Professionalism in Action: A Model FOIA Response from Governor Pritzker’s Office

Professionalism in Action: A Model FOIA Response from Governor Pritzker’s Office

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As we continue tracking and publishing public records responses tied to systemic accountability, it’s just as important to spotlight proper procedure as it is to expose obstruction and systemic corruption.

So, a gold star goes to Governor JB Pritzker’s office he is the gold standard for Illinois procedure and all should have followed his example in Illinois.

Why? Because they followed the law. And in today’s climate, that’s rare enough to deserve acknowledgment.

The Governor’s office requested a timely 5-day extension and then issued a burdensome exemption response, all within the statutory boundaries of the Illinois FOIA Act.

No missed deadlines

No altered timestamps

No unconstitutional denials

No improper falsified procedural dodge

Just process. As it should be.

In contrast to public agencies and elected officials currently ignoring FOIA timeline requests, falsifying receipt logs, or suppressing civil speech through unconstitutional delay, this response demonstrates that professionalism and legal compliance are still possible even in denial.

Accountability doesn’t always begin with confrontation. Sometimes, it starts with someone simply doing their job the right way.

FOIA TIMELINE: Governor JB Pritzker’s Office Showing Full Statutory Compliance

Initial FOIA Request Submitted

Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Time: 12:59 PM CT

Action: FOIA request submitted by F’nAround Media to the Office of the Governor.

Five-Day Extension Invoked (Statutory Compliance)

Date: Thursday, May 29, 2025 before end of business day 5

Time: 11:01 AM CT

Action: Governor’s office formally requested a five-business-day extension under Illinois FOIA law (5 ILCS 140/3(e)).

Response Issued: Burdensome Request Citation

Date: Monday, June 2, 2025 before end of business day 2

Time: 2:26 PM CT

Action: Agency responded under 5 ILCS 140/3(g), citing the request as “unduly burdensome” and offering an opportunity to narrow the scope.

Summary

– All procedural deadlines met

– No delayed acknowledgments

– No violations of the Illinois FOIA Act

– No civil or constitutional rights violations

– An example of how FOIA protocol should be followed

Responses