Sen. Kirk Watson

Capitol staffers Erickson, Aldredge to receive James Madison Award for transparency work

2019-09-10T22:13:03-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sept. 10, 2019 AUSTIN – Two legislative aides who worked relentlessly to strengthen the Texas Public Information Act are recipients of this year’s James Madison Award presented by the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas. Kelsey Erickson, general counsel to Sen. Kirk Watson, and Katy Aldredge, capitol director for Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, will receive the honor for their efforts in passing legislation that makes important repairs and improvements to Texas’ open records law. The award honors those who demonstrate outstanding commitment to the principles of the First Amendment and open government. It will be presented Sept. 20 at [...]

Capitol staffers Erickson, Aldredge to receive James Madison Award for transparency work2019-09-10T22:13:03-05:00

Texas Tribune Analysis: Some of the secrets of Texas government aren’t supposed to be secrets

2019-03-25T18:09:18-05:00

By Ross RamseyThe Texas TribuneOriginally published March 25, 2019 The Texas Legislature, full of people who believe in open government and who also like to settle things quietly and outside of public view, is diving into open-government legislation. Read the full analysis here.

Texas Tribune Analysis: Some of the secrets of Texas government aren’t supposed to be secrets2019-03-25T18:09:18-05:00

Lawmakers file bill to repair Texas Public Information Act, help citizens track spending

2019-02-25T19:16:07-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Feb. 21, 2019 AUSTIN – Two Texas lawmakers filed bipartisan legislation Thursday to strengthen the state’s Public Information Act and give Texans the ability to once again track the spending of taxpayer money. Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, and Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake, filed Senate Bill 943 and House Bill 2189, respectively. The identical pieces of legislation address citizens’ access to information contained in and surrounding state and local government contracts. The proposal takes into account months of work by the diverse Texas Sunshine Coalition as well as the competitive concerns of businesses and non-profits that contract with the [...]

Lawmakers file bill to repair Texas Public Information Act, help citizens track spending2019-02-25T19:16:07-06:00

Taxpayers needs to know how money is spent, say advocates for closing hole in Texas open records law

2018-12-27T19:55:38-06:00

By Robert T. GarrettThe Dallas Morning NewsOriginally published Dec. 27, 2018 AUSTIN — Open government advocates in Texas say a 3½-year-old court decision, probably unintentionally, has blown a growing hole in the state's transparency about how taxpayers' money is spent. Conservative and liberal think tanks, government watchdogs, consumer groups and industries that depend on robust access to public records, such as newspapers and broadcasters, have formed the Texas Sunshine Coalition.  They want the Legislature next year to dial back secrecy that a 2015 Texas Supreme Court decision encouraged, but the fight will be heated. Read the full story here.

Taxpayers needs to know how money is spent, say advocates for closing hole in Texas open records law2018-12-27T19:55:38-06:00

Video: A conversation about Texas’ Public Information Act

2018-03-30T14:16:33-05:00

Watch video of a policy primer on the Texas Public Information Act, a panel discussion hosted March 29 by the Texas Public Policy Foundation and co-sponsored by the FOI Foundation of Texas and an assortment of other organizations. This was one of several Sunshine Month activities in Texas. Texas Tribune Executive Editor Ross Ramsey moderated the conversation, which featured First Amendment attorney Laura Prather, an FOI Foundation board member; state Sen. Kirk Watson; state Rep. Todd Hunter; and James Quintero of the Texas Public Policy Foundation. https://www.texastribune.org/2018/03/29/livestream-conversation-about-texas-public-information-act/  

Video: A conversation about Texas’ Public Information Act2018-03-30T14:16:33-05:00

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