Columbian supports budget website reform

Vancouver's lead newspaper, The Columbian, has an editorial today in support of WPC's proposal for a free, online searchable website of state spending and performance information. The Columbian writes:

"When Republican State Attorney General Rob McKenna and Democratic State Auditor Brian Sonntag agree on an idea, Washingtonians would do well to pay attention. Both leaders feverishly pursue policies over politics. Both men have powerful reputations as independent problem solvers. McKenna and Sonntag support a proposed budget database that would allow taxpayers to research state spending on the Internet. It's a superb idea, and Washingtonians should feel slightly embarrassed that Congress beat our state to the punch . . .

On Monday, state Sen. Val Stevens, R-Arlington, announced she will introduce the Taxpayer Transparency Act in the Legislature's 2008 session, which begins Monday. We hope lawmakers expedite passage of the bill . . .

A similar bill was introduced last year but was not granted a public hearing. We hope that, with Congress setting an example, swift action can be taken this year. Jason Mercier of the Washington Policy Center this week described the proposal as "a win-win for everyone, except possibly for those who fear something embarrassing about public spending might be revealed." Clark County legislators, take note. Constituents will be watching how you vote on this one."

The editorial makes reference to information from a press release WPC issued earlier this week concerning the support of Sonntag and McKenna for this reform. 

Here is a link to Sen. Stevens' press release announcing her proposal.

Last week the Tacoma News Tribune also commented on this reform.