PIA

Open government awareness during coronavirus emergency

2022-03-31T17:08:21-05:00

By Kelley ShannonExecutive DirectorFreedom of Information Foundation of Texas The coronavirus emergency is creating trying times for public officials and citizens when it comes to open government. But transparency and the public's right to know are vitally important during a disaster. We need more information flowing now, not less. Here are reminders and resources for complying with Texas transparency laws during the COVID-19 outbreak: Gov. Greg Abbott has suspended one portion of the Texas Open Meetings Act dealing with public gatherings during a videoconference or telephone meeting of a public body, but all other aspects of the law remain in force. [...]

Open government awareness during coronavirus emergency2022-03-31T17:08:21-05:00

Sunshine Week Column: Sun starting to shine again on Texas government

2022-03-31T17:08:24-05:00

By Kelley Shannon Texans have something to celebrate during Sunshine Week this year. But we also have more work to do to protect the public’s right to know about our government.  Sunshine Week, March 15-21, is an annual national initiative proclaiming the importance of access to public information. First, the bright spot for Texas: Essential elements of contracts between governments and private companies – including pricing and promises – are public again under a law that took effect Jan. 1. It seems like those basics of how taxpayer dollars are spent should be easily accessible, doesn’t it? They were, for years, [...]

Sunshine Week Column: Sun starting to shine again on Texas government2022-03-31T17:08:24-05:00

POSTPONED: FOI Foundation’s Open Government Seminar in San Antonio to be rescheduled

2020-03-25T15:01:43-05:00

The FOI Foundation's Open Government Seminar in San Antonio, previously scheduled for April 8, has been postponed amid coronavirus concerns and stay-at-home orders. Please stay tuned for the reschedule date, tentatively planned for June. The Open Government Seminar is part of a series of regional educational sessions the non-profit Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas is hosting this year in cooperation with the Texas Attorney General’s Office.  It is open to all who are interested, including community activists, journalists, attorneys, government employees and the general public. “Fully participating in our democracy means having access to information. This seminar will inform citizens [...]

POSTPONED: FOI Foundation’s Open Government Seminar in San Antonio to be rescheduled2020-03-25T15:01:43-05:00

Roe v. Wade was filed 50 years ago, but Texas still won’t release the full legal files

2020-03-08T18:09:43-05:00

By Karen BlumenthalOpinion piece in The Dallas Morning NewsOriginally published March 8, 2020 Getting state and local government records of any kind, especially those of a famous legal case that is nearly 50 years old, should not require a lawyer or a bucket of cash. The state’s Public Information Act is supposed to compel state and local governmental bodies to release records to those who request them within 10 business days. That kind of transparency is crucial to an open society and trust and accountability in government. But in recent years, accessing these documents has gotten harder and more expensive and [...]

Roe v. Wade was filed 50 years ago, but Texas still won’t release the full legal files2020-03-08T18:09:43-05:00

Partial records released: TRS rent starts at $326,000 per month

2020-01-27T14:47:17-06:00

By Bob SechlerAustin American-StatesmanOriginally published Jan. 24, 2020 The Teacher Retirement System of Texas has disclosed partial costs of its office lease in an upscale high-rise under construction in downtown Austin, seven months after the American-Statesman first asked for financial details about it and the state agency sought to keep it secret. The starting base lease rate disclosed by the retirement system — which has an investment relationship with one of the developers of the 36-story Indeed Tower going up on West Sixth Street — equates to about $326,000 per month initially. That rate is below the current average for top-end [...]

Partial records released: TRS rent starts at $326,000 per month2020-01-27T14:47:17-06:00
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