New Web site sheds light on state spending

“Missourians deserve openness in state spending,” Blunt said in a news release. “We must be transparent. … We can use technology to allow Missourians to better see how their tax dollars are being used. Whether it is more than a half of a billion-dollar increase to education or important investments in our state’s future, the Missouri Accountability Portal will provide Missourians with up-to-date information to track the use of their tax dollars.”

The portal is one of the first comprehensive searchable databases of financial records based on real-time data in the nation.

The MAP site was established with existing state resources and is updated at the close of each business day to provide up-to-date access to information about state spending, allowing citizens to demand fiscal discipline and responsibility.

Users can search the MAP site by budget category, vendor or contract. Links to other public information maintained by the state also are available. State employees’ salaries will be listed in a searchable database beginning Jan. 1.

Blunt launched the site as part of his ongoing efforts to capitalize on emerging technologies to improve state services and provide more information citizens.

Earlier this year, Blunt unveiled the Missouri Business Portal, a one-stop shop that connects small-business owners with state government resources based on their inquiries and interests.