What is FOIA?
FOIA is the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140), records in possession of public agencies may be accessed by the public upon written request. Pursuant to 5 ILCS 140, Section 2(c), a public record is any records, reports, forms, writings, letters, memoranda, books, papers, maps, photographs, cards, tapes, recordings, electronic data processing records, recorded information and all other documentary materials, regardless of physical form or characteristics, having been prepared, or having been or being used, received, possessed or under the control of any public body. Records that are not subject to release via the FOIA process include confidential and trade secret information.
How can I submit a FOIA request?
Requests must be submitted in writing:
Fax: 312-553-9114
E-mail: [email protected]
Freedom of Information Office
Park Employees’ Annuity & Benefit Fund
3500 S. Morgan St.
Suite 400
Chicago, IL 60609
ATTN: FOIA Request
Park Employees’ Annuity & Benefit Fund has no FOIA request form. Letters should state that information is being sought under the Freedom of Information Act. Provide a brief description of the public records requested, being as specific as possible. While responses can be provided via email, please provide a mailing address.
Park Employees’ Annuity & Benefit Fund’s FOIA Officer.
If you have questions about filing a FOIA request please call 312-553-9265.
What happens after I submit a request?
The Illinois Freedom of Information Act requires agencies to respond within five working days of receipt of a request. A five-day extension is allowed with written notification to the requester.
Authority to charge fees ( 5 ILCS 140/6b)
Except when a fee is otherwise fixed by statute, each public body may charge fees reasonably calculated to reimburse it’s actual cost for reproducing and certifying public records and for the use, by any person, of the equipment of the public body to copy records. No fees shall be charged for the first 50 pages of black and white, letter or legal sized copies requested by a requester. The fee for black and white, letter or legal sized copies shall not exceed 15 cents per page. If a public body provides copies in color or in a size other than letter or legal, the public body may not charge more than its actual cost for reproducing the records. In calculating its actual cost for reproducing records or for the use of the equipment of the public body to reproduce records, a public body shall not include the costs of any search for and review of the records or other personnel costs associated with reproducing the records. Such fees shall be imposed according to a standard scale of fees, established and made public by the body imposing them. The cost for certifying a record shall not exceed $1.