Spending Transparency Hits the Ground Running

In the wake of the launch of USASpending.gov, the federal website that allows taxpayers to track government expenditures at the click of a mouse, momentum is building around the country to emulate this concept, and lawmakers are hitting the ground running.

ATR is working with policy makers around the country to get the ball rolling or pick it up again and move across the finish line in states that had legislation last year that did not pass.

Virginia Taxpayer Protection Caucus Chair Ken Cuccinelli is sponsoring a bill that would create a searchable budget database for government expenditures with detailed information and links to the actual expenditure document.

In Washington State, State Auditor Brian Sonntag (D) and Attorney General McKenna (R) are embracing the creation of a similar website for Washington State.

Delaware's spending transparency package was launched in late December and is creating a buzz in the First State.

In South Carolina, in what could complement Gov. Sanford's executive order to create a website for government expenditures, State Senator Shane Massey has prefiled a bill specifically focusing on earmark disclosure.

Utah State Senator Wayne Niederhauser has drafted a comprehensive bill to make government expenditures transparent in 2008.

Ohio State Representative Tom Brinkman has similar language he is hoping to pass this year.

Florida legislative efforts are also well underway.

These are just a few examples of state action to increase transparency in government spending, more efforts are underway and ATR is looking forward to helping to get more of these websites implemented in 2008.