Kuipers said government transparency is especially important now, following two massive federal spending bills that are expected to bring millions of dollars to Michigan.

“Given the fact that we are going to be receiving large infusions of federal money with the stimulus package, this will help keep better tabs on where
the money is going,” he said. “People have a right to know how their tax dollars are being spent.”

Megan Brown, spokeswoman for Gov. Jennifer Granholm, said although Granholm believes Kuipers’ bill is too broad, she is willing to work with state legislators on the issue.

“We are all about transparency and are committed to expanding our accountability Web site,” Brown said.

The introduction of Kuipers’ bill coincides with Sunshine Week, an annual national initiative to open dialogue about the importance of government transparency and freedom of information.

Assistant professor of political science Matt Grossmann said the more open a process is, the more citizens are able to raise criticisms and budgets can be fully debated.

However, Grossmann said it is important to consider that many people aren’t paying attention to details of the budget and lack the basic information to interpret the meaning of its information.