What's New
A New National Poll finds Strong, Bipartisan Demand for
Transparency in Economic Recovery Package. Wide support for public websites to
track federal and state use of recovery funds.
Brief Overview
The ability to see how government uses the public purse is fundamental to democracy. Budget transparency checks corruption, bolsters public confidence in government, and promotes fiscal responsibility.
In the private sector, Internet search technology has revolutionized the accessibility and transparency of information. We take for granted the ability to track deliveries online, to check cell phone minutes and compare real estate on the Web, even to summon – at the click of a mouse – satellite and street-level views of any address. But until recently, when it came to tracking government expenditures online, we were left in the dark.
State governments across the country are changing that. A growing number of states are using powerful Internet search technology to make budget transparency more accessible than ever before. Legislation and executive orders around the country are lifting the electronic veil on where tax dollars go. At least 19 states currently mandate that citizens be able to access a searchable online database of government expenditures.
These states have come to define “Transparency 2.0” – a new standard of comprehensive, one-stop, one-click budget accountability and accessibility.
Oregon, unfortunately, is behind the curve. We're working with a bipartisan team of state lawmakers to change that.
