Transparency legislation is important, albeit controversial due to security reasons (after all, you do not want certain information being placed on a report that could compromise your state’s security).  However, the time has come for transparency legislation for Virginia.  With the economy in recession, there are impending tax increases and budget cuts in the cards.

So, wouldn’t it be nice to see exactly what the Commonwealth of Virginia spends on earmarks or unnecessary programs?

Transparency legislation has been passed to a degree for the Federal government.  With the passage of the Coburn-Obama transparency bill, people can see how much money we are spending through earmark legislation.  Additionally, Virginians would benefit from seeing the total amount of spending and be able to hold their legislators accountable for their actions.  We do have a valuable asset with Richmond Sunlight, but there should be something that is ran by the Virginia government that allows voters to monitor how the state spends the taxpayer’s money.

Groups like Americans for Prosperity, Americans for Tax Reform, and CATO Institute all advocate for transparency legislation at the state levels.  They realize the potential for success that transparency can have at the state levels.  It helps to eliminate wasteful spending and unnecessary programs.  This is why we need it now in this fledgling economy.  It will be interesting to see if this will gain further momentum in Virginia and other states during the legislative sessions.