The Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council celebrated its 40th anniversary Tuesday at the State Capitol in Madison. Formed in 1978 under the direction of former Milwaukee Sentinel Editor Bob Wills, the FOIC aimed to provide a forum for news people to share information about their access challenges, advocate for openness and, occasionally, finance open government lawsuits. The FOIC, of which the WNA is a member, has worked on behalf of that mission ever since.

The FOIC unveiled its new logo, as well as a commemorative cartoon by Phil Hands of the Wisconsin State Journal, during the event. Speakers included FOIC President Bill Lueders, FOIC Co-Vice President Christa Westerberg, FOIC Past President and The Cap Times Editor Emeritus Dave Zweifel, FOIC Public Member Orville Seymer, WCIJ Executive Director Andy Hall and recently elected Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Dallet.

Lueders highlighted some of the challenges the group has faced recently and noted the FOIC’s ability to remain nonpartisan over the years is among the Council’s accomplishments he’s proudest of. Westerberg discussed the Council’s ongoing legal advocacy, including involvement in cases such as the Whistleblower Protection Act, the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act, a lawsuit that ended the practice of government entities charging for time spent redacting documents, and the Appleton case that determined committees created by local governmental bodies are subject to the state’s open meetings law. Speaking in support of transparency, Dallet largely focused on the need for stricter court recusal laws.