OUR MISSION
Advocating for Access to Public Information
We speak out for protecting and strengthening the Texas Public Information Act, the Texas Open Meetings Act and other freedom of information and free speech laws. We also educate the public about these laws.
Honoring Those Who Fight for Open Government
The FOI Foundation of Texas presents the annual James Madison Award to journalists, elected officials, attorneys and vigilant citizens for distinction in pursuing open government and First Amendment rights. The honor is bestowed at the annual FOI Foundation state conference. Nominations are accepted from the general public.
PROTECTING THE PUBLIC’S RIGHT TO KNOW
Since its formation in 1978, the FOI Foundation has helped citizens access government meetings and records while protecting free speech and a free press. Information is essential to participating in our democracy.
GET TO KNOW FOIFT
Latest FOIFT News
Protecting The Rights Of Free Speech And Free Press
FOIFT challenges roadblocks to public information
News 4 San Antonio/WOAI broadcast this piece by reporter April Molina on Nov. 29 explaining barriers to public information that citizens are encountering during the COVID-19 pandemic: https://news4sanantonio.com/news/local/foift-challenges-roadblocks-to-public-information
After shutting down workouts, UH avoids serious COVID-19 outbreaks, public records show
By Joseph DuarteHouston ChronicleOriginally published Nov. 12, 2020 The University of Houston athletic department has avoided any serious outbreaks of the novel coronavirus since temporarily halting voluntary summer workouts in June, test results provided to the Houston Chronicle show. During a nearly three-month span [...]
Journalist Karen Blumenthal receives James Madison Award for open records activism
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 10, 2020 AUSTIN – The late journalist and author Karen Blumenthal, an ardent advocate for the people’s right to know who ensured public access to historic Texas records in the Roe v. Wade case, has been honored with the James [...]