Texas Comptroller Promotes Government Transparency

Tyler and Smith County entities
recognized for promoting fiscal transparency

Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Susan Combs has introduced her agency’s Leadership Circle program to recognize local governments across Texas striving to meet a high standard for financial transparency online. The Comptroller’s office is spotlighting local governments that have opened their books to the public in order to provide clear pictures of spending and share information in a user-friendly format that provides taxpayers more information.

Americans for Prosperity advocates transparency in government spending and taxation and applauds Comptroller Combs for her leadership in promoting transparency in government programs.

“Government is here to serve the people, not the other way around,” said Peggy Venable, AFP-Texas Director. “We are excited about the progress local governments are making and will closely follow and support the Comptroller’s efforts.

The Comptroller’s office has been working to encourage cities, towns, counties, school districts and every government entity across Texas to open their financial records. The agency has developed a free, self-scoring process verified by the Local Government Assistance Division to recognize taxing entities’ transparency efforts.

The “Gold” designation in the Leadership Circle highlights local governments that set the bar for financial transparency, open their books to the public and set a strong example for other governmental entities to follow. The “Silver” designation encourages entities making continued progress toward achieving financial transparency, while “Bronze” inspires those just beginning their efforts and taking the first steps toward achieving financial transparency.

The city of Tyler, Smith County and the Tyler Independent School District (ISD) received the gold designation. Arp ISD and Chapel Hill ISD, both within Smith County, received the bronze designation. Combs says financial transparency should be an ongoing goal for any government entity.

To find out more about the awards , go to: http://www.window.state.tx.us/news2009/091202-transparency.html and for more information on the Comptroller’s program, visit www.window.state.tx.us/comptrol/checkup/.