Executive Director’s Columns

Corpus Christi community members, civic leaders talk importance of open government

FOIFT2022-03-31T17:08:29-05:00

By Kelley Shannon Executive Director Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas CORPUS CHRISTI - The public must have access to information about how taxpayer money is spent and other basic government data, transparency advocates said Thursday at a forum organized by state Rep. Todd Hunter of Corpus Christi. The event focused on the importance of access to information in holding government accountable. "This isn't partisan," Hunter told the audience at Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi. He noted that many people say they are in favor of transparency, but he said some leaders do not take action and allow special interests to [...]

Corpus Christi community members, civic leaders talk importance of open governmentFOIFT2022-03-31T17:08:29-05:00

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 Column: Boeing ruling stretched, twisted to keep government records secret

FOIFT2022-03-31T17:08:33-05:00

By Kelley Shannon Executive Director FOI Foundation of Texas Every week, government officials across Texas and private companies receiving taxpayer dollars get increasingly creative in hiding public records. Their new tool is the Boeing ruling, a decision from the Texas Supreme Court that lowered the threshold for arguing competitive bidding as an exemption from disclosure under the Texas Public Information Act. It gives governments an easier path to claim that competitive bidding concerns should allow them to keep records secret. And, businesses can now make the claim, too. Those attempting to censor records under Boeing have sought approximately 1,500 rulings from [...]

FOI Column: Boeing ruling stretched, twisted to keep government records secretFOIFT2022-03-31T17:08:33-05:00

Transparency in government leads to real news

FOIFT2022-03-31T17:08:34-05:00

By Kelley Shannon Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas Whether depending on our government for storm recovery, good schools, police protection or other important services, openness and access to information are essential to ensuring the job gets done. A free flow of information helps citizens keep watch on their government. It also allows journalists to report on matters of widespread interest by scrutinizing public records and meetings and, just as importantly, asking necessary, tough questions of government officials. In short, transparency leads to real news. It leads to the truth. Legitimate news organizations uncover what has actually happened – and even [...]

Transparency in government leads to real newsFOIFT2022-03-31T17:08:34-05:00

Texas House members have chance to save open government

FOIFT2022-03-31T17:08:35-05:00

By Kelley Shannon Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas Keeping our Texas Public Information Act operating effectively takes effort. That’s why open government advocates have worked with public officials and businesses over the past year to fine tune the landmark state law. Transparency legislation resulting from these work sessions emerged out of frank discussions – and with an understanding that some compromise is necessary. Now, state lawmakers have the opportunity to pass multiple negotiated open government measures to improve the Public Information Act and restore its strength, for the benefit of all Texans. The Texas Senate took a stand Thursday by [...]

Texas House members have chance to save open governmentFOIFT2022-03-31T17:08:35-05:00

CONTACT INFO

TEXAS FOI NEWS

QUICK LINKS

MENU

RESOURCES

Contact Info

Latest News