State Sen. Kwame Raoul (D - Chicago) was recently honored by the Illinois Press Association for his efforts to provide sunshine on Illinois government.

The Illinois Press Association Legislative Service Award is given to individuals who have shown a commitment to the principle of transparency and the protection of first amendment rights.

“I’d like to thank the Illinois Press Association for this honor and I look forward to continuing our shared commitment to make government more transparent,” said Raoul.

This legislative session, Raoul sponsored a rewrite of the State’s FOIA law which will help more constituents take an active role in government. Raoul teamed up with the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform and Attorney General Lisa Madigan to remove barriers to public access to information. The new law creates a Public Access Counselor within the office of the Attorney General to deter potential Freedom of Information Act and Open Meeting Act violations.

Raoul also sponsored Senate Bill 291 which removes antiquated restrictions on newspapers such as Chicago SunTimes and Chicago Defender by providing them with greater flexibility to format their publications.

“The Illinois Press Association serves as a critical tool in the free flow of information,” Senator Raoul said. “Through the use of fact-based journalism, its membership helps Illinoisans stay informed of issues in Springfield and their local communities.”

The IPA was founded in 1865 as an organization for Illinois publishers. It has evolved into the largest state newspaper association in the country representing more than 500 daily and weekly newspapers.