State Rep. Hukill's bill allowing citizens to track their tax dollars online passes final council

TALLAHASSEE -- the House Economic Development and Community Affairs Policy Council on Tuesday unanimously passed House Bill 971, the
Transparency Florida Act.

This far-reaching legislation, sponsored by State Representative Dorothy L. Hukill, R-Port Orange, whose district includes Southeast Volusia, will allow citizens to track their tax dollars online. Transparency Florida will be the strongest legislation of its kind in the nation and reflects Florida's continued commitment to open government.

House Bill 971 provides access to up-to-date information on state government revenues and expenditures through a single searchable website, accessible on www.MyFlorida.com . The website would provide information on the date, amount, and source of each expenditure, affording Floridians an unprecedented level of access to information on government spending. The bill would also establish a process for integrating information on local government revenues and expenditures into the Transparency Florida site.

"In a time when Floridians are hurting, we need to remember that every dollar government spends is money out of their pockets," Hukill said. "This legislation provides for greater accountability by allowing citizens to easily see how their hard-earned tax dollars are being spent."

The bill now moves to the House floor.