Happy 42nd birthday, FOIA! (or is it happy? CJOG report glum)

On the eve of the 42nd anniversary of the federal Freedom of Information Act, signed into law July 4, 1966, the Coalition of Journalists for Open Government released its annual report on FOIA performance, titled "An Opportunity Lost." According to the report, federal agencies have made little progress in responding to FOIA requests, despite a two-year-old presidential order to improve. The report contradicts a glowing evaluation by the Justice Department last month claiming "remarkable improvements." The DOJ report was based on progress agencies made based on their own established goals. The CJOG report is based on comparing actual performance to previous years and reporting requirements mandated by Congress. Among some of the findings, agencies cut FOIA personnel, about half the requests were not responded to within the 20-day deadline, and the percent of requesters getting what they asked for fell to 60 percent, a record low.

Alas, FOIA. There was so much hope and promise when you were young. But now, in this mid-life crisis, it's time for real improvements - stiff penalties for noncompliance, a functioning ombudsman office, and increased commitment and funding from leaders. Let's hope your birthday next year is more jovial!