Zweifel continues efforts to increase open and transparent government
JEFFERSON CITY, MO – June 19, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — In a public meeting of the Missouri State Employees’ Retirement System yesterday, State Treasurer Clint Zweifel introduced a motion requiring compensation of MOSERS staff to be posted on its Web site. The motioned passed, and it marks the first time MOSERS staff compensation has been available via the Internet. Previously a Sunshine Law request was needed to obtain the information.
“Government functions best when its business is conducted in an open and accountable environment,” Treasurer Zweifel said. “Missourians deserve to know where their tax dollars are being spent, and this is a step in making that information easier to obtain.”
At the meeting Treasurer Zweifel also proposed that all benefits received by state elected officials and state judges should be made available on the MOSERS Web site.
“These officials operate with the public trust, and their full package of long-term benefits should be easily obtainable,” Treasurer Zweifel said. “This goes beyond simply the salaries of officials and reveals the full expense of their service. I look forward to seeing this policy implemented at the next board meeting.”
Treasurer Zweifel said his efforts were part of the debate taking place regarding incentive pay.
“We cannot have a full and open discussion and review of bonus pay if Missourians do not know the scope of what they are paying for at MOSERS and for their officials.”
Treasurer Zweifel has already implemented open government policies in his office. Those started with launching a completely revamped www.treasurer.mo.gov , and were followed by the launch of his open government site at www.treasurer.mo.gov/OpenGovernment.asp.
