Montana News

Governor Bullock unveils online Montana "checkbook"

Posted: Jan 31, 2013 6:50 PM by MTN News

HELENA - Montana taxpayers can now see how the state's money is spent thanks to a new website unveiled by Governor Steve Bullock on Thursday.

"Montana taxpayers want to make sure we're spending their money wisely and I'll insist that the state never spends more than it takes in," Bullock said in a news release.

In Bullock's State of the State address on Wednesday, he said that for the first time ever, Montana's checkbook will be online.

"We'll have a searchable database so that any Montanan - or anyone in the world, for that matter - can look at how we are spending the taxpayers' money. It's the right thing to do and it'll lead to a more effective government," Bullock told legislators in his address.

According to the news release, payments made through the state's accounting system can be searched in three ways - by department, category, or who the payment was made to (the payee). A search by category allows users to track costs for expenses including utility and postage costs, supplies such as ammunition or gas, or services such as fire suppression.

For some payments, the payee is reported as "confidential" to protect the privacy of citizens who get tax refunds, pay child support, or receive public assistance or unemployment insurance.

Officials say that the website, which was created by the Department of Administration, will be continually improved and updated.

More information about state government will also be added.

Click here to visit transparency.mt.gov.