In this recent Op-Ed from the Worcester Telegram and Gazette, H 2972, a bill that would direct the department of Administration and Finance to create a public web site that reports the budgeting process, is described as a "net gain for taxpayers and residents."  Senator Moore is a co-sponsor of the legislation, and has pushed for its passage, citing the need for greater government transparency and accessibility.  Read the Op-Ed below:

Checking the checkbook
House bill would enhance transparency

Not everyone enjoys balancing their own checkbook, but wouldn’t it be fun if the public could essentially peek at the state’s checkbook by means of a single, comprehensive Web site that displayed appropriations, contracts, grants and expenditures?

The Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group thinks so, and is urging passage of a bill, H 2972, that would direct the executive branch to create such a Web site. The bill would stipulate that the site would have to be free, easily searchable, and could not merely redirect visitors to other state websites.

In the absence of such a site, MassPIRG has given Massachusetts an “F” for government transparency, contrasting it with other states, including Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, Minnesota, Texas, Missouri and Pennsylvania, with websites that are both comprehensive and user-friendly.

At last check, H 2972 had been referred to the House Ways and Means Committee.

We believe that most any measure that shines more light on how the state handles its finances represents a net gain for taxpayers and residents. The legislation may need tweaking to ensure that its goals can be met in a cost-effective manner, and that the financial data of companies and individuals is not compromised. Beyond that, secrecy is the enemy of good government. We say, let the sun shine in.