Sangamon Sun

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FOIA Request to State of Illinois Department of Agriculture Regarding State Agency Contracts with Vendors on March 24, 2025.

As part of our commitment to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, we at Sangamon Sun have submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the State of Illinois Department of Agriculture. Our request seeks documentation and details concerning the fulfillment of contractual obligations for all contracts executed or modified between this state agency and their vendors during January of the 2023 fiscal year.

Specifically, we are interested in records that verify the scope of work performed, deliverables completed, and any reports or evaluations related to these contracts. Access to these public records is crucial for us to fulfill our professional responsibilities, which include holding public institutions accountable and ensuring transparency for the public.

As members of The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization dedicated to investigating state and federal governmental agencies, we leverage Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws to shed light on government actions. This initiative helps inform the American electorate by pulling back the curtain on governmental operations.

We believe that as media professionals involved in gathering and reporting news to the public, we are eligible for a fee waiver for this request. We await a response from the State of Illinois Department of Agriculture and are prepared to address any questions they may have regarding our request.