Senate to Require Truth in Spending

Filed Under Bryant, Caucus, Grooms, McConnell, Top News

State and Local Government Expenditures to be Posted Online

Columbia, SC - Under the “Truth in Spending Act” (S.1144) introduced today, taxpayers will no longer need to wonder where their tax dollars are being spent, they will be able to go online and see for themselves. The bill requires all state and local government entities, including school districts, to post monthly expenditures over $100 on their website.

State agencies that are part of the Governor’s Cabinet already report their expenditures online; this bill will expand that requirement and include local governments.

“The Truth in Spending Act will shine a light on wasteful government spending at all levels — state, county, municipal, even school districts will disclose spending,” says Senator Larry Grooms (R- Berkeley), the primary sponsor of the bill. “Government in South Carolina will be held accountable for spending, because government spending will be available for viewing 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

“It’s all about accountability,” says Senator Kevin Bryant (R- Anderson), a sponsor of the bill and vocal advocate of financial disclosure. “We want the citizens of this state to know how their money is being spent. The more access taxpayers have to information the more likely they are to hold government accountable for the spending of those dollars.”

Under the provisions of the bill online listings of expenditures must be updated monthly and must include: the transaction amount, name of payee, and purpose of expenditure. In addition to cash expenditures, monthly credit card statements must also be posted online. The bill does make some exception for law enforcement expenditures that could jeopardize the operations a department.

“This bill has been a long time in coming,” says Senator Glenn McConnell (R-Charleston), one of the key sponsors of the bill. “This ray of sunshine will reach into the darkest corners of government spending by requiring all expenditures over $100 to be posted online as well as credit card statements for cards issued for official business.”

State or local governments that do not maintain a website will be required to send information to the State Budget and Control Board, who will post the information on designated section of the Board’s website.

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