With thousands of taxing entities in Texas, it can be overwhelming trying to hold each one of them accountable. Thanks to a new website created by the Comptroller’s Office, it just became much easier for taxpayers to keep an eye on their state and local governments.
Today the Comptroller’s Office debuted a new website, www.TexasTransparency.org, to provide a clear look at how tax dollars are being put to work in Texas.
Among the many features of the website include the ability to see how transparent local governments are, including lists of cities, counties, school districts and other special districts that post their budgets, financial reports, and/or check registers online.
Just how many taxing entities exist in your county? There’s a map for that. Now all you have to do is click on your county to see how many property or sales tax entities you may be subject to.
The website also shines light on the state as well. Taxpayers now have the ability to compare budgets and expenditures of state agencies, see where that money is going, and how the state collected the revenue in the first place.
Such a tool to hold our elected officials accountable will go a long way towards more substantial and permanent transparency – such as fixing budget gimmicks, adding line-items for each program in the state budget, ending gas tax diversions, and adopting zero-based budgeting practices.
