Commentary: Disasters beg for more government transparency Kelley Shannon, For the Express-News March 16, 2021 FacebookTwitterEmail Virtual meetings allowed under the Texas Open Meetings Act have worked well for many offices during the pandemic. Bills before the Legislature would address government meetings that don’t accommodate people without home internet.Steve Helber /Associated Press With state lawmakers immersed in the COVID-19 pandemic response and Texas’ electricity failures, the public’s access to information must be at the forefront of the Legislature’s actions. Information allows the public to watch over their government, speak out and ask questions. There’s no better time than Sunshine Week, which started Sunday, to emphasize the importance of the people’s right to know.