Bill Would Limit Open Records to Citizens Todd Baxter, (R- Austin) filed House Bill 2264 which would limit the availability of public records to citizens.  But we want MORE transparency, not less!!! Testimony in the hearing at the Capitol had citizens stating problems with open records requests to public schools.  Over the past year, we have heard from parents from across the state who are frustrated that they cannot obtain financial or other information from the “free” public school system.  And to add insult to injury, Rep Baxter’s bill would make the process even more difficult. The case of Dallas ISD…. We at AFP have experienced similar frustrations.  When requesting credit card receipts from the Dallas ISD we were told that they could give us the amounts spent, but not what the money was spent for.  According to public information attorney, Leticia McGowan, “the Quality Control Department has indicated that the department does not maintain information detailing the purpose of each purchase.”  Since we would not understand how schools determine how much they have spent on what if they don’t maintain expenditure information, we asked for a further clarification and reconfirmation.  Ms. McGowan testily responded that her response “had not changed”! Austin American-Statesman editor Rich Oppel in a posting on May 5, 2005, in the Austin American Statesman blog stated that he has “a plan for ending battles over public records. Put all government records up on the Internet, except for those that are specifically confidential by law.” Thank you Rich!  That is exactly what was recommended by the AFP Foundation Financial Accountability working group.  The group was comprised of citizens, educators and school board members from across the state and their recommendations were sent to the appropriate committee members and the Leadership. There is absolutely no reason in this day and age of computer banking, that citizens should not be able to view public records via the internet.  (After all, schools are spending OUR money!)  This is not likely to happen because the public school system would be totally exposed.  The education lobbies do not want this to happen as is evidenced by the testimony in the committee on Sate Affairs on 5-2-05. After discussing her interrupted golf game on a previous day with the committee Chair, Nola Weldman, superintendent of Eanes School district testified.  Ms Weldman stated that she strongly urged the representatives to pass this bill and public requests should not be borne by the schools or other governmental entities.  Where does she think their money comes from?  These costs are borne by the citizens because we pay the bills on ALL school operations.  And never mind the prohibition against lobbying for or against legislation. Rep. Chuck Hopson, (D-Jacksonville) understands the problem.  In a response to one of our members, Rep. Hopson stated “I agree with you that this bill “disagrees with our promise to provide open, accountable information to the taxpaying public…I will continue to monitor its progress”.  He also stated that he believes “that maintaining accountability is essential to our governmental bodies. And that this bill will place further restrictions on our taxpaying public.” Thank you, Rep. Hopson, for your concern for the taxpayer and your insight.  To contact your representative go to call your state legislators NOW to tell them you support transparency in the public school system and that you want them to vote against HB 2264.  To contact Committee members: Go http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/ Then Click on House/Committees/Committee Membership/State Affairs.  There is a link to each member of the committee where you can find their phone numbers. Call Today! Back to Legislation