Budget Transparency Shouldn't Fall Victim to a Fiscal Note

The Washington Policy Center's Jason Mercier wrote yesterday that cost projections might sink a budget transparency proposal that makes a lot of sense. While we certainly share lawmakers' belated concern with budget control, Mercier makes a good point regarding the $1.4 million estimated cost.

Even if the projected costs are accurate, I have to imagine that improving citizen access to details on the billons spent by government would rank high on the state’s priority list under government accountability efforts (much like the costs of complying with the public records law).

The Policy Center recently released the Washington State Piglet Book, which might hold tips on where lawmakers could find the cash for transparency.