Stimulus transparency and the states

Yesterday, I testified at a field hearing of the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. The hearing title was The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009: The Role of State and Local Governments.

My written testimony addressed plans to put stimulus data on the Internet, primarily at Recovery.gov. There have been promising signs, but important questions remain open, particularly about stimulus funds that are set to flow through the states. I was reacting primarily to the most recent round of stimulus-related guidance from the Office of Management and Budget (dated April 3).

Based on the probing questions about Recovery.gov that were asked by members from both parties, I’m optimistic that Congressional oversight will be a powerful force to encourage progress toward greater online transparency.