Jun

15

Stimulus transparency isn’t very clear

Filed Under Uncategorized 

A lot was made about accountability and transparency when the federal stimulus package was passed this year.  Here in Oklahoma, a special council was set up and a website created to “help track the use of Oklahoma stimulus funds.”

The website even has a whole section devoted to the topics of Accountability and Transparency including a listing of some of the money collected so far.  But here’s the thing about that money: it’s not easy for the average taxpayer to find out how that money is being spent.

The list shows more than $114-million being received through April 30th.  I contacted the Governor’s office with a few questions:

  1. Is that money just sitting in the Treasury waiting for the next fiscal year (starts July 1st) so it can be used?
  2. Has any of the money been spent already?  If so, on what? 
  3. If it has been spent, is it the governor that determines that or the agency head? 
  4. Was the legislature involved in any way (again meaning for any spending in the current fiscal year)?

The Governor’s office directed me to the State Treasurer since he is the “point man” on stimulus issues.  Except when he’s not which happens to be the case here.  The Treasurer, I’m told, was the point man for stimulus dollars being used in the upcoming budget, but NOT for those received for the current fiscal year.  For that, I was directed to the State Auditor and Controller.

I got a little more information here.  The $114-million is apparently for the current fiscal year, not the next one.  And it is each agency head that is in charge of spending that money.  As for what it’s being spent on, that would have to be answered by each agency head.  So that will involve 12 more phone calls or e-mails.  I’ll be sure to keep you updated as I find out more.

But this little exercise shows how far we have to go for true transparency.  I can go online with my checking account and see every check that I’ve written and where my debit card has been used and for how much.  Yet I can’t find out how $114-million is spent by state agencies without specifically inquiring with each agency.  I hope that the transparency and accountability for Oklahoma stimulus dollars is an ongoing process and will become more transparent.  Because taxpayers deserve to have clear information presented.  They shouldn’t be forced to hunt for it.

Comments

One Response to “Stimulus transparency isn’t very clear”

  1. Sunshine Review Blog » Bericht: » Oklahoma’s stimulus transparency gets a hard look from OFRG on June 23rd, 2009 2:24 pm

    [...] to these titillating questions, go check out the Oklahomans for Responsible Government blog: Part 1 Part 2 Part [...]

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