Illinois Comptroller Leslie Munger visited Rockford today to announce a new internet tool aimed at improving government transparency.
She said the website, named Open Book, allows Illinois residents to search and compare state contracts with campaign contributions.
“Going through the endless amounts of data that were available on our website, it was very difficult for me to navigate, it was overwhelming the amount of data, and I thought, we have to do something about this,” Munger said.
“We looked for ways that we could create a more user-friendly tool. Things that would make it easier for our tax payers to follow the money and ensure that information was not only available but easily accessible.”
The website works similar to a Google search. The user enters in the name of an organization and sees any political contributions that the organization or employees have made.
She said the website is mobile friendly and offers tutorial videos to help people navigate through the webpage.
Munger also made the announcement in Peoria.
- WNIJ's Nicole Shenberger and Phil Masterton contributed to this report.