The
state Assembly today passed the Earmark Transparency Act (AB 739)
that provides for full public reporting of spending earmarks and a
48-hour waiting period between their disclosure and approval. The
bill would provide the public and budget watchdogs such as WISPIRG an
opportunity to identify wasteful spending items. It is similar to
federal legislation sponsored by U.S. Senators Barack Obama
(Illinois-D) and Tom Coburn (R-Oklahoma).
“WISPIRG
applauds the Assembly for taking this important step,” said Bruce
Speight, advocate for the Wisconsin Public Interest Research Group
(WISPIRG).
Earmarks
are spending items that are passed outside the normal budget process
and are often slipped into closed-door legislative committee hearings
in the fine print of bills shortly before a vote. Earmarks can serve
a legitimate public purpose because government programs crafted for
the entire state may not adequately take into consideration the
particular needs and opportunities in individual communities.
"An
earmark is basically a spending item that is approved outside the
normal legislative process of democratic checks and balances. To
restore faith in government, we need to ensure that this
extraordinary use of tax dollars does not happen behind closed doors
or in the eleventh hour of the night. Full disclosure and democratic
oversight is the best way to ensure clean and efficient government,"
continued Speight.
The
bill now moves to the Senate.
"The
Senate should not miss this opportunity to increase transparency and
accountability with the public purse. WISPIRG urges the Senate to
take this bill up before the end of the session,” concluded
Speight.
