The state Senate unanimously passed a measure on Jan. 30 introduced by Sen. Mark Miloscia to increase transparency of state government expenditures. Senate Bill 5081 would put more government expenditure information on a consolidated website so that the public may easily access it.

“This is about continuing to improve communication with the public about what our government is doing,” said Miloscia, R-Federal Way. “This will lead to greater public participation in government and build trust in the public process.”

Spending-related documents would be posted at fiscal.wa.gov, including state collective bargaining agreements, state agency leases, sole source contracts and other expenditures that are now difficult for the public to find.

Miloscia’s bill now goes to the House of Representatives for its consideration. This was his first bill passed in the Senate; Miloscia served six terms as a state representative before being elected to the Senate in November.