To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, I hereby request the following records:
Request for Comprehensive Directory of FOIA Contacts and Administrative Guidelines for Connecticut Government Agencies
FOIA Request Text:
To the Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission,
Under 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.
Specifically, I am requesting the following information:
A Comprehensive Directory of FOIA Officers:
Names of all designated FOIA officers across Connecticut government agencies.
Titles and positions held by each FOIA officer within their respective agencies.
Agency Affiliations specifying the exact governmental body (e.g., department, division, office, municipality, or regional authority) each FOIA officer represents.
Direct Contact Information for each FOIA officer, including both email addresses and phone numbers, to facilitate clear and direct communication for FOIA-related matters.
Roles 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.
FOIA Procedural Documents and Compliance Guidelines:
Organizational 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.
FOIA 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.
FOIA 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.
Administrative and Training Resources:
FOIA 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.
Compliance 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.
This 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.
ADA Accommodations Required for this Request
Due to cognitive processing challenges resulting from a traumatic brain injury (TBI), I request that the following ADA accommodations be fully adhered to, without exception:
Email-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.
Direct Text in Email Body: Embed all primary response text directly within the email body where feasible to allow for straightforward readability and access.
PDF 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.
Simplified Summaries for Complex Records: For documents containing complex legal, procedural, or technical language, include simplified summaries to enhance comprehension.
Names 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.
Detailed 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.
Expedited 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).
Confirmation of Accommodation Compliance: Upon receipt of this request, please confirm that all accommodations will be followed in responses and communications.
Additional Requirements for Submitted Documents:
To 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.
Thank 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.
Sincerely,
David Medeiros
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In 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.
Thank 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.
Sincerely,
DAVID MEDEIROS
Dear Mr. Medeiros,
Thank you for contacting the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). The Operational FOIA Division office handles inquiries, FOIAs and
Privacy Act requests for NARAs operational records. NARA is not a
repository for state or municipal records. From your request it is
difficult to discern what records are sought from our agency. Your email
states that you request the following records: Request for Comprehensive
Directory of FOIA Contacts and Administrative Guidelines for Connecticut
Government Agencies. However, it also appears to be addressed to the
Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission. The FOIA statute does not
require agencies to do research, answer questions, or analyze data. It
allows you to request records that are clearly identified to enable an
agency to conduct a search. If you believe NARA maintains the records you
seek, please further perfect your request, so that we may process your FOIA
or refer it to the proper office. In accordance to 1250.20
<https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-36/section-1250.20> you should include
the following information:
1.
The agencies, offices, or individuals involved;
2.
The approximate date(s) when the records were created;
3.
The subject, title, or description of the records sought; and
4.
Author, recipient, case number, file designation, or reference number.
Thank you,
<https://www.archives.gov/>
Operational FOIA Division
8601 Adelphi Road
College Park, Maryland, 20740-6001
301-837-3642
<https://www.archives.gov/foia> <foia@nara.gov>
<https://www.archives.gov/foia/contacts>
<https://www.archives.gov/foia/electronic-reading-room>
<https://www.archives.gov/ogis/resources>
David Medeiros
ABI Resources, LLC
39 Kings Highway, Suite C
Gales Ferry, CT 06335
Date: November 15, 2024
Subject: Formal Appeal for FOIA Non-Compliance, ADA Violations, and Constitutional Rights Infringement Request No. 2025-00481-FOIA-PHS
To:
Natasha Taylor for Arianne Perkins
Director, Initial FOIA Requests
Office of the Secretary (OS)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
200 Independence Avenue, SW, Suite 729H
Washington, DC 20201
Email: HHS_FOIA_Public_Liaison@hhs.gov
CC:
Office of Government Information Services (OGIS)
National Archives and Records Administration
8601 Adelphi Road
College Park, MD 20740-6001
Email: ogis@nara.gov
---
Introduction
This 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.
This 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.
---
Legal and Constitutional Basis
First Amendment: Right to Access Public Records
The 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.
Violations:
Obstruction 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.
Fifth Amendment: Right to Due Process
The 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.
Violations:
Arbitrary 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.
Fourteenth Amendment: Equal Protection and ADA Compliance
The 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.
Violations:
Failure 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.
Inaccessible 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.
FOIA Statute (5 U.S.C. 552): Legal Right to Access Public Records
The 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.
Violations:
Failure to Process the Request: HHS referred the request to CMS without conducting a proper search or providing substantive records. This violates FOIA requirements.
Failure 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.
Taxpayer Rights and Public Interest
While 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.
Violations:
Obstruction 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.
Failure 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.
---
Specific Failures in the Processing of My Request
Improper Referral to CMS
HHS 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.
Failure to Fulfill ADA Accommodations
HHS 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.
Lack of Transparency and Accountability
HHS failed to provide the names and contact information of responsible personnel for this request. This lack of transparency violates FOIAs accountability requirements.
---
Demands for Immediate Corrective Action
To remedy these violations, I demand the following:
Full FOIA Compliance
Conduct a full search for all requested records and provide them promptly.
Provide clear confirmation of CMSs involvement, including a new tracking number and expected timeline for resolution.
For any withheld records, provide clear, detailed justifications citing applicable FOIA exemptions under 5 U.S.C. 552.
ADA Compliance
Ensure all future communications and records are delivered exclusively via email in screen-reader-compatible PDFs and simplified summaries.
Provide the name, title, and contact information of the FOIA officer and any officials involved in processing this request.
Accountability and Transparency
Provide documented confirmation of CMSs receipt of the request and ensure they process it according to required standards.
Conduct an internal review to ensure compliance with FOIA and ADA obligations.
---
Request for Expedited Processing
In 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.
---
Consequences of Non-Compliance
If these demands are not met by December 5, 2024, I will take the following actions:
File complaints with OGIS, DOJ Civil Rights Division, and OCR for FOIA and ADA violations.
Initiate legal action under 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(4)(B) and ADA Title II to enforce compliance and seek damages.
Report to media outlets and public advocacy groups to ensure accountability.
---
Conclusion
This 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.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
David Medeiros
ABI Resources
CC:
Office of Government Information Services (OGIS)
U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division
12.04.2024 Subject: Appeal Immediate Compliance Required with ADA Accommodations and FOIA Obligations
Dear FOIA Officer
I 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.
Accommodations Previously Requested
The following accommodations, explicitly outlined in prior communications, remain unfulfilled:
Exclusive Use of MuckRock Platform
Requested: All communications must be routed exclusively through the MuckRock platform. No external portals, password-protected links, or alternate communication methods are acceptable.
Non-Compliance: Communications have directed me to use external portals and password-protected links, violating ADA guidelines and my explicit requests.
Accessible Document Formatting
Requested: All documents must be provided as screen-reader compatible PDFs, properly labeled and indexed for ease of navigation and accessibility.
Non-Compliance: Provided documents have not adhered to accessibility standards, preventing effective access to critical information.
Simplified Summaries for Complex Records
Requested: Simplified summaries must accompany all complex or technical records to enhance comprehension and ensure equitable participation.
Non-Compliance: No summaries have been provided, creating unnecessary barriers to understanding the records.
Identification of Responsible Personnel
Requested: Each communication must include the name, title, and role of the individual responsible for processing or responding to my requests.
Non-Compliance: Correspondence has consistently lacked this information, hindering accountability and effective follow-up.
Immediate Action Required
To rectify these ongoing failures and ensure compliance with federal laws, I demand the following actions be taken without delay:
Transition All Communications to MuckRock
Immediately cease the use of external portals or non-compliant communication methods and ensure all responses are routed exclusively through the MuckRock platform.
Provide Accessible Documents
Reformat and resend all previously provided documents as screen-reader compatible PDFs, properly labeled and indexed to ensure accessibility.
Include Simplified Summaries
Provide simplified summaries for all complex or technical records, both previously shared and in future communications, to ensure accessibility and equitable participation.
Identify Responsible Personnel
Include the name, title, and role of the individual responsible for every communication moving forward to ensure transparency and accountability.
Legal Basis for Compliance
Your office is legally obligated to comply with these accommodations under the following statutes and principles:
Americans 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.
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA): 5 U.S.C. 552 requires transparency, accessibility, and adherence to procedural fairness.
Constitutional 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.
Executive Order 13392: Mandates improved agency disclosure of information to enhance transparency and accountability.
Deadline for Compliance
Your 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:
Formal Complaints: Filing with the U.S. Department of Justice and the Office for Civil Rights.
Judicial Remedies: Seeking injunctive relief and damages for ADA and FOIA violations.
Public Advocacy: Reporting systemic failures to oversight agencies, media, and advocacy organizations.
Conclusion
This 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.
Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter. I look forward to your response and resolution by the stated deadline.
Sincerely,
David Medeiros
Founder, ABI Resources
DB.42.131.Inf.
CC
Federal Officials
Merrick B. Garland
Title: U.S. Attorney General
Contact: Department of Justice Contact Page
Kristen Clarke
Title: Assistant Attorney General, Civil Rights Division
Contact: Civil Rights Division Contact Page
Xavier Becerra
Title: Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Contact: HHS Contact Page
Chiquita Brooks-LaSure
Title: Administrator, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Contact: CMS Contact Page
Lisa M. Gomez
Title: Assistant Secretary, Employee Benefits Security Administration
Contact: EBSA Contact Page
Michael E. Horowitz
Title: Inspector General, U.S. Department of Justice
Contact: DOJ OIG Contact Page
Christi Grimm
Title: Inspector General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Contact: HHS OIG Contact Page
Gene L. Dodaro
Title: Comptroller General, U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO)
Contact: GAO Contact Page
Connecticut State Officials
Ned Lamont
Title: Governor, State of Connecticut
Contact: Governor's Contact Page
William Tong
Title: Attorney General, State of Connecticut
Contact: Attorney General's Contact Page
Andrea Barton Reeves
Title: Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS)
Contact: DSS Contact Page
Manisha Juthani, MD
Title: Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Public Health
Contact: DPH Contact Page
Jeffrey R. Beckham
Title: Secretary, Connecticut Office of Policy and Management
Contact: OPM Contact Page
Congressional Oversight Committees
House Committee on Oversight and Accountability
Chair: James Comer (R-KY)
Contact: Committee Contact Page
Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Chair: Gary Peters (D-MI)
Contact: Committee Contact Page
House Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
Chair: Jamie Raskin (D-MD)
Contact: Subcommittee Contact Page
Senate Judiciary Committee
Chair: Dick Durbin (D-IL)
Contact: Committee Contact Page
To Whom It May Concern:
I 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.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
To Whom It May Concern:
I 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.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
Export files and attachment inventory
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