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Know your open government rights, remember these basics

2020-02-05T16:23:06-06:00

By Kelley ShannonExecutive DirectorFOI Foundation of Texas Whatever our political views, certainly we can agree we have the right to know how government is conducting business. How are taxpayer dollars spent? Who is influencing decisions? Access to information allows us to speak up and hold public officials accountable, while a lack of transparency diminishes trust in government. The Texas Public Information Act and Texas Open Meetings Act are the state’s main open government laws. Based on recent frequently asked questions about these laws, here are a few important reminders: Requested information must be provided promptly. That means as soon as possible and [...]

Know your open government rights, remember these basics2020-02-05T16:23:06-06:00

Open government seminar set for Feb. 25 in Corpus Christi

2020-01-29T15:27:55-06:00

CORPUS CHRISTI – Transparency experts will gather Tuesday, Feb. 25, in Corpus Christi for a seminar examining updates to state open government laws and offering training on the Texas Public Information Act and the Texas Open Meetings Act. Rep. Todd Hunter of Corpus Christi is hosting the one-day open government conference, joined by the non-profit Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas in cooperation with the Texas Attorney General’s Office. “Open government and transparency are priorities for the public. We need to encourage accessibility and fairness in the public information gathering process. Freedom of information is key to effective government,” Hunter said. [...]

Open government seminar set for Feb. 25 in Corpus Christi2020-01-29T15:27:55-06:00

Under new Texas law, records finally released: McAllen paid Enrique Iglesias $485,000 for holiday parade

2020-01-08T16:07:20-06:00

By Mitchell FermanThe MonitorOriginally published Jan. 7, 2020 The city of McAllen paid singer Enrique Iglesias $485,000 for his performance at the city’s 2015 holiday parade, the city disclosed on Tuesday, ending more than four years of city officials keeping the contract private. The contract also revealed that the city chartered a flight to fly in Iglesias from Guadalajara, purchased 24 hotel rooms for two nights and provided and paid for sound, lighting, special effects and a runway at the 2015 concert. The release of the contract comes days after a new law went into effect following bi-partisan legislation that was [...]

Under new Texas law, records finally released: McAllen paid Enrique Iglesias $485,000 for holiday parade2020-01-08T16:07:20-06:00

Support FOI on Giving Tuesday

2019-12-03T14:39:20-06:00

Help us promote open government and protect the First Amendment rights of free speech and free press. Make a donation to the FOI Foundation of Texas on "Giving Tuesday," Dec. 3, a global day of contributing to non-profits.Your contribution supports programming across the Lone Star State including regional open government seminars we will host during 2020. The first one is set for Feb. 25 in Corpus Christi. More details are coming soon.We are also revamping and expanding our "Light of Day" outreach to students and closely monitoring the impact of newly enacted transparency laws.Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law and are accepted online or by mailing a check [...]

Support FOI on Giving Tuesday2019-12-03T14:39:20-06:00

The inauguration of Greg Abbott and Dan Patrick cost millions. Much of it went to fundraising and staff.

2019-11-25T16:05:42-06:00

By Shannon Najmabadi and Jay RootThe Texas TribuneOriginally published Nov. 18, 2019 Spending on each of the last two inaugurations eclipsed that of any other in Texas for at least 40 years, even when adjusted for inflation. A spokesman for the governor has said no state dollars were spent on the festivities. The money spent on personnel, including payroll and fundraising, has skyrocketed during Gov. Greg Abbott's two swearing-in celebrations, dwarfing spending in those categories during the Rick Perry era, which spanned more than a decade, according to records obtained by The Texas Tribune. Read the full story here.

The inauguration of Greg Abbott and Dan Patrick cost millions. Much of it went to fundraising and staff.2019-11-25T16:05:42-06:00

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    Kelley Shannon, Executive Director
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    Austin, Texas 78705

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