Bill gives Average Joe a way to track how tax dollars are spent

A legislative proposal to create a transparency website for fiscal matters that would give the “average constituent” the tool to root out “inefficiencies” and “waste” in state government unanimously sailed through the House Appropriations Committee Monday.  
Rep. Barry Ivey, R-Baton Rouge, said he authored House Bill 298 to allow people to track how their tax dollars are spent.  The measure now goes to the full House for debate. 
Ivey said while Louisiana is already ranked seventh in the country in transparency, his proposal would make the state more transparent amid tax increases and budget shortfalls. 
His bill would require a third party software source to produce the system, and he added the current system needs updating.
“Our system is 16 years old,” he said. “It’s a dinosaur.”
The proposal drew the support of Treasurer John Kennedy’s office and Rep. Julie Stokes, R-Kenner, who spoke on behalf of the measure.
“The public is so concerned about the honesty of government that it’s difficult to do our jobs,” Stokes said. “I don’t think you could find a voter out there (who) doesn’t want you to vote for this right now.”