For the Record
Write budget in the open
Transparency would promote public trust
in N.C. government.
Transparency would promote public trust in
N.C. government.
From Jane B. Pinsky, director of the N.C. Coalition for Lobbying
and Government Reform:
For more than two years the N.C. Coalition
for Lobbying and Government Reform has pushed for increased
openness in the legislative procedure, especially the budget
process. We have made some progress and the General assembly
has taken some positive steps.
However, the current session highlights the
need for greater openness and transparency and for making additional
improvements in the budget process. We believe these improvements
are in the best interest of continuing to restore public trust
in government.
There is a better way. The process should:
Be more open and accountable with decisions
made in public.
Operate within a framework with an organized
procedure, time frames and deadlines.
Contain a prohibition against including non-money
items or special provisions in the budget.
Allow legislators three days to review the
budget after it is unveiled.
Make all budget information available via
the Internet as it is printed.
Make available copies of any proposed budgets
from the governor's office or the state budget office or departments
at least 24 hours before they are presented to the appropriations
or finance committees.
Make all information available to legislators
and legislative staff on the internal computer system available
to the public on the Internet.
Have at least 24 hours for review of any
proposed committee substitute by both legislators and the public
before it is discussed in a committee or a subcommittee meeting.
Announce all committee or subcommittee meetings
to members, staff and public at least 24 hours in advance of
the meeting.
Hold all meetings in meeting rooms in the
Legislative Building or Legislative Office Building –
not around a member's desk, in their office or in a hallway.
Make all Finance or Appropriations Committee,
subcommittee and conference meetings available to the public
via streaming and then via real time audio and television broadcast
once the systems are established at the General Assembly.
If the General Assembly wants to continue
to enjoy the confidence and support of our citizens, then it
must open up this critical process and create a budget that
truly belongs to the people of North Carolina. In the May 6
primary, North Carolinians proved they are more than willing
to participate in our government if they believe in it and if
given a chance. Now is the time to give them that chance. Make
the budget process open to all citizens.
