an effort to create searchable online databases for government expenditures
a tool to highlight the hypocrisy of tax hikers
Constitutional or statutory requirement to rein in growth of revenues end expenditures
a commitment made by elected officials and candidates for elected office never to raise taxes
Raising the bar for tax increases
Requiring a cool-off period for all bills with a fiscal impact
pork-barrel spending - the broken windows of the budget
A cool new tool has emerged that allows visitors to track global transparency efforts. The Open Government Data! project, sponsored by the Open Knowledge Foundation, fosters this effort by connecting open government initiatives from all corners of the globe through their interactive map. Currently the map contains 55 unique initiatives in nations as diverse as Kenya, Argentina, and Australia. Each icon displays information about these far-ranging projects and channels support to their websites and transparency resources in their area. While this effort focuses on “open government” initiatives – covering a broad range of advocacy objectives – it’s neat that people are thinking globally about transparency. Check back often to see which countries are gaining steam on government accountability.
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