Chad Dewey for Liberty

“State Director, Scott Hagerstrom @followscott, testifies in support of online database of state expenses HB 4096 http://1.usa.gov/K8QnJg. The government is accountable to the taxpayers of Michigan. This bill would enable citizens to see exactly where their money is being spent.” (Americans for Prosperity, Michigan)

This bill was originally introduced back in January of 2011. While I understand the actual logistics of putting something like this together after the bill passes may take time (certainly not 16 months), there should be no question on allowing the bill itself to pass fairly quickly. Taxpayers deserve to be able to see how every dime of their tax dollars are spent. I really like how this bill is so short and simple – 2 pages long. My only concern is on page 2:

6 (3) NOTHING IN THIS SECTION SHALL REQUIRE THE DISCLOSURE OF
7 INFORMATION THAT IS CONSIDERED CONFIDENTIAL BY STATE OR FEDERAL
8 LAW.

This could be a loophole to allow potential abuse. With laws like the USA PATRIOT Act and the NDAA, anything could be put under the blanket statement of “confidential”. Other than that, lawmakers should have no reason to vote against this bill.

August 3rd is when Michigan primaries are held across the state. No matter whether you’re voting Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, Constitutional, Green, or any other party research your candidate. Please be sure to check the candidates voting record (if they have one), their endorsements, their views, and most importantly try to meet them in person. Read their body language when you ask them questions. Look for real answers rather than your typical canned answers on tough issues and issues that matter to you.

There are those who I know I will vote for, those who I won’t vote for, and there are also those that I cannot vote for because unfortunately they are out of my District. One such candidate is Justin Amash. He is incredibly conservative, has a strong stance in favor of free markets, and opposes increasing the size and power of government with every vote he casts. Perhaps one of my favorite aspects of the way Justin Amash conducts himself in office as a State Representative is how he explains each vote and how he votes, in real time, on Facebook. To see this incredible form of transparency in action, be sure to visit (and “Like”) his page over on Facebook.