It?s not Israel and Palestine reconciling, but it?s a Maryland version. Democrats and Republicans are holding hands in Annapolis. So are Common Cause and the National Taxpayers Union.
What?s fueling their rapprochement?
Government transparency. Specifically, a bill to make state expenditures above $25,000 available online in an easily searchable database like the one offered by the federal government, USAspending.gov.
They know there is no more fiscally responsible bill in Annapolis in 2008.
The House passed it unanimously last week. It awaits Senate approval. Senators must pass it now.
Similar legislation passed in other states has helped to save millions by making it easy to detect duplicate orders or overspending. The mere presence of it deters fraud, as inappropriate spending cannot hide.
Savings alone next year will pay for the $388,000 the Department of Legislative Services estimates it will cost to set up.
And as Ryan O?Donnell, executive director of Common Cause of Maryland, said, “Even if no one uses it, it will inspire faith in government.”
We do not think underuse will be a problem, however. Think of the people who will benefit: students, those seeking government grants, taxpayers seeking to learn how money is spent in their districts, legislators researching bills, and, of course, journalists and their readers. And think how much government agencies, who must process Maryland Public Information Act requests ? many of which pertain to government spending ? will save in time and money because state workers will no longer have to answer those questions.
In our opinion, the $25,000 threshold is too high. We?d like to see it start at $10,000 so more information would be available.
But it?s a start. With money scarce in Annapolis, there is no better time to make government spending available in a comprehensive and easily accessible format. Gov. Martin O?Malley launched StateStat to help citizens and government officials monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of government agencies by making key performance statistics available online. This database would give citizens more tools to hold their elected and appointed officials accountable. Only those who fear scrutiny dare oppose it.
