At the state Capitol, the FOI Foundation of Texas supports bills promoting transparency in government and protecting the rights of free speech and free press. The foundation’s staff and volunteers advocate for legislation that strengthens the Texas Public Information Act, the Texas Open Meetings Act and other state laws. Here are updates about transparency efforts in recent Texas legislative sessions.
State senator calls for state audit of LCRA
By Asher Price American-Statesman Staff Originally published Friday, Feb. 8, 2013 A state senator whose district includes the Highland Lakes filed legislation Friday that would require the state auditor to review the books and operations of the Lower Colorado River Authority. State Sen. Troy Fraser, R-Horseshoe Bay, has frequently warred with the nonprofit, quasi-state utility, which sells water and electricity used in the homes [...]
“Transparency is good, even if not always useful”
By MIKE NORMAN [email protected] Originally posted Thursday, Feb. 07, 2013 There was irony all over the place just outside the Senate Chamber in Austin Thursday as some top state leaders announced proposed legislation to force greater transparency in Texas local government finances. The Legislature is not always the most transparent government body, nor are many of its members averse to hiding what they don’t [...]
Texas Lawmakers Pledge Support of Open Government
AUSTIN, FEBRUARY 15 – Nearly 20 percent of elected state officials voluntarily signed a Texas Open Government Pledge, which is a promise to uphold the letter and spirit of the state’s open government laws. “We applaud these lawmakers for demonstrating their commitment to ensure the public’s right to know,” said Keith Elkins, Executive Director of the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas (FOIFT). “As far [...]
Freedom of Information Foundation Announces James Madison Award Winners At Annual John Henry Faulk Awards Luncheon
Austin, Texas, August 21, 2009 — After more than a decade of efforts involving Texas’ leading journalists, attorneys and other public interest groups, Texas State Senator Rodney Ellis, D-Harris County, and State Rep. Todd Hunter, R-Nueces County and surrounding counties, joined forces to get the state’s first “Free Flow of Information Act” passed during this year’s legislative session. Their efforts garnered the two elected officials [...]