Connecticut Receives a “C+” in Annual Report on Transparency of Government Spending

Media Contacts
Evan Preston

ConnPIRG Education Fund

Hartford, March 27 – Connecticut received a “C+” when it comes to government spending transparency, according to “Following the Money 2013: How the States Rank on Providing Online Access to Government Spending Data,” the fourth annual report of its kind by the ConnPIRG Education Fund.  

“State governments across the country have become more transparent about where public money goes, providing citizens with the information they need to hold elected officials and businesses that receive public funds accountable,” said Abe Scarr, ConnPIRG Education Fund Director. “But Connecticut still has a long way to go.”

“This report shows that many states are getting impressive results from making contracts and subsidies more transparent. Connecticut should get in the lead,” said Wade Gibson, Senior Policy Fellow with Connecticut Voices for Children.

Officials from Connecticut and 47 other states provided the researchers with feedback on their initial evaluation of state transparency websites. The leading states with the most comprehensive transparency websites are Texas, Massachusetts, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, and Oklahoma.

Based on an inventory of the content and ease-of-use of states’ transparency websites, “Following the Money 2013” assigns each state a grade of “A” to “F.” Connecticut, which launched a new transparency website this year, received a “C+.” The new website is easy to use and contains checkbook-level information on contracts, non-contract spending, and grants. However, it lacks information on economic development tax credits and the projected and achieved benefits of economic development subsidies.

Each year the report’s grading standards rise. Connecticut’s slip from a “B” grade in last year’s report to a “C+” this year reflects those rising standards. In order for states to keep up with rising standards and maintain high scores, they must continue to improve transparency.

“Let’s be clear,” said Scarr, “Connecticut’s falling score does not mean spending has become less transparent. It means other states are improving faster.” 

Since last year’s “Following the Money” report, there has been remarkable progress across the country with new states providing online access to government spending information and several states pioneering new tools to further expand citizens’ access to this data.  

One of the most striking findings in this year’s report is that all 50 states now provide at least some checkbook-level detail about individual government expenditures. In 48 states—all except California and Vermont—this information is now searchable. Just three years ago, only 32 states provided checkbook-level information on state spending online, and only 29 states provided that information in searchable form. Thirty-nine state transparency websites now include tax expenditure reports, providing information on government expenditures through tax code deductions, exemptions and credits—up from just eight states three years ago.

“Open information about the public purse is crucial for democratic and effective government,” said Scarr. “It is not possible to ensure that government spending decisions are fair and efficient unless information is publicly accessible.”

The states with the most transparent spending stand out partly because they are comprehensive about the kinds of spending they include, such as data on economic development subsidies, expenditures granted through the tax code, and quasi-public agencies. Connecticut is one of at least six states that have launched brand new transparency websites since last year’s report, and most made improvements that are documented in the report. The best state transparency tools are highly searchable, engage citizens, and include detailed information—allowing all the information to be put to good use.

States that have created or improved their online transparency have typically done so with little upfront cost. In fact, top-flight transparency websites can save money for taxpayers, while also restoring public confidence in government and preventing misspending and pay-to-play contracts.

“Connecticut should continually improve the breadth and ease-of-access of online government spending information. Adding more information about economic development tax subsidies is the next important step in increasing transparency,” said Scarr. “Given our state budget problems, Connecticut taxpayers need to be able to follow the money.” 

To access the state’s transparency website, click here: www.osc.ct.gov/openct