March 04, 2008
Tuesday

The State's new Online Checkbook, a free and publicly searchable database to view the State's payment and revenue information is available. Since February 5, 2008, Alaskans can go online to view the State's posted current fiscal year spending information. The Department of Administration's Division of Finance has implemented this new tool in response to Governor Sarah Palin's call for departments to find ways to provide more information and transparency to Alaskans.

"Governor Palin understands that Alaskans want access to their government," said Commissioner Annette Kreitzer. "We are making this information available in the best form we can for Alaskans. We'll continue to refine the tool, and respond to suggestions for improvement."

Online Checkbooks are a growing trend among states to increase transparency into the financial operations of government. Alaska's information available on the site includes:

• All vendors and grantees who received a payment of at least $1,000 in the State's current fiscal year (July to June) through the end of January;
• The name and location of the vendor or grantee;
• The purpose of the payment;
• The department that requested the payment.

Currently the information is limited to payments using the enterprise-wide methods of general warrants and One Cards. Specialized payment systems, such as payments made to beneficiaries and wire transfers, are being evaluated for future publication. There are no plans to include retirement or Permanent Fund Dividend payments on the website. Initial posting of the State's financial information will be updated and posted monthly.

On the Web:

Sate of Alaska's Online Checkbook
http://fin.admin.state.ak.us/dof/checkbook_online/index.jsp

Source of News:

State of Alaska -Department of Administration
www.state.ak.us

 

SitNews ©2008
Stories In The News
Ketchikan, Alaska