Step one.

Click on this state FOIA letter generator.

Step two.

Step three.

In the section that says, "Fee limit", put a dollar figure that is the maximum you are willing to pay for the records without further discussion with the agency from whom you are requesting records--in this case, the Office of the Governor in your state. It is not uncommon to enter a token figure such as $10.00.

Step four.

Print out the resulting letter and mail it to your governor's office. To make it even easier, try looking around on whatever website you find for your governor's office. If you find an e-mail address of someone who looks like they might be able to answer questions, e-mail that person and ask what the procedures are for filing an open records request with the governor's office by e-mail. Do your best to find the person designated to receive and respond to open records requests. This initial investigation will insure your open request is processed promptly and efficiently. On the other hand, if it is difficult to find someone to give your request to, that's an important part of the story you'll want to tell your readers. (See Educating blog readers about your state's FOIA process.)

Step five.

If you have any questions at all, either send an e-mail to Leslie Graves, John Washburn or Maverick, or call the Lucy Burns Institute at 608-255-0688. You can also join the State Sunshine Google Group. This e-group includes others who are working on this project. One of us can add you to this list of requestors or you can do that yourself.

See other ways we can help here.

See also:

Sunshine Blogger Project

FAQ about Sunshine Blogger Project

Note from John Washburn

Your Governor and Open Records

Governors, e-mail and open records

Educating blog readers about your state's FOIA process