This announcement is also available as a PDF.
Albuquerque, NM – The Southwest Public Policy Institute (SPPI) is pleased to announce that it has reached a $22,000 settlement with the New Mexico Secretary of State (NMSOS) in its lawsuit over an improperly denied Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) request.
The case, which revolved around NMSOS’s failure to respond to SPPI’s request for public records, has concluded with a result that reasserts the importance of transparency and accountability in government.
Transparency is the cornerstone of a strong democracy, and we are committed to ensuring that this principle is upheld.
Patrick M. Brenner, president of SPPI
Patrick M. Brenner, president of SPPI, made the following statement about the settlement:
“We are extremely satisfied with the resolution of our lawsuit against the New Mexico Secretary of State’s Office. Public records custodians have become too comfortable with complacency. The settlement not only acknowledges the public’s right to access government records, as stated under the Inspection of Public Records Act, but also emphasizes the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability within government institutions.”
Brenner further expressed his hope for future proceedings of this nature: “The settlement amount of $22,000 sends a clear message about the serious consequences of denying or failing to respond appropriately to public records requests. We trust that this settlement serves as a powerful reminder to all government institutions about their obligations under IPRA. Transparency is the cornerstone of a strong democracy, and we are committed to ensuring that this principle is upheld.”
The Southwest Public Policy Institute will continue to work towards its mission of creating better living through better policy in the American Southwest, ensuring that public bodies are held accountable for their actions and maintaining a level of transparency that encourages informed public participation.
For more information about this settlement, or to schedule an interview, please contact Liam Gray at 804-217-2917 or [email protected].
About the Southwest Public Policy Institute
The Southwest Public Policy Institute (SPPI) is a leading free-market research institute dedicated to formulating, promoting, and defending sound public policy solutions in the American Southwest. SPPI’s mission is simple: to deliver better living through better policy. Visit southwestpolicy.com for more.
This announcement is also available as a PDF.
3 replies on “SPPI Reaches $22,000 Settlement With New Mexico Secretary of State”
we must continue to push back
Keep the pressure on.
[…] Albuquerque, NM — The Southwest Public Policy Institute (SPPI) today expressed its disappointment with the New Mexico Secretary of State’s office over the unexpected delay in finalizing a previously announced settlement agreement. […]