Emily Scarr
State Director, Maryland PIRG; Director, Stop Toxic PFAS Campaign, PIRG
NEW REPORT TO GRADE MARYLAND AND OTHER STATES ON SPENDING TRANSPARENCY
Media Contacts
TUE, 10am: Follow the Money 2014 Release
Maryland PIRG Foundation
WHAT: The Maryland PIRG Foundation will release a new report, “Following the Money 2014: How the 50 States Rate in Providing Online Access to Government Spending Data,” evaluating each state on how well it provides spending information online and assigning them with “A” to “F” letter grades. The report will reveal Maryland’s letter grade, compare its public disclosure of spending information to other states, and provide recommendations for improvements.
Transparency in state spending increases accountability, reduces corruption, and promotes greater effectiveness and fiscal responsibility. This is the Maryland PIRG Foundation’s fifth annual ranking of states’ progress toward checkbook-level spending transparency. Several states have made significant progress since last year’s report, but the most transparent states provide the public with information about types of expenditures that otherwise receive little public scrutiny.
WHO: Emily Scarr, Maryland PIRG Foundation Director
WHEN: Tuesday, April 8th, 10a.m. Eastern time
WHERE: Digital Release.
VISUALS: The report includes a colorful map and cover art and a table of state scores.
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Maryland PIRG Foundation works to protect consumers and promote good government. We investigate problems, craft solutions, educate the public, and offer meaningful opportunities for civic participation.