To the relief of all who cherish honest government and those who would protect it, Gov. Rick Perry on Wednesday signed the Free Flow of Information Act.

Some of you might imagine this was something of a newspaper bill, considering that journalists in the past have been put on the spot by courts to reveal information or sources who gave them the goods on governmental and corporate wrongdoing.

What this “shield law” really does is ensure we in the press can better protect those of you who, through us, alert the public and our leaders of corruption or incompetence in the halls of power, corporate boardroom or anywhere between.

And, yes, a federal shield law in the works could well make this law unnecessary on a state level.

Just the same, we’re proud lawmakers unanimously backed it, and that our governor signed it.