September 18, 2015 11:35 AM

HK: Abbott concealing Medicaid emails contrasts with campaign promise

Promising transparency is easy while campaigning, delivering while in office is another matter

In seeking refuge in an AG Opinion on delivering his emails to HHSC about controversial Medicaid cuts in services to disabled children, Governor Greg Abbott cited virtually the entire Public Information Act instead of the provision under which he was seeking an exemption. That lack of specificity is certainly unique in Quorum Report experience and a quick check among the Texas Capitol community suggests we are not alone in thinking it may be unprecedented.

The blanket claim for exemption is both absurd and silly.

Governor Abbott’s request for exemptions include Section 552.129—“Confidentiality of certain Motor Vehicle Inspection Information” and 552.130—“Confidentiality of Certain Motor Vehicle Records”. My personal favorite is the claimed exemption under 552.1325—“Crime Victim Impact Statement: Certain Information Confidential”.

More troubling is the gross contradiction with Governor Abbott’s campaign pledge for greater transparency.

If he was actually trying to solve the problem, we presume his office would gladly respond to our Open Records request.

By Harvey Kronberg