3/25/2009
Package Seeks to Increase Transparency of How Tax Dollars are Spent

For Immediate Release:                        Wednesday, March 25, 2009
For More Information, Contact:            Joe Fulgham (302) 744-4184

A series of bills just introduced in the State House would improve citizens’ ability to track how their tax dollars are being spent. 

State Rep. Greg Lavelle (R-Sharpley), State Sen. George Bunting (D-Bethany Beach), and State Sen. Karen Peterson (D-Stanton) are sponsoring the measures. 

“The governor recently set up a website to let the public know how the federal stimulus money is being spent in the First State,” Rep. Lavelle said.  “My question is: Why aren’t we doing this with all of our spending?  Regardless of whether it is federal money or state money, it’s all taxpayer money and they have a right to know how it’s being allocated.” 

The package of legislation should be familiar to those that watch the legislature.  The bills were originally introduced during the 144th General Assembly, in both the House and the Senate, but were not able to make it through the process prior to the end of the session. 

• House Bill 89 – (Sponsors: Rep. Lavelle & Sen. Bunting, et. al.) – This act would require information concerning the distributions from the Delaware Strategic Fund to be posted on the Delaware Economic Development Office’s website.
              (In the 144th G.A.:  HB 331/SB 188)

• House Bill 87 – (Sponsors: Rep. Lavelle & Sen. Bunting, et. al.) – This act would require each school district and charter school to post its checking account activity (other than payroll checks) on its website.  It would also require that salary and benefits to be posted by job title at the beginning of each fiscal year.
              (In the 144th G.A.: HB 337/SB 186)

• House Bill 90 – (Sponsors: Rep. Lavelle & Sen. Bunting, et. al.) – This act would require the creation of a searchable budget database website to allow taxpayers to access details of how their tax dollars are being spent.
              (In the 144th G.A.:  HB 334/SB 184)

• House Bill 86 – (Sponsors: Rep. Lavelle & Sen. Bunting, et. al.) – This bill would require each state agency to post its checking account activity (other than payroll checks) on its website.  It would further require salary and benefits to be posted by job title at the beginning of each fiscal year.
             (In the 144th G.A.:  HB 336/SB 187)

• House Bill 88 – (Sponsors: Rep. Lavelle & Sen. Peterson, et. al.) – This act seeks to require the creation and maintenance of a searchable website for contracts entered into by school districts and charter schools.
              (In the 144th G.A.:  HB 338 and SB 185)

“Technology has provided us with an opportunity to give the public greater insight into how government is using its money,” Sen. Bunting said.  “We should make the most of this.  It will not only increase government’s accountability, it’ll also increase its credibility because all its spending decisions will be recorded and available for everyone to access.” 

Rep. Lavelle said the difficult financial situation facing the state makes these proposals more important than ever.  “The state and school districts are going to be facing some very tough choices to deal with the current reality.  The best way for the public to have confidence in these decisions is to be able to follow the money.” 

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