Yesterday, while debating the FY11 state budget, I was proud to join my House colleagues to successfully adopt amendments aimed at increasing the openness and accessibility of the budget process. Specifically, the amendments—coupled with the online, searchable database of government expenditures established by this year’s House budget proposal—promise to increase the visibility and effectiveness of state spending.

Last year, after months of being in the dark and unable to track daily legislative business, I argued that it appeared that the “legislature’s technology took a step back nearly into the stone age”. I also pledged that I would do all that I could to make sure the Commonwealth utilizes “the most up-to-date technology to engage and communicate with our constituents.” Last night’s votes allow us to move a few more steps closer towards continuing to fulfill that commitment, and allow Massachusetts to join the 32 other states that also provide information and databases with regard to government spending.

These amendments will give Massachusetts citizens “a powerful new lens with which to view their government in action,” added Pam Wilmot, executive director of Common Cause Massachusetts. “Check-book level detail of state expenditures, including key tax credits, is critical to an informed citizenry.” 

Specifically, the recently-adopted amendments promise to make government expenditures more visible by requiring the public disclosure of the results of certain tax credit programs. They also propose to include tax credits within the definition of “state awards” that are posted in the online budget database established by the FY11 House budget proposal.

Last year’s House rules reform required the House Clerk to make all bills introduced and admitted for consideration to the House available to members electronically and post them on the internet. The reform package also requires notice of committee hearings to be posted on the internet.