Google your tax dollars....

[cynatnite]

WASHINGTON - President Bush said Tuesday that Americans will now be able to "Google their tax dollars," as he signed a law to create an online database for tracking about $1 trillion in government spending on grants and contracts.

The law is aimed preventing wasteful spending by opening the federal budget to greater scrutiny. The information is already available, but the Web site would make it easier for those who aren't experts on the process to see how taxpayer dollars are being spent.

"Information on earmarks will no longer be hidden deep in the pages of a federal budget bill, but just a few clicks away," Bush said in a signing ceremony. "This legislation will give the American people a new tool to hold their government accountable for spending decisions. When those decisions are made in broad daylight, they will be wiser and they will be more restrained."

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"The Web site will allow our citizens to go online, type in the name of any company, association, or state or locality and find out exactly what grants and contracts they've been awarded," Bush said.

"By allowing Americans to Google their tax dollars, this new law will help taxpayers demand greater fiscal discipline," Bush said.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060926/ap_on_go_pr_wh/budget_online

[cynatnite]

1. edited to add new story n/t