R.I. Administration Dept. rolls out site <br>to help public track state spending

PROVIDENCE – The R.I. Department of Administration today launched a new Web site aimed at allowing the public to see how public funds are spent. The site, www.ri.gov/Open Government/DOA, presents administration expenditures “in a detailed, user-friendly format … with a few easy clicks,” the department said.
“This is a significant improvement in transparency and open government, and I commend the Department of Administration for spearheading this initiative,” Gov. Donald L. Carcieri said in announcing the new site.
Its format is similar to that of the site unveiled seven days earlier by R.I. General Treasurer Frank T. Caprio. (READ MORE) In his Feb. 9 announcement, Caprio said he hoped that his Treasury Online Checkbook would “quickly become the model for state and local government in their efforts to be more accessible and accountable to the taxpayers of Rhode Island.”
That hope is being realized, based on Administration Department officials said today as they rolled out the new site and announced “enhancements” to the department’s existing www.RIpay.ri.gov.
“The Department of Administration continually strives to improve accountability in state government,” said Marc A. Leonetti, the state controller. “Along with our partners in the Division of Information Technology, the Treasurer’s Office and RI.gov, we will continue to identify opportunities to expand the Web site and enhance reporting.”
The next transparency-in-spending site due from the state government will be a portal for the R.I. Office of the Governor, the state officials said.
“Transparency is the key to open government,” added Director of Administration Gary S. Sasse, the former longtime director of the business-backed Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council. (READ MORE) “The taxpayers of Rhode Island should have full and complete access to how the state spends their tax dollars, and we will work with all state agencies to develop additional portals.”
Additional news and information from the R.I. Department of Administration are available at www.admin.ri.gov.