Alaska Check Register Online
From Sunshine Review
The Alaska Check Register is an online database of state expenditures that was launched in February 2008.
Stating, "Alaskans deserve open, transparent government," Governor Sarah Palin announced that all state expenditures over $1,000 would be available online. It is available at the Alaska Department of Administration website, Division of Finance.
[edit] What Information Is Included
Anyone is able to go to the site and browse the state's check register in both pdf and excel formats, with information organized by department, payee, and type of expense. The first version does not include search capabilities, but plans are underway to expand it.
Currently, the site includes information on every payee that received over $1,000, including their name, location, and what the payment was for. Information that may result in issues of confidentiality, such as employee salaries, has not been posted, but they are attempting to figure a solution to this.
[edit] Transparency
While all information on the site is public information, this forum for it is a great step for state government transparency. Sen. Bill Wielechowski, D-Anchorage, is working to make sure that Alaska's finances are always available to the public, continuing after Palin leaves office.
