HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 122

(By Delegates Howell, Arvon, Border-Sheppard, Cadle, Caputo, Eldridge, Faircloth, Ferro, Hamrick, Hill, Ihle, Kessinger, Marcum, McGeehan, Moffatt, Morgan, Nelson, J., Phillips, R., Smith, P., Smith, R., Sponaugle, Stansbury, and Zatezalo)

[Originating in the Committee on Government Organization]

[March 9, 2015]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance authorize a study on increasing state government budget and spending transparency.

            WHEREAS, Taxpaying citizens need readily available information detailing how and where their tax dollars are being spent; and

            WHEREAS, The Legislature is committed to coordinating efforts among state government agencies to provide efficient access to accurate reporting of government activities; and

            WHEREAS, Transparency and accountability of government spending is in the best interest of the citizens of West Virginia and may be facilitated by creating a single web-based portal to provide access to detailed tax spending information; and

            WHEREAS, State agencies do provide public information using a variety of government websites and with advances in technology those reporting activities can be coordinated through a single web-based portal; therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

            That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study increasing state government budget and spending transparency; and, be it

            Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2016, on its findings, conclusions, and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

            Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study and to prepare and draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.