Rep. Doug Green votes to create permanent online Tax Expenditure Database

COLUMBUS — State Representative Doug Green (R- Mt. Orab) today voted in favor of House Bill 46, legislation that greatly improves government transparency by making it easier for Ohioans to search state government spending during each fiscal year.

House Bill 46 requires the Treasurer of State to establish and maintain the Ohio State Government Database on the Treasurer’s website. Ohio residents would be able to use the database at no charge to track and monitor the state’s expenditures.

“I’d like to applaud my colleagues in the house for all their hard work on this bill,” Green said. “I believe it to be imperative that we ensure that all resources are available for the public to see and hold their elected officials accountable. I also would like to thank Treasurer Mandel for his ambition and ingenuity in helping advance the cause of accountability in government.”

In December 2014, current State Treasurer Josh Mandel unveiled a similar database known as OhioCheckbook.com, which provides the public access to how state tax dollars are being spent. However, under existing law, the online database could be taken down by a future treasurer. House Bill 46 would permanently implement that service into statute, and thereby ensure that future state treasurer’s would maintain that resource, regardless of political affiliation.

The bill specifies that the website:
· Include certain information with specific search and filter options
· Provide charts and graphs to be created by the Treasurer’s Office
· Allow public comment on the database’s functionality and utility
· Not include confidential information or information that is not recognized under state law as a public record

House Bill 46 now heads to the Senate for further consideration.