Ocean State Policy Research Institute

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Press Release - April 14, 2008

Package of bills introduced by Senator Michael Lenihan to bring transparency to state contracting with private entities.

Providence, RI - The Ocean State Policy Research Institute (OSPRI) welcomes Senator Lenihan aboard the transparency train, making this a bipartisan effort as he joins Republican Senator Leo Blais who has proposed S2664 that would bring equivalent transparency to public sector contracts.

OSPRI has not extensively analyzed the content of this new package of bills yet, but the approach appears to be one of transparency not of anti-privatization obstruction.

"Regardless of their motivations, if there are any, we welcome all effective efforts of transparency," said William Felkner, president of the Ocean State Policy Research Institute that recently announced the receipt of a three-year grant to promote transparency in Rhode Island.

These legislative efforts would build on initiatives already underway in the executive branch where Democrat General Treasurer Caprio has pledged transparency in spending that will finally allow the public to read their own checkbook and Republican Governor Carcieri who has proposed Article 36 of the budget that will ensure that the public know the fiscal impact of public employee contracts BEFORE they are ratified.

"A lot of people suddenly want a piece of transparency," said Felkner, reflecting on the sudden burst of interest, "and that's a good thing. This is about the transparency movement not any specific special-interest group."

The Ocean State Policy Research Institute has contributed to this effort with a website engine to gather these available sources under one roof. As policy analysts and not legislative proponents we will testify on the potential effects of the new legislative package, not for or against its passage. With that caveat, we wish to again congratulate the Senate and particularly Senator Lenihan for their commitment to oversight for the taxpayers and by the taxpayers.

And we want to acknowledge the cooperative efforts we have found at most cities, schools and the various state departments involved. Where we were warned of obstruction - we have found enthusiasm.

"In the therapy world, we might say that RI has hit a bottom - a 450 million dollar deficit bottom. The enthusiasm around this transparency movement might be evidence of the state admitting it has a problem," said Felkner. "OSPRI will be happy to help them work through this healing process."
The Transparency Train engine can be found within the Ocean State Policy website at www/oceanstatepolicy.org. Click the "Transparency Train" button to see what they are doing with your tax dollars (data uploads begin this week!).

For Release 6 am EDT, April 14, 2008

The Ocean State Policy Research Institute is focused on crafting sound policy based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, and traditional American values.