Joining local business leaders at a Southwest Indiana Chamber of Commerce luncheon in Evansville today, State Auditor Suzanne Crouch launched the21st Century Government Transparency tour. The tour seeks input from the public to improve Indiana’s Transparency Portal, a website administered by the State Auditor’s office that gives Hoosiers the opportunity to see exactly how their tax dollars are being spent.
“After traveling to all 92 counties last year and speaking with individuals across the state, it’s clear Hoosiers want their government to be transparent, accountable, efficient and interactive,” said Auditor Crouch. “I look forward to starting a conversation with everyday Hoosiers and community leaders, as we take our presentation across the state and listen to their ideas for improving Indiana’s Transparency Portal.”
While serving as a State Representative, Crouch advocated for legislation creating the Transparency Portal in 2011. Now as State Auditor, she is charged with maintaining Indiana’s award winning portal. In an effort to increase accountability in government by providing greater access to the state’s financial information, Auditor Crouch is seeking input from members of the community for ways to make it easier for Hoosiers to use and understand the data.
“Once again, Indiana has an opportunity to lead the nation in setting a positive example of good government through this project,” Auditor Crouch said. “Improving access to government data and increasing transparency offers an opportunity for the public, the media, legislators and others to scrutinize State spending and look for ways to increase efficiencies, thus providing a way for the State to save taxpayer dollars. Ultimately, greater transparency will give us a more educated citizenry and a more accountable government.”
