Coleman Requests Info on Blunt's Depts.

Wanting to root out any other "Fred Ferrells" or sexual harassment cover ups, Senator Maida Coleman issued 16 "Sunshine Act" requests this week to the Governor's executive departments requesting documents detailing litigation or monies paid that have been used to resolve disputes between a state department and an employee.

"In light of the recent events at the Department of Agriculture and the subsequent cover up by the Governor, the people of Missouri need to be reassured that the Fred Ferrell affair is a unique event," Coleman said. "I have sent a 'Sunshine Act' letter to each of the Governor's state departments requesting information about litigation or monies paid to resolve any employer-employee disputes. Clearly, there is a veil of secrecy that has no business in an open and honest democracy. I'm sure the Governor doesn't like it, but this veil is going to be lifted."

According to Chapter 610 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, commonly referred to as the "Sunshine Act," state agencies are required to share documents that are not part of any on-going litigation when requested by anyone. When a "Sunshine Act" request is received, state agencies have three business days to respond to the request.

More specifically, Senator Coleman has requested documents pertaining to any legal actions or litigation that have dealt with sexual harassment, employment discrimination, violations of the federal Qui Tam Act, workers' compensation retaliation, and retaliation for an employee reporting a violation of federal or state law or policy. The letters were issued on Tuesday, March 6, 2007.