Good idea on government transparency in New Jersey
But will it be accomplished? The story:
New Jersey residents may soon have an easy way to track state spending.
Lawmakers this week will discuss creating an online database of state contracts, loans and other expenditures. The site would provide a range of detailed information, including contract terms and which account is supplying the funds.
In addition, the site can’t be hidden. A link to it must be "prominently displayed" on the state’s home page, according to a bill sponsored by Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee chairwoman Barbara Buono.
The bill requires the site to be up and running by July 1, the start of the new fiscal year.
The measure will be discussed Thursday in the Senate State Government Committee.
"I think people have a right to know how and to whom state grants and contracts are awarded," said Buono, D-Edison.
Buono noted that the federal government has a similar site, and the Obama Administration launched recovery.gov to let users track spending of the $787 billion stimulus plan.
