State posts 'checkbook' online - WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and Sports

MADISON (WKOW) -- Administrators say they are ready to post the state's "checkbook" online, giving taxpayers a chance to scrutinize spending by Wisconsin officials. 

Department of Administration Secretary Mike Huebsch says they'll launch the "Open Book" program in the spring. Gov. Scott Walker's plan to make state spending more transparent has been two years in the making. Huebsch says there's a lot of information from all state agencies to enter. 

The first phase of the data base will include payments made by the state for goods and services from fiscal 2008 through the most current month, searchable by state agency, expense category and vendor. State employee salaries and fringe benefits will be added in the coming months. Wisconsin Public Radio News says some employees, including undercover law enforcement agents, will be confidential.