N.J. Assemblyman to Introduce Transparency in Government Act

New Jersey State Assemblyman Joe Pennacchio has prepared legislation which would mandate full disclosure of all state revenues and expenditures on the Internet. According to the bill, "building upon legislative proposals in more than a dozen states, this bill establishes an accessible, user friendly source of information to track state revenues and expenditures." Doing so, the legislation helps facilitate a bipartisan approach to improving transparency, identifying waste and eliminating abuse of all levels of state government.

"The legislation is retroactive beginning with the first budget of the new century allowing current and future generations to see how taxpayer dollars were spent. Starting with the first budget of the new century allows New Jersey citizens to scrutinize both Republican and Democrat budgets," said Pennacchio.

The Assemblyman is encouraging local, municipal and school board governments to follow his lead and also post all of their revenues and expenditures on the Internet for all to see. "Shining a transparent light on state spending can only empower the people and that is a very good thing," concluded Pennacchio.