Q. The Animal Welfare League (AWL) in Chicago Ridge, IL is privately funded. However, fifty-three municipalities and Cook County contract with AWL to deliver animal sheltering and claim they do not fall under the Illinois FOIA. My argument is they are partially funded with government dollars. I sure would like guidance to where I can information if in fact they must answer a FOIA?
A. For an authoritative opinion, you might wish to to contact the Public Access Counselor (PAC) of the Illinois Attorney General's office. The PAC mediates disputes between members of the public and public bodies concerning FOIA requests. Additionally, the PAC investigates and issue opinions in response to "requests for review" submitted by members of the public when a FOIA request has been denied by a public body.