Special to El Rrun-Rrun
The Texas Newsroom is raising concerns over a possible breach of contract or fraud after Governor Greg Abbott’s office accepted payment for public records but ultimately withheld the requested documents.
The news outlet had requested email correspondence between Abbott and billionaire Elon Musk under the Texas Public Information Act. State officials initially responded that it would take about 13 hours to collect the data and quoted a fee of $244.64, which had to be paid in advance.
As reported, after the Texas Newsroom submitted and had their check cashed, the governor’s office reversed course, claiming the emails were confidential and could not be released under state law. Governor Abbott then referred the matter to Attorney General Ken Paxton for review. A final decision on the release of the emails is expected within 45 days.
Critics argue the situation reflects poorly on Governor Abbott’s handling of public records and raises significant legal concerns. After accepting payment for the requested documents, the governor’s office withheld them without offering a refund, an action that resembles a breach of contract. The issue is especially troubling given Abbott’s professional background as a lawyer and former attorney general, roles that presume a clear understanding of legal obligations.
While $244.64 may seem like a modest sum, the potential precedent could be costly. If each of the 181 members of the Texas Legislature engaged in a similar practice once per year, it would amount to over $44,000. Critics are calling for transparency and a commitment to uphold the law, regardless of the content or parties involved in the records.
As reported, after the Texas Newsroom submitted and had their check cashed, the governor’s office reversed course, claiming the emails were confidential and could not be released under state law. Governor Abbott then referred the matter to Attorney General Ken Paxton for review. A final decision on the release of the emails is expected within 45 days.
Critics argue the situation reflects poorly on Governor Abbott’s handling of public records and raises significant legal concerns. After accepting payment for the requested documents, the governor’s office withheld them without offering a refund, an action that resembles a breach of contract. The issue is especially troubling given Abbott’s professional background as a lawyer and former attorney general, roles that presume a clear understanding of legal obligations.
While $244.64 may seem like a modest sum, the potential precedent could be costly. If each of the 181 members of the Texas Legislature engaged in a similar practice once per year, it would amount to over $44,000. Critics are calling for transparency and a commitment to uphold the law, regardless of the content or parties involved in the records.
6 comments:
Public records are just that, public. Abbott claims to need the approval of another notorious crook, Paxton. This reeks of corruption. The “Party of Law and Order”. What BS.
Really! Your in Texas where corruption is done BIG!
Exterminate the vermin
State of Texas paused investigation into SpaceX for releasing excessive sewage into South Bay and the mounting release of haz mat pollution into the sands at Starbase.
Politics is a real danger to the pristine sands of Boca Chica beach area.
Sewer Rats
All I hear is crying from the democratic losers.
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