have a recognized right to oversee government spending. This principle is derived from democratic governance and transparency protections under the First Amendment. \n\nViolations: \nObstruction of Oversight: By failing to process my request for Medicaid records, HHS obstructed my ability as a taxpayer to monitor the use of public funds. \nFailure to Address Public Interest: The improper referral to CMS and lack of action delayed public accountability, allowing potential misuse of taxpayer money to continue unchecked. \n\n---\n\nSpecific Failures in the Processing of My Request \n\nImproper Referral to CMS \n\nHHS improperly referred my request to CMS without conducting a proper search of its own records. This referral was made without clear documentation, justification, or a new tracking number, violating FOIA's requirement for agency accountability. \n\nFailure to Fulfill ADA Accommodations \n\nHHS completely disregarded my ADA requests, including email-only communication, accessible formats, and simplified summaries. This failure violates the ADA and denies me equal access to government services. \n\nLack of Transparency and Accountability \n\nHHS failed to provide the names and contact information of responsible personnel for this request. This lack of transparency violates FOIAs accountability requirements. \n\n---\n\nDemands for Immediate Corrective Action \n\nTo remedy these violations, I demand the following: \n\nFull FOIA Compliance \nConduct a full search for all requested records and provide them promptly. \nProvide clear confirmation of CMSs involvement, including a new tracking number and expected timeline for resolution. \nFor any withheld records, provide clear, detailed justifications citing applicable FOIA exemptions under 5 U.S.C. 552. \n\nADA Compliance \nEnsure all future communications and records are delivered exclusively via email in screen-reader-compatible PDFs and simplified summaries. \nProvide the name, title, and contact information of the FOIA officer and any officials involved in processing this request. \n\nAccountability and Transparency \nProvide documented confirmation of CMSs receipt of the request and ensure they process it according to required standards. \nConduct an internal review to ensure compliance with FOIA and ADA obligations. \n\n---\n\nRequest for Expedited Processing \n\nIn accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(6)(E), I request expedited processing due to the urgency of Medicaid transparency and taxpayer accountability. Delays in processing impede public oversight and may allow fraud, waste, or abuse to continue unchecked. \n\n---\n\nConsequences of Non-Compliance \n\nIf these demands are not met by December 5, 2024, I will take the following actions: \nFile complaints with OGIS, DOJ Civil Rights Division, and OCR for FOIA and ADA violations. \nInitiate legal action under 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(4)(B) and ADA Title II to enforce compliance and seek damages. \nReport to media outlets and public advocacy groups to ensure accountability. \n\n---\n\nConclusion \n\nThis appeal asserts my constitutional rights to access public records, ADA accommodations, and oversight of taxpayer funds. I urge HHS to act immediately and provide a comprehensive, ADA-compliant response. \n\nThank you for your attention to this matter. \n\nSincerely, \nDavid Medeiros \nABI Resources \n\nCC: \nOffice of Government Information Services (OGIS) \nU.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division" }, { "when": "2024-12-04 11:14:21", "file": "2024-12-04T11_14_21.881125 Communication.txt", "text": "12.04.2024 Subject: Appeal Immediate Compliance Required with ADA Accommodations and FOIA Obligations\n\nDear FOIA Officer\nI am writing to formally reiterate my request for specific ADA accommodations and compliance with FOIA obligations, which are essential for my full participation in this process. These accommodations were explicitly requested to address accessibility needs stemming from my traumatic brain injury and to ensure compliance with federal law. To date, your office has failed to meet these requirements, resulting in undue barriers and systemic non-compliance.\n\nAccommodations Previously Requested\nThe following accommodations, explicitly outlined in prior communications, remain unfulfilled:\n\nExclusive Use of MuckRock Platform\n\nRequested: All communications must be routed exclusively through the MuckRock platform. No external portals, password-protected links, or alternate communication methods are acceptable.\nNon-Compliance: Communications have directed me to use external portals and password-protected links, violating ADA guidelines and my explicit requests.\nAccessible Document Formatting\n\nRequested: All documents must be provided as screen-reader compatible PDFs, properly labeled and indexed for ease of navigation and accessibility.\nNon-Compliance: Provided documents have not adhered to accessibility standards, preventing effective access to critical information.\nSimplified Summaries for Complex Records\n\nRequested: Simplified summaries must accompany all complex or technical records to enhance comprehension and ensure equitable participation.\nNon-Compliance: No summaries have been provided, creating unnecessary barriers to understanding the records.\nIdentification of Responsible Personnel\n\nRequested: Each communication must include the name, title, and role of the individual responsible for processing or responding to my requests.\nNon-Compliance: Correspondence has consistently lacked this information, hindering accountability and effective follow-up.\n\nImmediate Action Required\nTo rectify these ongoing failures and ensure compliance with federal laws, I demand the following actions be taken without delay:\n\nTransition All Communications to MuckRock\n\nImmediately cease the use of external portals or non-compliant communication methods and ensure all responses are routed exclusively through the MuckRock platform.\nProvide Accessible Documents\n\nReformat and resend all previously provided documents as screen-reader compatible PDFs, properly labeled and indexed to ensure accessibility.\nInclude Simplified Summaries\n\nProvide simplified summaries for all complex or technical records, both previously shared and in future communications, to ensure accessibility and equitable participation.\nIdentify Responsible Personnel\n\nInclude the name, title, and role of the individual responsible for every communication moving forward to ensure transparency and accountability.\nLegal Basis for Compliance\nYour office is legally obligated to comply with these accommodations under the following statutes and principles:\n\nAmericans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Title II, 42 U.S.C. 12132, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act mandate reasonable accommodations and accessibility in communications for individuals with disabilities.\nFreedom of Information Act (FOIA): 5 U.S.C. 552 requires transparency, accessibility, and adherence to procedural fairness.\nConstitutional Protections: The First, Fifth, and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution safeguard my rights to petition the government, due process, and equal protection under the law.\nExecutive Order 13392: Mandates improved agency disclosure of information to enhance transparency and accountability.\n\nDeadline for Compliance\nYour office must confirm compliance with these accommodations and provide the requested corrective actions within five (5) business days of this notice. Continued non-compliance will be documented as a violation of the ADA and FOIA and may result in escalation, including:\n\nFormal Complaints: Filing with the U.S. Department of Justice and the Office for Civil Rights.\nJudicial Remedies: Seeking injunctive relief and damages for ADA and FOIA violations.\nPublic Advocacy: Reporting systemic failures to oversight agencies, media, and advocacy organizations.\nConclusion\nThis communication serves as a final request for compliance. It is imperative that your office address these deficiencies promptly to restore transparency, accessibility, and adherence to federal law.\n\nThank you for your immediate attention to this matter. I look forward to your response and resolution by the stated deadline.\n\nSincerely,\nDavid Medeiros\nFounder, ABI Resources\nDB.42.131.Inf.\n\nCC\nFederal Officials\nMerrick B. Garland\n\nTitle: U.S. Attorney General\nContact: Department of Justice Contact Page\nKristen Clarke\n\nTitle: Assistant Attorney General, Civil Rights Division\nContact: Civil Rights Division Contact Page\nXavier Becerra\n\nTitle: Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)\nContact: HHS Contact Page\nChiquita Brooks-LaSure\n\nTitle: Administrator, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)\nContact: CMS Contact Page\nLisa M. Gomez\n\nTitle: Assistant Secretary, Employee Benefits Security Administration\nContact: EBSA Contact Page\nMichael E. Horowitz\n\nTitle: Inspector General, U.S. Department of Justice\nContact: DOJ OIG Contact Page\nChristi Grimm\n\nTitle: Inspector General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services\nContact: HHS OIG Contact Page\nGene L. Dodaro\n\nTitle: Comptroller General, U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO)\nContact: GAO Contact Page\nConnecticut State Officials\nNed Lamont\n\nTitle: Governor, State of Connecticut\nContact: Governor's Contact Page\nWilliam Tong\n\nTitle: Attorney General, State of Connecticut\nContact: Attorney General's Contact Page\nAndrea Barton Reeves\n\nTitle: Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS)\nContact: DSS Contact Page\nManisha Juthani, MD\n\nTitle: Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Public Health\nContact: DPH Contact Page\nJeffrey R. Beckham\n\nTitle: Secretary, Connecticut Office of Policy and Management\nContact: OPM Contact Page\nCongressional Oversight Committees\nHouse Committee on Oversight and Accountability\n\nChair: James Comer (R-KY)\nContact: Committee Contact Page\nSenate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs\n\nChair: Gary Peters (D-MI)\nContact: Committee Contact Page\nHouse Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties\n\nChair: Jamie Raskin (D-MD)\nContact: Subcommittee Contact Page\nSenate Judiciary Committee\n\nChair: Dick Durbin (D-IL)\nContact: Committee Contact Page" }, { "when": "2025-01-03 01:00:24", "file": "2025-01-03T01_00_24.752085 Communication.txt", "text": "To Whom It May Concern:\n\nI wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Nov. 15, 2024. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.\n\nThanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.\n\n\n" }, { "when": "2025-02-03 01:00:30", "file": "2025-02-03T01_00_30.823576 Communication.txt", "text": "To Whom It May Concern:\n\nI wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Nov. 15, 2024. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.\n\nThanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.\n\n\n" } ], "attachments": [ { "when": "", "file": "agency.txt", "bytes": 62, "sha256_16": "FFA4319F3A14BEB4", "hashScope": "Saved SHA-256 prefix (16 hex characters)", "requestId": "176183", "exportIndex": 1, "originalSha256": "ffa4319f3a14beb40c184a90941a6a803802e3d1dabbd1da35a91b9cd05ca076", "originalBytes": 62, "downloadSha256": "ffa4319f3a14beb40c184a90941a6a803802e3d1dabbd1da35a91b9cd05ca076", "downloadBytes": 62, "downloadUrl": "/foia-files/ffa4319f3a14beb40c184a90941a6a803802e3d1dabbd1da35a91b9cd05ca076/attachment.txt", "delivery": "original file", "classification": "export-metadata", "originalBasename": "agency.txt", "sourceFileRelativePath": "agency.txt" } ] }