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
Subject: Follow-Up: FOIA Request for Directory of FOIA Contacts and Guidelines (Submitted 11/12/2024)
To: Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission
Dear FOIA Officer,
I am following up on my Freedom of Information Act request submitted on November 12, 2024, requesting access to a comprehensive directory of FOIA contacts and administrative guidelines for Connecticut government agencies. As of today, November 26, 2024, I have not received acknowledgment of receipt or any communication regarding the status of my request.
Violation of Statutory Deadlines
Under the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act (C.G.S. 1-210(a)), public agencies are required to acknowledge FOIA requests within four business days of receipt. Your lack of response is a direct violation of this statutory obligation and undermines transparency.
Failure to Comply with ADA Accommodations
This request includes specific ADA accommodations due to cognitive processing challenges related to my traumatic brain injury (TBI). These accommodations are required under the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. 12132; 28 C.F.R. 35.160) and were explicitly outlined in my initial request:
Email-only communication via the MuckRock platform.
Responses embedded in email bodies for clarity.
Simplified summaries for complex documents.
Accessible PDFs for attachments.
Your failure to confirm or implement these accommodations constitutes non-compliance with federal law, further impeding my access to public records.
Next Steps
To address these deficiencies, I respectfully request the following by December 4, 2024:
Acknowledgment of Receipt: Confirm when my FOIA request was received and clarify why acknowledgment was not provided within statutory deadlines.
Updated Status: Provide an update on the processing status of my request, including an estimated completion date.
Confirmation of ADA Compliance: Commit to adhering to the accommodations outlined in my request.
If this matter is not resolved promptly, I will escalate my concerns to the appropriate oversight authorities, including federal agencies responsible for ADA enforcement and FOIA compliance.
Please confirm receipt of this email and provide a full response addressing the issues outlined above.
Sincerely,
David Medeiros
ABI Resources, LLC
215 Mountain St.
Willimantic, CT 06226
Date: January 1, 2025
To: Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission (FOIC)
Subject: Escalated FOIA Appeal: Immediate Compliance Required Directory of FOIA Contacts and Administrative Guidelines
Introduction
This appeal addresses the Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission's (FOIC) failure to comply with my Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request dated November 12, 2024. My request sought records essential for ensuring transparency in Connecticut's government operations, specifically a comprehensive directory of FOIA contacts and administrative guidelines for all Connecticut government agencies. This appeal also asserts violations of constitutional, whistleblower, taxpayer, and ADA rights.
The failure to acknowledge or respond to my request violates the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act (C.G.S. 1-200 through 1-242), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.), and the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 794). I demand immediate action to rectify these violations and provide the requested records.
Violations and Legal Basis for Appeal
1. Statutory Non-Compliance with FOIA Deadlines
Under C.G.S. 1-210(a), public agencies must acknowledge FOIA requests within four business days and provide timely updates on processing. FOIC has failed to:
Acknowledge receipt of my FOIA request submitted on November 12, 2024.
Provide an estimated completion date or status update, violating statutory deadlines.
Demand:
I demand written acknowledgment of my request, including confirmation of the records status, an estimated completion date, and reasons for delay. Failure to meet statutory deadlines undermines transparency and accountability.
2. Non-Compliance with ADA Accommodations Request
This request includes explicit ADA accommodations to address cognitive processing challenges resulting from my traumatic brain injury (TBI). These accommodations are legally required under Title II of the ADA (42 U.S.C. 12132) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 794).
Requested ADA Accommodations
To ensure accessibility and compliance with ADA standards (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.), I request the following accommodations for all communications and records:
Screen-Reader Compatible Formats
All documents must be provided in properly labeled PDFs or plain-text files.
Ensure the documents are screen-reader compatible and retain clear formatting.
Exclusive MuckRock Platform Communication
All communications must occur via the MuckRock platform.
Do not send external links, emails, portals, passwords, codes, or require phone calls for access.
Text Embedded in Email Bodies
Key information must be embedded directly in the email body to facilitate comprehension.
Simplified Summaries
Provide plain-language summaries for complex or legal documents to ensure clarity.
Identification of Responsible Officers
Include the full name, title, and contact information of all responsible officers handling this request.
Non-Negotiable Compliance
These accommodations are non-negotiable and are essential for ensuring equal access to information. Any failure to provide the requested accommodations may constitute a violation of the ADA and the Rehabilitation Act. Thank you for ensuring compliance and accessibility in addressing this request.
Violations:
FOIC has failed to confirm or implement these accommodations, constituting discrimination under 28 C.F.R. 35.160. This failure obstructs my ability to access and review public records, violating federal disability rights laws.
Demand:
I demand immediate written confirmation that FOIC will adhere to my requested ADA accommodations in all future communications and responses. Continued failure to comply with the ADA will result in escalation to federal enforcement authorities, including the Department of Justices Civil Rights Division.
3. Whistleblower and Taxpayer Protections
Transparency in government operations is critical to protecting whistleblower rights and ensuring the ethical use of taxpayer funds. FOICs refusal to provide requested records violates:
Connecticut FOIA: Mandates transparency in public agency operations.
Federal Whistleblower Protection Act (5 U.S.C. 2302(b)(8)): Protects individuals exposing fraud, waste, or abuse in government programs.
Taxpayer Rights: Ensures accountability in the use of public funds.
Demand:
FOIC must disclose all requested records, particularly those documenting compliance and transparency within Connecticuts government agencies. Any refusal to release these records must include a detailed explanation citing specific statutory exemptions.
4. Constitutional Violations
FOICs actions violate my constitutional rights under:
First Amendment: Guarantees public access to information necessary for government accountability.
Fourteenth Amendment: Ensures equal protection and prohibits discrimination, including failure to provide ADA accommodations.
Case Law Supporting Appeal:
NARA v. Favish, 541 U.S. 157 (2004): Affirms the publics right to access records to ensure government transparency.
Alexander v. Choate, 469 U.S. 287 (1985): Enforces equal access for individuals with disabilities.
DOJ v. Reporters Committee, 489 U.S. 749 (1989): Establishes transparency as a cornerstone of democratic governance.
Demand:
FOIC must uphold its constitutional obligations by providing the requested records and adhering to ADA accommodations.
Requested Actions
Acknowledgment of Receipt: Provide written confirmation of my FOIA request and reasons for the lack of acknowledgment to date.
Status Update and Timeline: Deliver a detailed status update, including an estimated completion date for my request.
ADA Compliance Confirmation: Certify adherence to my ADA accommodations for all future communications and records.
Immediate Record Production: Fulfill my FOIA request or provide specific legal justifications for any redactions or withholdings, citing applicable exemptions under C.G.S. 1-210(b).
Identification of Responsible Personnel: Include the names, titles, and contact information of FOIA officers handling this request.
Consequences of Continued Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with this appeal within five (5) business days will result in:
Administrative Complaints: Filing complaints with oversight bodies, including the Connecticut FOIC and federal ADA enforcement agencies.
Judicial Remedies: Initiating litigation to enforce my rights under FOIA, the ADA, and the Rehabilitation Act.
Public Advocacy: Reporting systemic non-compliance to media and public interest organizations to ensure accountability.
Conclusion
This appeal is submitted in good faith with the expectation of prompt and lawful resolution. FOIC must address its statutory, constitutional, and ethical obligations to ensure transparency and accessibility.
I anticipate a complete response to this appeal, including confirmation of compliance with all legal requirements, within five (5) business days.
Sincerely,
David Medeiros
Founder, ABI Resources
cc:
Alina M. Semo, Director, Office of Government Information Services (OGIS)
Kristen Clarke, Assistant Attorney General, DOJ Civil Rights Division
Xavier Becerra, Secretary, HHS
Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, Administrator, CMS
William Tong, Attorney General, State of Connecticut
Andrea Barton Reeves, Commissioner, Connecticut DSS
CC: Congressional Oversight Committees, DOJ Civil Rights Division, OGIS, and relevant stakeholders.
Copies To:
Office of the Attorney General, Connecticut
Connecticut Department of Social Services
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Office of Government Information Services (OGIS)
CC: Oversight and Accountability Authorities
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Title: Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) (Nominated)
Email: kennedy.robert@hhs.gov
Office Address: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 200 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20201
Phone: (877) 696-6775
Kash Patel
Title: Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (Nominated)
Email: kash.patel@fbi.gov
Office Address: FBI Headquarters, 935 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20535-0001
Phone: (202) 324-3000
Dr. Mehmet Oz
Title: Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) (Nominated)
Email: dr.oz@cms.hhs.gov
Office Address: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21244
Phone: (800) 633-4227
Vivek Ramaswamy
Title: Co-Chair, Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)
Email: vivek.ramaswamy@doge.gov
Office Address: Department of Government Efficiency, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20500
Phone: (202) 456-1414
Elon Musk
Title: Co-Chair, Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)
Email: elon.musk@doge.gov
Office Address: Department of Government Efficiency, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20500
Phone: (202) 456-1414
State of Connecticut
Ned Lamont
Title: Governor of Connecticut
Phone: (860) 566-4840
Email: governor.lamont@ct.gov
William Tong
Title: Attorney General of Connecticut
Phone: (860) 808-5318
Email: attorney.general@ct.gov
Andrea Barton Reeves
Title: Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS)
Phone: (860) 424-5053
Email: andrea.bartonreeves@ct.gov
Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission (FOIC)
Phone: (860) 566-5682
Email: foi@ct.gov
Matthew S. Antonetti
Title: Legal Director, Connecticut Department of Social Services
Phone: (860) 424-5386
Email: matthew.antonetti@ct.gov
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Xavier Becerra
Title: Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Phone: (202) 690-7000
Email: HHS_FOIA@hhs.gov
Chiquita Brooks-LaSure
Title: Administrator, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Phone: (410) 786-3000
Email: FOIA_Request@cms.hhs.gov
Lisa Pino
Title: Director, Office for Civil Rights (OCR), HHS
Phone: (800) 368-1019
Email: ocrmail@hhs.gov
Emmett Nicholson
Title: Senior Medicaid Compliance Official, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Phone: (410) 786-7623
Email: emmett.nicholson@cms.hhs.gov
Michelle A. James
Title: Medicaid Oversight Official, CMS
Phone: (410) 786-3033
Email: michelle.james@cms.hhs.gov
U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
Merrick B. Garland
Title: Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice
Phone: (202) 514-2000
Email: doj.oag@usdoj.gov
Kristen Clarke
Title: Assistant Attorney General, Civil Rights Division
Phone: (202) 514-4609
Email: civilrights.justice@usdoj.gov
Michael E. Horowitz
Title: Inspector General, DOJ Office of Inspector General
Phone: (202) 514-3435
Email: oig.hotline@usdoj.gov
Priscilla Jones
Title: Supervisory Administrative Specialist, Office of Information Policy (OIP)
Phone: (202) 514-3642
Email: oip.foia@usdoj.gov
Michael G. Seidel
Title: Section Chief, Record/Information Dissemination Section, FBI
Phone: (202) 324-3000
Email: foipaquestions@fbi.gov
Alina M. Semo
Title: Director, Office of Government Information Services (OGIS), National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
Phone: (202) 741-5770 | Toll-Free: 1-877-684-6448
Email: ogis@nara.gov
Congressional Oversight Committees
James Comer
Title: Chair, House Committee on Oversight and Accountability
Phone: (202) 225-5074
Email: oversightpress@mail.house.gov
Gary Peters
Title: Chair, Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Phone: (202) 224-2627
Email: committee@hsgac.senate.gov
Jamie Raskin
Title: Chair, House Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
Phone: (202) 225-5341
Email: civilrights@mail.house.gov
Dick Durbin
Title: Chair, Senate Judiciary Committee
Phone: (202) 224-2152
Email: judiciary@senate.gov
Rosa DeLauro
Title: Ranking Member, House Appropriations Committee
Phone: (202) 225-3661
Email: appropriations@mail.house.gov
Bernie Sanders
Title: Chair, Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee
Phone: (202) 224-5141
Email: helpcommittee@senate.gov
Catherine Lhamon
Title: Chair, U.S. Commission on Civil Rights
Phone: (202) 376-7533
Email: contact@usccr.gov
Richard Blumenthal
Title: Senator, Connecticut
Phone: (202) 224-2823
Email: blumenthal@senate.gov
Chris Murphy
Title: Senator, Connecticut
Phone: (202) 224-4041
Email: murphy@senate.gov
Sincerely,
David Medeiros
Founder, ABI Resources
DB.42.131.Inf. https://www.ctbraininjury.com/blog/tags/db-42-131-inf
https://x.com/ABIresources/status/1866212331279339765 https://www.youtube.com/@ABI.RESOURCES-CT-ABI-MFP-CARE/videos?view=0&sort=dd&shelf_id=2
Reference: OPM ID # 24-85 A-2025-00307 FCC-FOIA-2025-000358-A FIC 2024-0683 R000748-102524 2025-F-01035 R000354-102024 R000737-102024 AD2414036 A-2025-00351 2025-00027-A-PHS A-2025-00395 2025-00434-FOIA-OS A-2025-00393 OPM ID # 24-83 A-2025-00393 2025-00446-FOIA-PHS A-2025-00399 A-2025-00392 25-00142-FOIA PRI-25-023 2025-00032-A-PHS 110620247022 24-86 AD2414644 R000770-110424 2025-F-01651 A-2025-00467 A-2025-00401 2025-00481-FOIA-PHS 112020247009 112020247039 2025-00024-A-OS A-2025-00420 25-00044-F A-2025-00069 A-2025-00469 OPM ID# 24-88 & 89 2025-00638-FOIA-OS AP-2025-001FOIA-2025-00562FOIA-2025-00563 EMRUFOIA111524 F-2025-03523 2025-00574-FOIA-PHS 145-FOI-21320 OPM ID #24-94 25-OIG-177 FOIA-2025-01054FOIA-2025-01052 EMRUFOIA120324-7 FOIA-2025-01053 OPM ID #24-95 FOIA-2025-01056 EMRUFOIA120324-7 FOIA-2025-01055FOIA-2025-01057 R005487-120324 2025-01079-FOIA-PHS 2025-01078-FOIA-PHS FOIA-2025-056 PRI-25-045 FOIA-2025-01060FOIA-2025-01059FOIA-2025-060FOIA-2025-01203 EMRUFOIA121324 #FOIA-2025-063 11034 539330-JBZ, 539298-RJM, 534659-XGL, 534094-QZH, 534069-BRQ, 534060-HWM, 533252-GXC, 535276-FSL, 532832-MJV, 532674-QMM, 532671-PPV, 532667-DRF, 523966-VSF, 497211-PFB, 490797-TJJ, 489456-MCB, 490814-TPF, 490215-DKH, 478957-DPX, 478956-NSD, 473045-JNW, 452335-DDT, 413343-FZP, 405540-ZXW, 397760-PRZ, 395050-TWW, 392179-NCW, 385105-BPN, 376153-JVL, 357494-WND, 354718-LTZ, 275528-PKR, 301882-TRG, 327008-WFC, 339860-FQG, 352533-WJH.6779 7959 17303 17304 3033 5282 14733 6577 10 10527 3519 28368 8560 63 3814 4923 4126 6612 4809 4850 35673 74 239 4850 3519 166 10661 14578 239 3033 4923 166 4850 6779 14733 3519 166 4850 10661 14578 3033 4923 166 6779 4850 166 3519 152 4121 10661 74 3033 239 5282 4850 14733 4923 4850 6612 4923 10672 63 6959 115 35673 10661 239 74 6779 3033 239 4923 166 3519 3033 14578 35673 166 4297 14 3519 5123 287 35673 14 59 3519 287 14733 4809 23077 4923 74 4735 4850 2667 3519 796 59 166 856 22238 35673 14 10835 3033 239 4297 3519 14733 796 3519 856 35673 22005 5123 59 4923 3033 239 14733 166 4297 3519 35673 5123 59 3124 14578 7683 74 10661 3033 239 7982 14587 2667 4121 287 129 11109 856 3519 59 2667 35673 22238 2667 11034: Commission on Fiscal Stability and Economic Growth 6779: Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities 7959: Senate Office of Public Records 17303: Republican State Central Committee Of Connecticut 17304: Connecticut House Of Representatives 3033: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services 5282: Office of the State Comptroller 14733: Office Of Policy And Management 6577: Office of State Ethics 10: Federal Bureau of Investigation 10527: Federal Communications Commission Office of the Inspector General 3519: Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division 28368: Department Of Labor 8560: Department of Public Health - Medical Examining Board 63: Department of Labor 3814: Department of Consumer Protection 4923: Department of Social Services 4126: Department of Economic and Community Development 6612: Department of Public Health 4809: Office of the Governor 4850: Office of the Attorney General - Connecticut 35673: Department Of Justice 74: Department of Health and Human Services 239: Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services 166: Department of Justice, Disability Rights Division 10661: Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General 14578: Department Of Health And Human Services, Office For Civil Rights 152: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 4121: Government Accountability Office 10672: Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division 6959: Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs 115: Department of Justice, Criminal Division 4297: Department of Justice, Civil Division 14: U.S. Department of State 5123: Director, Office of Information Policy 287: Office of Government Information Services 59: Department of Justice, Office of Information Policy 23077: CT Freedom Of Information Agency 4735: Department of State, Office of the Inspector General 2667: Office of Special Counsel 796: Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General 856: Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General 22238: U.S. Department Of Justice 10835: Department of Health and Human Services 22005: Department Of Justice Office Of Administration 3124: Department of Health 7683: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration 7982: Office of Special Counsel, Office of General Counsel [APPEALS] 14587: Office Of The Special Counsel Of Robert Mueller 129: National Archives and Records Administration 11109: Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia OPM FCC FIC DOJ DOL DSS CMS HHS CDC GAO OSC OIG PHS DPH DOT DOGE Department of Government Efficiency CHRO FOIA FOIC DI-25-000310DI-25-000325DI-25-000379
DI-12192024714 DI-12112024134 FBI
Good afternoon Mr. Medeiros,
I am writing regarding your FOIA request copied below. I understand that you did not receive a response from the Commission when you wrote in on November 12, 2024, I apologize for any oversight on our part.
The Commission does not maintain a comprehensive directory of FOIA officers across state and municipal government. To my knowledge, many towns and state agencies have this information readily available on their websites, but we do not audit or keep track of such information and there is no requirement under the Freedom of Information Act for them to have that information published on their website. An FOIA request can be sent to any representative of the public agency that maintains the requested records.
The Commission has a repository of training materials available on its website. As the training officer for the FOIC I also conduct trainings on site for state and local government officials to help them better understand their obligations under the Freedom of Information Act.
I've attached to this email some of the information that we publish about the FOIA and the FOIC that may be relevant to your interests. If you would like to make a more specific request I'd be happy to help with that.
I do see that you have requested only email communication, however if it is possible to have a phone conversation or a conversation via Microsoft Teams or Zoom (I believe those would offer captioning) it might help us to make progress on providing you with what you are seeking.
Best,
Russell Blair
Director of Education & Communications
Freedom of Information Commission
860-256-3968
russell.blair@ct.gov<mailto:russell.blair@ct.gov>
01/02/2025
Good afternoon Mr. Blair,
Thank you for acknowledging my request and for your attention to my previous correspondence. I want to clarify that my request is specific to FOIA contacts and related policies for the following 18 key Connecticut state departments and agencies only:. To clarify further, I am specifically requesting the following comprehensive FOIA-related information for the 18 Connecticut state departments and agencies listed below:
Departments/Agencies
Office of the Governor
Office of the Attorney General
Department of Social Services (DSS)
Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO)
Connecticut General Assembly (CGA)
Department of Administrative Services (DAS)
Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP)
Department of Public Health (DPH)
Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD)
Office of Policy and Management (OPM)
Department of Labor (DOL)
Department of Children and Families (DCF)
Department of Aging and Disability Services (ADS)
Department of Education (DOE)
Department of Housing (DOH)
Judicial Branch
Office of the Comptroller
Department of Consumer Protection (DCP)
Specific Information Requested
FOIA Representatives Details
Full Names of all designated FOIA employees.
Professional Government Email Addresses for official communication.
Titles and Positions held within their respective departments/agencies.
Phone Numbers (direct or departmental) for FOIA-related inquiries.
Physical Office Addresses where FOIA-related matters are handled.
Responsibilities: A description of the roles and duties of these representatives in FOIA administration.
Total Number of FOIA Representatives
The exact count of FOIA representatives for each of the 18 listed departments/agencies.
FOIA Policies and Guidelines
Policies on FOIA representatives identifying themselves to requesters.
Requirements or policies ensuring ADA compliance in handling FOIA requests, particularly accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
Purpose and Compliance
This information is essential for public access and transparency regarding FOIA processes in Connecticut. Additionally, I am seeking clarification on policies that ensure FOIA administration is handled in a manner compliant with state and federal laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
ADA Accommodations for this Request
ADA Accommodations Request
This request includes explicit ADA accommodations to address cognitive processing challenges resulting from my traumatic brain injury (TBI). These accommodations are legally required under Title II of the ADA (42 U.S.C. 12132) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 794).
Requested ADA Accommodations
To ensure accessibility and compliance with ADA standards (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.), I request the following accommodations for all communications and records:
Screen-Reader Compatible Formats
All documents must be provided in properly labeled PDFs or plain-text files.
Ensure the documents are screen-reader compatible and retain clear formatting.
Exclusive MuckRock Platform Communication
All communications must occur via the MuckRock platform.
Do not send external links, emails, portals, passwords, codes, or require phone calls for access.
Text Embedded in Email Bodies
Key information must be embedded directly in the email body to facilitate comprehension.
Simplified Summaries
Provide plain-language summaries for complex or legal documents to ensure clarity.
Identification of Responsible Officers
Include the full name, title, and contact information of all responsible officers handling this request.
Non-Negotiable Compliance
These accommodations are non-negotiable and are essential for ensuring equal access to information. Any failure to provide the requested accommodations may constitute a violation of the ADA and the Rehabilitation Act. Thank you for ensuring compliance and accessibility in addressing this request.
Justifications for Redactions: Provide detailed explanations citing specific legal exemptions for any redacted or withheld information.
Expedited Processing and Confirmation
Given the public interest in FOIA transparency and the necessity for ADA compliance, I request expedited processing of this request. Additionally, please confirm receipt of this request and compliance with the ADA accommodations outlined above.
Thank you again for your cooperation and assistance. I look forward to receiving your response within the statutory timeline.
Sincerely,
David Medeiros
Founder, ABI Resources
DB.42.131.Inf. https://www.ctbraininjury.com/blog/tags/db-42-131-inf
https://x.com/ABIresources/status/1866212331279339765 https://www.youtube.com/@ABI.RESOURCES-CT-ABI-MFP-CARE/videos?view=0&sort=dd&shelf_id=2
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.
Good Morning,
I will refer you to Russell Blair and he will be in touch with you.
Linda Fasciano
Administrative Assistant
Freedom of Information Commission
Good morning,
As I stated below, the Commission does not maintain a comprehensive directory of FOIA officers across state and municipal government. To my knowledge, many towns and state agencies have this information readily available on their websites, but we do not audit or keep track of such information and there is no requirement under the Freedom of Information Act for them to have that information published on their website. An FOIA request can be sent to any representative of the public agency that maintains the requested records. Most state agencies are transitioning to the GovQA platform that allows for FOI requests to be made online.
Best,
Russell Blair
Director of Education & Communications
Freedom of Information Commission
860-256-3968
russell.blair@ct.gov<mailto:russell.blair@ct.gov>
