One of the best things that We, the people, have been able to influence in government is the Public Information Act (formerly the Open Records law) in Texas and the Federal Freedom of Information Act. Now government can’t just ignore our requests for information.
Transparency in government is the absolute requirement for freedom to flourish.
In order to lay the foundation for IRS Form 1099 reporting, we have to know what the database looks like which they use to make their payments or record the tax exemptions. From this we can build the reporting tools and force them to use them through our ballot.
Of course, all requests to government must be done via certified mail with return receipt requested! It is cheapest to just request a personal review of the documents because otherwise they will try, and normally succeed, in excessive billing for copies.
Example Request
(Your name and address)
(Agency Name and Address)
Dear Agency,
Under the Texas Open Records law I would like to request the following information be made available for my review:
- The data dictionary for the database that is used to make payments for __________. (eg. Lone Star Card)
- The version of the database used in item #1.
- The name and version of the software package used to make the payments in item #1.
- If the computer system used in item #1 is a custom or inhouse system, please reference the company or agency representative that is the technical lead.
Sincerely,
(your name)