We champion transparency and accountability in Texas, particularly regarding public funds. Two vital laws, the Texas Open Meetings Act and the Texas Public Information Act, not only provide access to information about government operations and how tax dollars are spent but also empower you, the citizens, to be actively involved in the process. This is especially critical in the age of Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), where public money funds private education.
The Texas Open Meetings Act
The Texas Open Meetings Act (TOMA) has evolved over many years and decades, reflecting a commitment for governmental transparency. The Texas Open Meetings Act was enacted in 1967 and aimed to open specific meetings to the public. Over time, the Act has been strengthened and expanded, addressing loopholes and clarifying requirements. Key amendments have broadened its scope to cover more governmental bodies, defined “meeting” more comprehensively, and enhanced public notice requirements. These changes reflect a continuous effort to balance the need for open government with the practicalities of governing, ensuring that Texans have access to the processes that shape their communities.
The Texas Public Information Act
Like the Open Meetings Act, the Texas Public Information Act has a rich development history. It was initially enacted in 1973 and was known as the “Open Records Act.” The Act aimed to provide citizens with access to governmental documents and information. Throughout the years, Act has been amended and clarified to strengthen provisions to address emerging challenges to accessing information. Revisions to the Act have focused on defining what defines public information, outlining procedures for requesting records, and protecting sensitive information while maximizing transparency to the general public. The Texas Public Information Act is crucial in empowering citizens to hold the government and public officials accountable.
For instance, these acts have been used to request and obtain information about government spending, to challenge decisions made in closed meetings, and to ensure that public bodies are operating in the best interest of the public. The Texas Public Information Act guarantees access to government records, enabling citizens to scrutinize how their taxes are utilized. While these acts apply to governmental bodies like state agencies, local governments (cities, counties, school districts), and boards/commissions, their principles should extend to any entity accepting public tax money. This includes non-profits receiving government grants, private companies with government contracts, and entities accepting ESA funds.
ESAs allow parents to use public funds for their children’s education at private schools or with other educational providers. However, the use of public funds in private education raises accountability questions. Without proper transparency, there is a risk of misuse or mismanagement of taxpayer money. Therefore, it is crucial that the demand for transparency in ESA expenditures is met, ensuring that taxpayer money remains public and its usage is clearly accounted for.
Therefore, entities receiving ESA funds must adhere to the spirit of the Open Meetings and Public Information Acts. This means holding open meetings for discussions regarding ESA fund usage, making related records publicly accessible upon request, and disclosing how these funds benefit students. By applying the principles of these Texas transparency laws to all entities using public funds, including ESA recipients, we ensure Texans understand how their money is being spent and that decisions are made in the public interest. This fosters trust and accountability in our educational system.
Conclusion
Are you concerned about transparency regarding public funds, including ESAs? Remember, you have the right to demand accountability, request access to relevant public records, and attend meetings of the entity’s governing body. As taxpayers, it’s our responsibility to continue to contact elected officials and sound the alarms. Together, we can ensure the light of transparency illuminates all entities using public money, safeguarding responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars and promoting a strong, accountable educational landscape in Texas.
