New Jersey Transparency Legislation Broadened to Encompass Localities

Friday, March 5, 2010 3:46 PM

After Gov. Chris Christie prioritized transparency and signed an executive order which in essence was the Taxpayer Transparency Act sponsored by Sen. Joe Pennacchio, passing the legislation should be a no-brainer for the legislature, and indeed progress has been made.

Not only has the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee reported the bill favorably, but it also amended the bill to strengthen it and extend the disclosure requirements to localities.

Any county, municipality, State or local authority, school board or other instrumentality of the State receiving direct grants or funds from the State would be required to report within 90 days (and before receipt of any additional funds in the next fiscal year) to the Treasurer the following, which will subsequently be posted online:

the total amount of expenditures, specified by categories including bond debt, services, interest, salaries and wages paid to employees, contractual service purchases and commodity purchases as well as capital outlays and improvements (all including amounts paid to vendors), and aid paid to subunits of the entity.

the total amount of funds received during hte fiscal year and the sources thereof.

It's always nice to see when legislation is improved and broadened rather than weakened and watered down in the legislative process - hopefully this trend will continue in New Jersey!

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