What is Transparent Idaho?

Transparent Idaho is a platform designed to increase transparency in government spending for the state of Idaho. It allows users to access detailed records of every dollar spent by the state over a significant period, including information on pay rates, expenses, and other financial transactions. The platform, powered by OpenGov technology, updates transaction data nightly, offering a near real-time view of government expenditures.

For instance, users can easily sort and review salaries of state employees, revealing data such as the pay rates of university presidents and lab workers. This transparency helps in identifying fair pay practices and discourages misuse of funds by making financial information publicly accessible 1.

Additionally, Transparent Idaho aids journalists and citizens in holding the government accountable by facilitating easier access to budgetary information. This transparency has led to uncovering discrepancies and corruption in other states, as in the case of Ohio where a price-fixing scheme for road salt was exposed 2.