Here's a news item from the AP: 'One Idaho legislator wants to put the state's checkbook online, saying it will make government more transparent and could save money in the long run. Athol Republican Rep. Phil Hart told the House State Affairs Committee Thursday that though the searchable Internet database would have a $250,000 price tag, other states have used it to find wasteful spending. The committee agreed to give the bill a hearing. Some legislators balked at the project's price tag. They say the purpose is important but the state shouldn't spend so much money on a database while some of its employees have lost their jobs because of the economy. Other states such as Missouri have put state spending records online in a publicly searchable database. The information includes payments for janitorial services and what salary state employees are paid.'

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