September 29, 2008
 

LANSING - Attorney General Mike Cox today announced that he has asked all current and potential members of the legislature to pledge to the citizens of Michigan their support of creating a more transparent state government, including the creation of a transparency Web site (currently in the form of HB5137 and SB1441). 
 

"Michigan citizens deserve transparency.  Families are struggling to survive in this difficult economy, and they have a right to know that their tax dollars are being spent wisely," said Cox.  "This isn't a partisan issue; this is a good government issue."
 

            Cox, with bi-partisan support, favors passage of HB 5137 and SB1441.  The bills would create a searchable Web site that would post all state spending online.
 

            "This isn't a new concept.  The $3 trillion federal government created a transparency Web site in 2006, and 16 states created transparency sites as well," continued Cox.
 

            Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain cosponsored the Transparency Act of 2006, which created www.usaspending.gov.  Cox often cites Missouri's transparency Web site, created in 2007, which is located at http://mapyourtaxes.mo.gov. 
 

Cox asks that all those interested in signing the pledge to please return it by Friday, October 3, 2008.
 

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