3 MDN states top government spending transparency report

Minnesota, Illinois and Ohio are among seven states leading the country in online access to government spending data.

A new U.S. PRIG report, “Following the Money: How the 50 States Rate in Providing Online Access to Government Spending Data,” evaluates how each state offers comprehensive,  one-stop, one-click budget accountability and accessibility to the public. Known as “Transparency 2.0,” states have begun offering websites that allow the public to easily search through public records.  Additionally, 25 states have taken steps toward online spending transparency by launching websites that offer checkbook-level details on the state’s spending.

Ohio was ranked second with a score of 84 while Illinois and Minnesota received an 82 in the report. Only Kentucky received a higher score in providing online access to government spending with a score of 97.

Unfortunately, the report shows fellow Midwest Democracy Network states Wisconsin and Michigan do not offer a transparency website, receiving an “F” grade.

The report goes on to explain why states should embrace “Transparency 2.0,” citing the trend reduces costs and bolsters citizen confidence. This is a serious concern after a recent Pew Research Center report,  claiming approximately 80 percent of Americans distrust the government.

“The federal transparency Web site, which allows Americans to search through more than $2 trillion in yearly federal spending, cost less than $1 million to create,” writes the report. “Missouri’s Web site, which allows visitors to search through more than $20 billion in annual state spending and is updated daily, was created with already-existing staff and appropriations.”

There is room for improved transparency though. According to the report, the biggest weakness with the majority of the websites is they do not provide detailed information on government contracts to be effective monitoring tools. They also lack information on other forms of government expenditures. Only eight states provide information about local or county spending.

Read the full U.S. PRIG report here.