Press Association names Senator Zaffirini champion of transparency
The Texas Press Association named Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, its Champion of Transparency for her leadership in promoting open government and accountability during the 2021 regular legislative session.The handsome award was presented to her at her Capitol office on Tuesday (Oct. 5) by Donnis Baggett, executive vice president, and Mike Hodges, executive director.
"I am delighted to receive this prestigious award recognizing our collaboration on open government issues," Senator Zaffirini said. "Transparency is essential to preserving democratic governance. Texans need to know what happens in the halls of power to hold their leaders accountable."
Senator Zaffirini filed eight bills this year to reform the state's open government laws, specifically the Texas Open Meetings Act and Texas Public Information Act.
One of those bills, Senate Bill (SB) 930, was signed by the governor and became effective Sept. 1. It provides that, unless made confidential under other law, the name or location of a nursing home or similar facility in which residents have been diagnosed with a communicable disease and the number of residents diagnosed are not confidential. They are subject to disclosure by state agencies or local health authorities under the Texas Public Information Act.
Read more: https://www.alicetx.com/story/news/2021/10/11/press-association-names-senator-zaffirini-champion-transparency/6097449001/
