Jim Karpen Tips

July 2001

Ever wonder what information the "Feds" have on you? Or how to deal with bill collectors who are illegally hounding you? These are the sorts of questions answered on a new government web site that is organized according to the most Frequently Asked Questions, or FAQs, and titled FAQs of the U.S. Government.

It makes sense--the government is constantly asked the same questions so why organize information that way? I find it to be the most useful federal site that I've encountered so far. It's made available by the award-winning FirstGov site.

Heading the page is a concise directory of 18 topics, ranging from Social Security to consumer topics to travel abroad. In every case, when you click on a link you're directed--often in a conversational style--to specific information in answer to your questions.

I clicked on the Freedom of Information category and got a brief primer on various government acts related to the release of information. This section helpfully explains the differences between the Freedom of Information Acts and the Privacy Act. The former allows you to obtain a copy of a record that's maintained by a federal agency and that's available to anyone who requests it. The Privacy Act, on the other hand, allows you to request whatever records federal law enforcement agencies have on you. This info is available to you only. In both cases the site directs you to instructions on how to request these records.

Another useful link I tried was titled Work Place Issues. Lots of potential problems arise in the work place related to payment and compensation, minimum wage, workers compensation, discrimination, medical leaves, and on-the-job safety. This site directs you to information regarding these areas. It also offers a toll-free number so you can quickly find out the state agency that can help.

The Consumer Topics section pointedly suggests that general consumer issues are often handled better by state agencies, and again gives a toll-free number to help you find out which state agency. It also directs you to the Consumer Action Handbook, a guide to resolving consumer complaints. This area of the site has links to information that advises you of your rights when dealing with bill collectors.

The Traveling Abroad section covers topics such as passports and immunizations. The Congress section answers questions such frequently asked questions as, Who represents me? How can I get congressional assistance in resolving a problem with a federal agency? and How can I express my opinion to my Congressman?

The site also offers a long list of other FAQ sites maintained by various government agencies.

© 2001 by Jim Karpen, Ph.D. (#274)