FOIA

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Introduction to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”), 5 ILCS 140, certain records in possession of public agencies may be copied or inspected upon written request. Public records under FOIA are “any records, reports, forms, writings, letters, memoranda, books, papers, maps, photographs, cards, tapes, recordings, electronic data processing records, electronic communications, recorded information, and all other documentary materials pertaining to the transaction of public business, regardless of physical form or characteristics, having been prepared by or for, or having been or being used by, received by, in the possession of or under the control of any public body.” 5 ILCS 140/2(c).

Some records and information, however, are exempt from disclosure via FOIA. These types of records are generally described in Section 7 of FOIA, 5 ILCS 140/7. Records may also be subject to confidentiality provisions imposed by other statutes or governing authority.

Short Summary of Purpose

The State Treasurer is the constitutional officer responsible for the safekeeping and investment of the State portfolio and disbursement of funds upon order of the Comptroller. In addition, the State Treasurer administers the following programs: two college savings plans qualified under Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code; a local government investment pool; an electronic payment system for state and local units of government; a linked deposit program; and the collection and distribution of unclaimed property reported to the State of Illinois.

Total Amount of Operating Budget: Total FY15 Operating Budget: $32,860,563

Number and Location of Offices: 5 offices at the following locations:

Chicago - General

100 West Randolph, Suite 15-600

Chicago, IL 60601

Springfield - Executive Office

Capitol Building

219 Statehouse

Springfield, IL 62706

Springfield - Illinois Business Center

400 West Monroe St., Suite 401

Springfield, IL 62704

Springfield - Myers Building

1 West Old State Capitol Plaza, 1st and 4th Floor

Springfield, IL 62701 Rockford

200 S Wyman Street, Suite 307

Rockford, IL 61101

Number of Employees: Approximately 165 full-time employees.

How to Submit a FOIA Request

To request information of the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office under FOIA, please submit your request in writing. You may use the form at this link for a FOIA request: FOIA Request Form

Any FOIA request may be mailed to:

Office of the Illinois State Treasurer

ATTN: FOIA Officer

Illinois State Treasurer’s Office

State Capitol, Room 219

Springfield, IL 62706

FOIA requests may also be sent via email to FOIA@illinoistreasurer.gov. Please consider using a subject line other than "FOIA request" to distinguish your request from others.

While you are not required to use the provided form, please include the following information on any written request: the phrase “Freedom of Information Act” or “FOIA”; a specific description of the type of records sought; and contact information for the requester, including a telephone number or email address.

FOIA Rules and Costs

The State Treasurer’s FOIA rules, including a schedule of costs, are codified at 2 Ill. Adm. Code 651. Black-and-white copies in excess of 50 pages may be charged at a rate of $.15 per page.

Immediate Resources

Popular requests to the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office include information relating to contracts and unclaimed property. Many such records are available through this website without the need for a FOIA request.

You can find current information regarding contracts, professional service agreements, requests for proposals, and invitations for bids under the Procurement Opportunities section of the website.

Authority

This website information is provided as required by Section 4 of FOIA, 5 ILCS 140/4, and may be revised as necessary.

Public information regarding unclaimed property claims is available on our I-Cash database; however, total property values are withheld until a claim form is received. The Treasurer's Office is legally prohibited from providing additional information about unclaimed property other than to government agencies acting to return the property and to persons who appear to be the owner of the property or otherwise have a valid claim to the property, 765 ILCS 1025/11(j).