The Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council supports the advice issued today by the State Justice Department regarding public meetings in the era of the coronavirus.
The department advises public bodies to continue providing notices of public meetings, while conducting them via conference calls or remote access that the public can join in on. It also says public bodies may need to accommodate people for whom remote access may be difficult or impossible. We think this is a safe and responsible way to proceed.
The Council recognizes the need for changes in how public bodies operate, and it appreciates the efforts being made to continue providing public access even for meetings that the public cannot physically attend.�
We acknowledge the important work being done by those who serve on public bodies across the state, especially during this critical time, and applaud their efforts to operate in as open and transparent a manner as possible. That will serve all of Wisconsin well.
Bill Lueders, president