Stevens introduces bill to create free, searchable website on state spending

Jan. 7, 2008

Olympia... Sen. Val Stevens, R-Arlington, will introduce a bill in the 2008 legislative session to create a state budget database that taxpayers can easily search on the Internet. (Senate Bill 6387)

Called the Taxpayer Transparency Act, the bill would create a free, searchable database that allows citizens to find out the names and locations of agencies and companies that receive state funds. The database would show the amount received, the funding source and exactly what performance is expected in return. In addition, it would show all state audits of past performance.

“Ordinary people need to have access to the same information as high-paid lobbyists,” said Stevens. “This bill would pinpoint how the state gets and spends its money. More importantly, it would show our citizens what they’re getting for their money.”

Stevens is a member of the National Board of Directors of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). ALEC is supporting this concept in every state, and Stevens is championing it in Washington. The Washington Policy Center is also backing the idea and today announced the proposed reform has been endorsed by State Auditor Brian Sonntag and Attorney General Rob McKenna.

“It is encouraging that both Auditor Sonntag and Attorney General McKenna, in a bipartisan fashion, recognize the value of having transparency in state government,” Stevens said. “People want to know what they’re getting for their money. A public website that traces state spending will allow citizens to hold us accountable. It’s about time!”

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Sen. Stevens represents the 39th Legislative District,
which includes part of rural King, Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom counties.

For more information contact Pat Albright
at (360) 786-7519 or albright.pat@leg.wa.gov.