Open government successes of the 86th Texas Legislature were reviewed with an eye toward future battles during a legislative panel at the Freedom of information Foundation of Texas annual FOI conference.
Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, Rep. Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi, and First Amendment attorney J.T. Richards were on the panel moderated by FOIFT Vice President Arif Panju.
Texas Press Messenger
The State Bar of Texas Public Affairs Committee announced the winners of the 2019 Texas Gavel Awards during the recent Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas John Henry Faulk awards luncheon.
Presenting the awards were Martha Dickie, past president of the State Bar of Texas, and Julie Doss of the State Bar public affairs committee.
BROWNFIELD – Brian Brisendine is the new executive director of the Brownfield Industrial Development Corp.
His late father was among the founders of the organization, which serves as the city’s driver of economic development, funded by a half-cent sales tax.
Sen. Kirk Watson, delivering the keynote address at the FOI Foundation of Texas conference, warned of efforts by some lawmakers to block access to redistricting information and urged Texans to demand more transparency.
Watson, D-Austin, said that while many strides were made in the 2019 legislative session, there are still hurdles to overcome.
In recognition of their behind-the-scenes work in helping pass legislation restoring open government in Texas, two Texas Capitol aides were honored with James Madison Awards by the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas.
