Reform #24: Put All State Spending Online (from Putting Michigan Back to Work, The First Steps)

In February 2008, Mike Cox made history by putting the Department of Attorney General’s spending online. Cox is a great believer in the old adage, “sunshine is the best antiseptic in a democracy.” By going to www.Michigan.gov/ag and clicking the “Track Your Taxes” button, any Michigan resident can see how the Department of Attorney General spends its money. Contracts, rent, office supplies, salaries- you name it- are all there for open inspection. Recently Cox also posted all consumer protection setlements online- more than 8,000 pages.

While Mike Cox set the example for transparency, the Governor refuses to show us, the taxpayers of Michigan, how she and her directors spend money across the rest of state government.

As Michigan’s next governor, Mike Cox will put all state spending online to prevent corruption, waste, inefficiency and to give every taxpayer the ability to watch over the shoulder of government to see how his or her tax dollars are spent.