Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Gay Games Quest for $450,000 in Taxpayer Funds Delayed
I’ve been filing Freedom of Information requests seeking information on the Gay Games application for $450,000 in state assistance with the state Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for months.
I’ve gotten nothing but rejections…until now.
I had been told that I could not see the application until it had been approved.
Yesterday, I have been supplied a letter to Ms. Tracy Baim, Vice Co-Chair of what is officially called “Chicago Games, Inc.”
Here is the very short text of the letter:
I am sure there was more said over the phone. After all, I have never heard of a phone call’s being subject to the Freedom of Information Act.
I suspect that the failure of the Gay Games to get any money before the 2007 Fiscal Year--which begins July 1st (just three weeks before the proposed Regatta on Crystal Lake)--means that there was something in the application that state officials would rather not have the public see. That’s just a guess, however.
The rejection of already-approved budget money also opens up the subject up for debate during this spring’s legislative session.
Those voting for the Commerce Department’s funding bill will know that the Gay Games will be in line for a significant chunk of the tourism money.
I’ve gotten nothing but rejections…until now.
I had been told that I could not see the application until it had been approved.
Yesterday, I have been supplied a letter to Ms. Tracy Baim, Vice Co-Chair of what is officially called “Chicago Games, Inc.”
Here is the very short text of the letter:
Thank you for your interest in the Tourism Marketing Partnership Grant Program. This Program remains very competitive with a significant amount in requests and limited funding available. We have awarded all the FY ’06 grant funds.The letter, dated March 8th, is signed by Beth Livingston, Manager of the Tourism Marketing Partnership Program.
If you have any programmatic questions, please feel free to contact me at blivingston@idceo.net or 217-557-2409.
I am sure there was more said over the phone. After all, I have never heard of a phone call’s being subject to the Freedom of Information Act.
I suspect that the failure of the Gay Games to get any money before the 2007 Fiscal Year--which begins July 1st (just three weeks before the proposed Regatta on Crystal Lake)--means that there was something in the application that state officials would rather not have the public see. That’s just a guess, however.
The rejection of already-approved budget money also opens up the subject up for debate during this spring’s legislative session.
Those voting for the Commerce Department’s funding bill will know that the Gay Games will be in line for a significant chunk of the tourism money.
