Texas recognized for posting public information online
 

Thursday, March 19, 2009, 10:55am CDT
Texas recognized for posting public information online
San Antonio Business Journal

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Texas has been ranked No. 1 in online transparency among states nationwide, according to a study conducted by the Sunshine Week campaign.

Sunshine Week is a national initiative sponsored by journalism organizations that ranks which states focus on open government and access to information.

“It is encouraging to see Texas’ concerted efforts of greater budget transparency recognized at this level,” says Gov. Rick Perry. “I am a longtime supporter of transparency and the accountability that comes with it. I hope that Texas will continue to build on these successes by calling for even more transparency, including from our institutions of higher education and municipalities all across the state.”

To conduct the study, teams of surveyors scanned government Web sites from each state looking for 20 different kinds of public records. The only state found to provide information online in all 20 categories was Texas. Journalists rated each category based on user experience and friendliness and took into account whether information was clearly linked, if full reports were available, whether the site offered free viewing and downloading, and if the data was current.

The survey team looked at items such as financial disclosures, audit reports, project expenditures, bridge inspection reports, nursing home and hospital inspection reports and environmental citations.

Web site: SUNSHINE Week - SUNSHINE Week

Texas recognized for posting public information online - San Antonio Business Journal: