Andrew Cuomo (D)
ALBANY, N.Y. (Legal Newsline) - New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo unveiled an updated version of his government accountability and transparency Web site Tuesday.
Sunlight 2.0 features new data, a more user-friendly format, and innovative features to increase openness and accountability, which enhances the public's ability to access and review state and local government information, the Democratic attorney general said.
Cuomo said revisions to the Web site include adding information on how tax dollars are spent, elected officials, legislation and other state business.
The new version also allows the public to find contact information and Web links for county, city, town and village officials through an interactive map. There is a link to a Spanish translation of the site.
"This re-tooled Web site increases accountability and openness, and gives the public the tools to hold officials more accountable, which is more important than ever before," Cuomo said. "When Project Sunlight was first launched, I said that it was not a final product, but a foundation for making an even better resource for all New Yorkers."
Created two years ago, the original version of Project Sunlight was designed to show the public more of what was going on with the business of state government. After listening to ideas from the people using it, the enhanced version was designed and upgraded.
New York Public Interest Research Group Legislative Counsel Russ Haven called the Web site a public benefit.
"Project Sunlight continues to grow into a wider and deeper resource, with the latest additions adding more state legislative bills and access to local government information," he said. "It's a welcoming gateway for New Yorkers to find out what's going on and who is influencing government in New York."