PIA

Court ruling preventing public from seeing how taxpayer money is spent

FOIFT2018-03-20T13:16:02-05:00

By Jaie Avila WOIA/News 4 San Antonio Originally published March 19, 2018 How much did San Antonio pay REO Speedwagon to play on New Year's Eve? What kind of tax breaks are big corporations receiving to move here? The News 4 Trouble Shooters use the Texas Public Information Act to track how your tax dollars are spent. However, a new weapon is being used to prevent us from keeping you informed. In 2015 the Texas Supreme Court made what's known as the Boeing decision. The ruling makes it easier for government agencies to block you from seeing the deals it makes [...]

Court ruling preventing public from seeing how taxpayer money is spentFOIFT2018-03-20T13:16:02-05:00

FOI Foundation to host Open Government Seminar, First Amendment Institute in Arlington

FOIFT2018-03-14T21:06:25-05:00

For Immediate Release AUSTIN _ The Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas is hosting an Open Government Seminar in Arlington on April 17, featuring training in public meeting and public records laws. A First Amendment Institute session also offered that day will instruct journalists on free press rights. The non-profit FOI Foundation, in cooperation with the Texas Attorney General’s Office, is organizing the one-day Open Government Seminar on Tuesday, April 17, 2018. It is designed for government employees, journalists, attorneys and anyone interested in the Texas Public Information Act and Texas Open Meetings Act. “Access to public information is crucial for [...]

FOI Foundation to host Open Government Seminar, First Amendment Institute in ArlingtonFOIFT2018-03-14T21:06:25-05:00

During ‘Sunshine Month,’ put spotlight on government accountability

FOIFT2022-03-31T17:08:31-05:00

By Kelley Shannon Shining light on government to hold it accountable is hardly a new idea. In fact, Texas was a national leader in this realm for more than 40 years. Sadly, the flow of public information in this huge state is slipping from the sunshine into the shadows. Some state leaders have been dimming the lights, ensuring that even the most basic information about our government is getting more difficult to uncover: Who, really, is that candidate running for office? How are our hard-earned tax dollars being spent? Remember the Alamo, and how do we track its restoration money? Texas [...]

During ‘Sunshine Month,’ put spotlight on government accountabilityFOIFT2022-03-31T17:08:31-05:00

FOI Foundation state conference set for Sept. 21, 2018

FOIFT2018-02-23T17:40:30-06:00

The Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas is pleased to announce that its annual state conference will take place Friday, Sept. 21, 2018, at the Hyatt Regency Austin, 208 Barton Springs Road. This one-day conference features journalists, First Amendment attorneys, government officials and others who share information on the latest activities and trends in open government and the rights of free press and free speech. Speakers and details will be confirmed soon, so continue checking this website for further details. A highlight of the state conference is the John Henry Faulk Awards Luncheon, where the FOI Foundation presents the James Madison Award to an [...]

FOI Foundation state conference set for Sept. 21, 2018FOIFT2018-02-23T17:40:30-06:00

Subpoenas show Agua district investigation focuses on controversial severance payments

FOIFT2018-02-23T17:24:50-06:00

By Dave Hendricks Progress Times Originally published Feb. 23, 2018 The Hidalgo County District Attorney’s Office investigation of the Agua Special Utility District focuses on two former employees who received six-figure severance payments, according to grand jury subpoenas obtained by the Progress Times. Prosecutors sent the first subpoena in November, requesting records on severance payments to former Community Relations Coordinator Oscar “Coach” Salinas and former utility Project Manager Armin Garza. Prosecutors sent four more subpoenas in January, requesting employment records for Salinas and Garza. They also sought text messages between the utility board and the former executive director who approved the [...]

Subpoenas show Agua district investigation focuses on controversial severance paymentsFOIFT2018-02-23T17:24:50-06:00

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