League of Women Voters and CFOIC push for Colorado transparency ballot initiative

The recent meeting of the News Access & Literacy Task Force, organized by the League of Women Voters of Colorado, highlighted critical discussions surrounding government transparency and citizens' rights to information. The session featured Jeff Roberts, executive director of the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition (CFOIC), who emphasized the importance of open government laws in the state.

Linda Hutchinson, representing the League, opened the meeting by underscoring the organization's commitment to defending citizens' rights to know. She noted a troubling trend toward increased government opacity in Colorado and announced a collaborative effort to develop a ballot initiative aimed at enshrining transparency in the state constitution by 2026. This initiative reflects a growing concern among transparency advocates about the accessibility of government information.

Roberts elaborated on the role of CFOIC, a nonprofit dedicated to educating the public and journalists about their rights under Colorado's open government laws. He shared that the organization has responded to over 6,800 inquiries through its freedom of information hotline, which serves as a vital resource for both journalists and the public seeking clarity on their rights. Approximately 60% of these inquiries come from journalists, highlighting the ongoing need for media access to information in a democratic society.

The meeting also addressed the collaborative efforts between CFOIC and other organizations, such as Common Cause and the League of Women Voters, to advocate for stronger transparency laws. Roberts noted that recent years have seen a defensive stance against legislative efforts that threaten access to information, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance in protecting these rights.

As the meeting concluded, participants were encouraged to engage with the resources provided by CFOIC and to remain active in advocating for transparency in government. The discussions underscored the significance of open meetings laws and the ongoing efforts to ensure that citizens can hold their government accountable. The anticipated ballot initiative for 2026 represents a proactive step toward reinforcing these essential democratic principles in Colorado.