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Web Site Sheds Some 'Sunlight' On State Government Want to see who has made campaign contributions to our elected state representatives like senators John Sampson, Carl Kruger and Kevin Parker, or assembly members, Alan Maisel, Helene Weinstein and Diane Gordon? Now, for the first time, there's a new website that offers details on elected state officials. Attorney General Andrew Cuomo last week unveiled "Project Sunlight," a powerful and easy-to-use website giving the public unprecedented access to the workings of state government and the information it keeps. "Project Sunlight" allows real-time tracking of seven state databases and the links between them. It gives easy access to information on campaign financing, lobbying, agency contracts, member items, legislation and both for-profit and not-for-profit corporations registered in New York. "I have pledged to do all that I can to strengthen ethics and enhance transparency in New York State government," Cuomo said. "'Project Sunlight' is a critical component of the effort to enhance the public's understanding and oversight of state government. The daunting challenge of plowing through government websites and submitting requests for information has been replaced with an easy-to-use website that allows New Yorkers to examine records instantly and easily. With 'Project Sunlight,' we are lifting the veil on Albany and helping citizens learn about their government." "Project Sunlight" was an initiative Cuomo announced during his campaign as part of his "Reform Government" agenda. The website is a first step in an ongoing "civic dialogue" on how best to improve and expand the site. The "Project Sunlight" website can be accessed at www.sunlightny.com. Blair Horner, the Attorney General's Special Advisor on Policy and Public Integrity, said. "The success of representative democracy hinges on the informed consent of the public. A government shrouded in secrecy breeds public cynicism. 'Project Sunlight' is a prototype of how government can better work for the people." The website not only offers experienced and novice users easy access to government data, it also provides important educational materials. It also offers information on the basics of state government, how candidates report campaign finances, what lobbyists are required to publicly report, and member items categorized by the name of the sponsoring elected official and the county in which the money is directed. The website also offers a map of the state allowing users to search for member item spending by locality and includes videos to enhance the ease with which users can understand the educational materials. In addition, portions of these educational materials have been translated into Spanish. Civic organizations, educators and government observers praised the Cuomo's initiative as a significant effort in reforming and opening state government and encouraged other state and local government entities to integrate their data into the "Project Sunlight" website to help it expand and improve well into the future. Cuomo said, "We believe that this website offers New Yorkers easy access to important state governmental information. However, we do not believe that this is a final product. It is our hope that this website will not only offer useful information, but begin a statewide civic dialogue on how to make 'Project Sunlight' an even better resource for all New Yorkers." Neil S. Friedman contributed to this article.
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