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. Michigan has only barely begun to take full advantage of the benefits of online transparency for government expenditures. Transparency 2.0 is comprehensive, one-stop, one-click budget accessibility and accountability.

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 29 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.

Michigan, unfortunately, is behind the curve.  PIRGIM is working to change that.