Scribner Supports Project Enhancing Government Access

HARTFORD — At a time when residents find themselves scrutinizing every dollar their government spends the legislature must enhance the tools available to them, Rep. David Scribner said. Scribner, who represents Brookfield and Bethel, was among lawmakers Monday who supported a proposal (H.B. 5163) that would see the state’s nonpartisan Office of Fiscal Analysis build a searchable, Web-based database containing information related to the state budget.

The goal, Scribner said, is transparency.

“For two years the worst financial crisis most of us have ever seen has gripped this state tightly,” Scribner said. “People have made tough choices about their personal finances and they expect government to do the same. This will give them a window to look through to see if that’s happening.”

What’s more, Scribner contends the Web database would not only provide valuable data to concerned citizens but also help debunk incorrect information that often ends up in the hands of residents.

“These days in Connecticut it seems so rare that government passes legislation that actually empowers residents, but this is one of those instances,” Scribner said.

The proposal requires the Office of Fiscal Analysis to have the system up and running by July 2011.

The legislation moves to the state senate for consideration.