by 
STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX – Senator Barbara McGuire has been named a Friend of the First Amendment and Supporter of the People’s Right to Know by the Arizona Newspaper Association (ANA) for her opposition to HB 2414, which would have added burdensome fees for public records requests.
“Senator McGuire was in agreement with ANA in our opposition to the language which was added in the form of a strike everything bill to HB 2414. This bill in its amended language would have added burdensome fees for Public records requests. Stakeholders had come to an agreement on the language which was to be offered but when this was not done, ANA had to oppose the bill in its current form. While this bill was eventually killed, Senator McGuire was in agreement with ANA and her support in opposing this legislation which would have limited access to public records and other information important to the public was greatly appreciated,” said Paula Casey, executive director of the Arizona Newspaper Association.
“We fully expect this bill to be reintroduced in the next session and hopefully it will pass with the agreed upon language from the stakeholders.
“Senator McGuire has always been an advocate for transparency and openness,” said Casey.
“I am honored to receive this award from the Arizona Newspaper Association,” said Sen. McGuire. “In order for the people of Arizona to have trust in their government they must have free access to see what their government is doing. Limiting access to public records runs counter to the tenets of democracy.
“I look forward to working with the ANA and all stakeholders in crafting legislation that maintains open access to public records without burdening the public or state agencies.”
There are news or informational items frequently written by staff or submitted to the Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner, Superior Sun, Pinal Nugget or Oracle Towne Crier for inclusion in our print or digital products. These items are not credited with an author.
by by