INTRODUCTION

Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry, in his Feb. 5, 2007, State of the State address, proposed improving government transparency and openness by establishing a user friendly website that shows exactly how state dollars are spent. “We demand accountability of state agencies and departments,” Gov. Henry said, “and it is only fair that voters demand accountability from us.”

The Taxpayer Transparency Act (Brogdon and Wesselhoft) was signed by Gov. Henry on June 4, 2007. The act charges the Office of State Finance (OSF) with developing a single website accessible by the public. The website includes aggregate information on state revenues and expenditures, as well as certain incentive payments.

“This website will continue to be more useful to the citizens of Oklahoma as the Office of State Finance accepts feedback and direction from taxpayers, policy makers and elected officials,” said Tony Hutchison, former OSF director.

For information on how to use this website, go to How to Use Open Books, which is also found in the left-hand navigation on all pages of this website.