FOIFT

Fort Worth lawmaker tries to block request for information on dealings with conservative group

2013-09-30T03:09:02-05:00

By David Barer The Dallas Morning News Originally published Aug. 15, 2013 AUSTIN — A Fort Worth lawmaker has turned to the attorney general to block a request for information that could show her interactions with the American Legislative Exchange Council, an influential conservative think tank. The Center for Media and Democracy, a Wisconsin-based government watchdog group, requested through Texas public records laws in early July that state lawmakers release documents. All of the lawmakers complied with the request except Republican Rep. Stephanie Klick, said Brendan Fischer with the watchdog group. In a letter to the attorney general, Klick argues that [...]

Fort Worth lawmaker tries to block request for information on dealings with conservative group2013-09-30T03:09:02-05:00

New laws clearly aimed at boosting governmental transparency

2013-09-30T03:09:44-05:00

By Kolten Parker San Antonio Express-News Originally published Aug. 11, 2013 AUSTIN — As the dust settles on the 83rd Texas Legislature, open government advocates are applauding new laws they say leverage evolving technology to increase access and shine light on all levels of government for both residents and officials. “I think it was a really good session for transparency in government. It was kind of the buzzword of the session,” said Donnis Baggett, executive vice president of Texas Press Association. Next month, Texas will become the first state allowing officials at all levels of government in the state to communicate [...]

New laws clearly aimed at boosting governmental transparency2013-09-30T03:09:44-05:00

FOIFT honors Rep. Todd Hunter, hears from Sen. Wendy Davis

2013-09-19T17:13:28-05:00

PRESS RELEASE AUSTIN -- Prominent Texas legislators urged Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas conference attendees Friday to remain vigilant in their open government and free speech advocacy. Rep. Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi, who received the organization’s inaugural Open Government Lawmaker of the Year Award, said he was raised in a family that valued free speech and noted that many elected officials support open government and First Amendment rights. The keynote speaker, Sen. Wendy Davis, D-Fort Worth, told the crowd that some open government gains were made by this year’s Legislature, but that more work remains to be done. Government must [...]

FOIFT honors Rep. Todd Hunter, hears from Sen. Wendy Davis2013-09-19T17:13:28-05:00

FOIFT ED Kelley Shannon on Austin’s Capital Tonight

2013-09-30T20:25:13-05:00

On a Friday segment of YNN’s Capital Tonight, Executive Director Kelley Shannon joined anchor Paul Brown to discuss the Freedom of Information Foundation and its mission, open government successes and failures during the 83rd legislative session, and the upcoming 2013 Bernard and Audre Rapoport state conference. FOIFT will host its annual conference this Friday, August 9th at the Sheraton Austin. Speakers, panelists and honorees include, Sen. Wendy Davis, Sen. Judith Zaffirini, Rep. Todd Hunter, Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, Tom “Smitty” Smith, Laura Prather, Reeve Hamilton and more. If you would like to join us, please register today.

FOIFT ED Kelley Shannon on Austin’s Capital Tonight2013-09-30T20:25:13-05:00

Rep. Todd Hunter named Open Government Lawmaker of the Year

2013-09-19T16:16:32-05:00

AUSTIN -- Rep. Todd Hunter, who has authored legislation to improve public access to government and protect First Amendment rights, is receiving the Open Government Lawmaker of the Year Award from the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas. Hunter, R-Corpus Christi, is chairman of the House Calendars Committee. He served in the House from 1989-97 and returned in 2009. He has long been an advocate for open government. Hunter will receive the award during the FOI Foundation’s annual conference Aug. 9 in Austin. During the 83rd Legislature this year, Hunter worked to modernize the Texas Public Information Act to reflect the [...]

Rep. Todd Hunter named Open Government Lawmaker of the Year2013-09-19T16:16:32-05:00
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